Kathy McDowell receives the Teresa Campbell Award from the Indiana Public Defender Council

BEDFORD – Kathy McDowell is the first-ever Teresa Campbell Award recipient from the Indiana Public
Defender Council.

Kathy McDowell

The award celebrates McDowell’s nearly four decades of service to Lawrence County, fourteen years of which were as the Office Manager for the Public Defender Agency.

The award was presented at the Indiana Public Defender Council’s Annual Conference held in
Indianapolis, Indiana. Attorneys from all over the state applauded Ms. McDowell for her service,
efforts, and the work she did to help the accused of Lawrence County receive legal
representation.

“It is such an honor to receive this award. All I did was do my job the best I possibly could. It
does not feel real to me that I could get this award, but it feels good to know all my work helped
people and was recognized,” said McDowell after learning of the award.

McDowell retired from the Lawrence County Public Defender Agency in May 2024 and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Tim Sledd

“Kathy was such an asset to Lawrence County. Her servant’s heart, devotion, compassion, and professionalism are unmatched. I am thankful I got to learn how to navigate the legal world with her as my guide,” said Timothy Sledd, the Chief Public Defender in Lawrence County.