Announcing NAPD Board of Directors President Elizabeth Miller and New Officers

The National Association for Public Defense (NAPD) is excited to announce that Ohio State Public Defender Elizabeth Miller has been appointed as the President of its Board of Directors.

Elizabeth has over 20 years of experience with the Office of the Ohio Public Defender and, in January 2024, was the first woman appointed to lead the office. She previously served on NAPD’s Steering Committee and as Vice President of its Board.

“Elizabeth has been a huge asset to our Board,” says Lori James-Townes, NAPD’s Executive Director. “NAPD is breaking new ground in transforming public defense and she is the dynamic leader we need.”

Immediate Past President Cydni Sanchez, Deputy Chief Public Defender of the New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender, says, “It has been a pleasure to serve on NAPD’s Board with Elizabeth. Her work ethic and experience are invaluable to the Board and NAPD team. I look forward to continuing our collaboration and NAPD’s progress under our new strategic plan over the next five years.”

The full slate of officers is:

President: Elizabeth Miller, State Public Defender, Ohio Office of the Public Defender, Columbus, OH
Vice President: Anthony Benedetti, Chief Counsel, Committee for Public Counsel Services, Boston, MA
Immediate Past President: Cydni Sanchez, Deputy Chief Public Defender, New Mexico Law Offices of the Public Defender, Albuquerque, NM
Secretary: La Mer Kyle-Griffiths, Assistant Public Defender, Santa Barbara Public Defender’s Office, Santa Barbara, CA
Treasurer: Deepak Budwani, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Santa Barbara County Public Defender, Santa Barbara, CA
Member at Large: Keisha Hudson, Chief Defender, Defender Association of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Member at Large: Brendon Woods, Public Defender of Alameda County, Alameda County Public Defenders, Oakland, CA

These officers’ diverse backgrounds and proven track records in public service will enrich NAPD’s initiatives and strengthen its relationships. Each officer brings a unique perspective that aligns with NAPD’s commitment to justice, equity, and effective legal defense for all.