Anthony Benedetti: NAPD’s Newest President

Anthony Benedetti has been part of NAPD since its earliest days. In 2013, when the organization began as the National Association for Public Defense with only 30 members, no funding, no staff, and no structure – just a passionate group of advocates with a vision – he was among those who recognized the movement’s potential. What started as a grassroots idea to connect public defense professionals nationwide has since grown into a thriving network of more than 25,000 members across all 50 states and three U.S. territories.

Over the past decade, Benedetti has played a key role in shaping NAPD’s growth and influence. He attended the very first Executive Leadership Institute in 2015 at Valparaiso University School of Law and has served as faculty at nearly every Institute since. He has also served for years on NAPD’s Board, helping guide the organization into its second decade of leadership in public defense.

Reflecting on the organization’s role, Benedetti noted:

“NAPD has been critical to me as a public defender, as a leader, and to CPCS with the trainings and resources it provides. What makes NAPD unique is its focus on the entire public defense community—not just attorneys, but every professional who contributes to the mission, whether staff or private counsel. I want to build on the successes of the past decade and strengthen NAPD’s standing as the go-to organization on all issues related to public defense.”

As President, Benedetti is committed to ensuring that NAPD remains a strong and steady national voice during a time of significant challenges.

“My vision is to ensure that our association remains a steadfast national voice at a time when the rule of law is increasingly under attack and the role of the public defender is often marginalized. Together, we must speak boldly about the essential importance of public defense; not only for the integrity of the justice system but also for the dignity and rights of the clients and communities we serve. Through advocacy, collaboration, and leadership, I will work to ensure that NAPD continues to stand as a beacon for justice and a champion for those whose voices too often go unheard.”