PENNSYLVANIA DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW OFFICERS

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association (PDAA) President Francis Schultz today announced the association has elected a new vice president and new secretary-treasurer for the 2011-2012 business year. The vacancies occurred after PDAA Vice President and Delaware County District Attorney G. Michael Green was installed as a Delaware County judge this past January. The new officers are:

Vice President: Hon. Shawn C. Wagner, Adams County District Attorney
Secretary-Treasurer: Hon. David Freed, Cumberland County District Attorney

“Shawn Wagner and David Freed are already active advocates within our association and on behalf of Pennsylvania’s law enforcement community,” said Schultz, who serves as Crawford County’s district attorney. “We welcome them into their new roles and service on behalf of prosecutors, particularly as the PDAA celebrates its Centennial Anniversary.”

Shawn Wagner was first elected Adams County District Attorney in 2004. He has served as PDAA’s Secretary-Treasurer, a member of the PDAA Executive Committee and on the Pennsylvania District Attorney Institute’s (PDAI) Board of Directors. In addition, Wagner headed the Education and Training Committee for PDAI. Prior to becoming a district attorney, Wagner served as deputy attorney general for the Attorney General’s Drug Strike Force (1993 to 2003), assistant district attorney in Philadelphia (1991 to 1993) and assistant district attorney in Cumberland County (1987 -1991).

David Freed was appointed Cumberland County District Attorney in 2005. He has since been elected twice to the office. Freed has served on the PDAA Executive Board, the PDAI Board of Directors and as chair of the PDAI Education and Training Committee. Prior to becoming district attorney, he served as first assistant district attorney of Cumberland County (2001-2005), assistant district attorney of Cumberland County (1998-2000) and as York County deputy prosecutor (1997-1998).

In addition, Richard Goldinger, District Attorney of Butler County was elected to serve as a member of the PDAA executive committee.

This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the PDAA. In honor of the occasion, the association launched the 100 Years 100 Mentors program, a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters to recruit 100 new mentors from within prosecutor’s ranks and their communities. Throughout its history, PDAA has been well known for its leadership. Most recently the association successfully led efforts to fix loopholes in Megan’s Law, ban the use and sale of dangerous synthetic drugs; reform Pennsylvania’s prison system; and institute new, more stringent practice standards for juvenile prosecutors.

About the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association: PDAA is comprised of approximately 1,000 members and is charged with providing uniformity and efficiency in the discharge of duties and functions of Pennsylvania’s 67 district attorneys and their assistants. Since its founding in 1912, the association has dutifully sponsored extensive training programs and reported legal and legislative developments of importance to Pennsylvania prosecutors. In addition, the association is often called upon by legislative leaders at the state and national level to address public policy issues and efforts which will impact the prosecution of criminal cases, victim rights and public safety.