Hal Nash (born 1951 or 1952)[1] is an American law enforcement officer who has served as the Chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles since 2025. He previously worked with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office and the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office.[2]
Hal Nash | |
|---|---|
| Chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles | |
| Assumed office July 14, 2025 | |
| Appointed by | Kay Ivey |
| Governor | Kay Ivey |
| Preceded by | Leigh Gwathney |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1951 or 1952 (age 73–74) |
Career
editNash worked in construction prior to attending the police academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee.[1] He worked in various levels of law enforcement, serving as the chief corrections deputy of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office when he was appointed by Kay Ivey to be the next chair of the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. He was one of five names that was submitted by leaders in the Alabama Legislature.[3] He succeeded Leigh Gwathney, who had received criticism for the low parole rate in the state.[4] Steve Marshall recommended her reappointment, but Ivey selected Nash to serve as the next chair.[3][5] Nash was officially sworn in on July 14, 2025.[6][7]
The first board meetings held after his appointment saw an increase in the number of approved parole requests.[8] Nash told AL.com that he wished to be a fair leader, and would not vote on cases that he was not familiar with.[9] One of his stated goals is to expand the availability of parole for inmates.[10] He was confirmed by the Alabama Senate in a unanimous vote on January 29, 2025, ensuring that he would continue in his role until the end of his term.[11]
References
edit- 1 2 Sell, Mary (August 25, 2025). "New pardons and paroles board chair focused on team building, fairness, not stats". Alabama Daily News. Retrieved 3 February 2026.
- ↑ "Hal Nash". Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- 1 2 Chandler, Kim (July 7, 2025). "Ivey appoints new head of the state parole board". AP News. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ↑ Chapoco, Ralph (June 30, 2025). "Will Alabama's controversial Pardons and Paroles chair get another term?". Alabama Reflector. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ↑ Hrynkiw, Ivana (July 7, 2025). "Gov. Kay Ivey replaces Alabama's controversial parole board chair". AL.com. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ↑ "Hal Nash sworn in as chair of Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles". ABC 33/40. July 14, 2025. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ↑ Holmes, Jacob (July 15, 2025). "Hal Nash officially sworn in as new chair of parole board". Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ↑ Jobin, Alex (July 14, 2025). "Board of Pardons and Paroles to hold hearings this week following appointment of new chair". Alabama Political Reporter. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
- ↑ Hrynkiw, Ivana (July 15, 2025). "New head of Alabama parole board takes over: 'This board's going to strive to be very fair'". AL.com. Retrieved 11 August 2025.
- ↑ Umbro, Jessica (August 18, 2025). "New chair of Alabama Pardons and Paroles Board shares priorities". WSFA. Retrieved 19 August 2025.
- ↑ "Senate confirms Hal Nash as chairman of Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles". Alabama Political Reporter. January 30, 2026. Retrieved 3 February 2026.