Leadership

Summer Stephan
NDAA President 

District Attorney Summer Stephan has devoted her life to protecting the most vulnerable, fighting for justice and upholding the rule of law. As the newly elected President of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), Stephan brings her extensive legal experience and unwavering commitment to fairness and equality to a national platform, aiming to elevate the role of prosecutors in safeguarding the rights of crime victims and enhancing public safety across the United States. In 2022, Stephan was named one of “The Five Best Prosecutors in America,” utilizing evaluation factors of integrity, fidelity to the rule of law, responsible innovations, and community relations. Her exemplary work has earned her numerous awards, including the U.S. Attorney General’s Award for Meritorious Public Service in 2023, the top public service award granted by the U.S. Department of Justice.

As the District Attorney of San Diego County, California and its 3.3 million people since 2018, Stephan leads the fifth largest DA’s office in the nation with a professional staff of 1,000 employees. Under her leadership, the San Diego DA’s office has implemented innovative programs in partnership with law enforcement and the community she serves that combine ethical prosecution with prevention strategies that have allowed San Diego to remain one of the safest urban counties in America.

Stephan’s initiatives include the creation of a countywide school threats protocol to stop those who might carry out mass shootings before they can act, and a Juvenile Diversion Initiative that actively interrupts the school to prison pipeline. Stephan created Blueprint for Mental Health Reform by working collaboratively to address the intersection of mental health, homelessness and the criminal justice system. She led and funded countywide de-escalation training for every San Diego County police department to better protect the lives of community members and officers, and opened a state-of-the-art Family Justice Center. She also fulfilled a commitment to have every rape kit in her county tested. Stephan’s focus on protecting seniors led to a first of its kind Elder Justice Taskforce. Her office is laser focused on the prosecution of hate crimes and deadly fentanyl dealers. Stephan also formed a specialized team to effectively combat Organized Retail theft which is plaguing our nation.

A national leader in combating human trafficking and sexual exploitation, Stephan pioneered San Diego’s Sex Crimes and Human Trafficking Division and co-chairs the National Association of Women Judges Human Trafficking committee. She was named an Angel of Anti-Human Trafficking and received the 2019 Humane Award for her work in fighting animal cruelty. In 2022, she received the Bernard E. Witkin Esq. Award for Excellence in the Practice of Law.

Prior to her election as District Attorney, Stephan served as a Deputy District Attorney in San Diego County for 28 years, fighting in the trenches, trying over 100 jury trials, including complex homicides, sex crimes, human trafficking and school shooting cases. She graduated from the University of California, Davis, and earned her Juris Doctor from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

As the daughter of immigrants, Stephan’s personal and professional life is a testament to her commitment to justice, equality, and community safety. Her leadership as the President of NDAA promises to bring innovative strategies and a holistic approach to ensuring community safety nationwide.

Officers
President-Elect – Tim Cruz, Brockton, MA
Chair of the Board – Charlie Smith, Frederick, MD
Treasurer – Jennifer Webb-McRae, Bridgeton, NJ

NDAA Board of Directors

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