1 February 2005

Governor Sebelius Appoints Four to the Board of Indigents’ Defense Services

Governor Kathleen Sebelius has announced her appointment of four individuals to the Board of Indigents’ Defense Services. Each will serve a three-year term.

The Board of Indigents’ Defense Services works to provide, supervise and coordinate required counsel and related services for each indigent person accused of a felony and for such other indigent persons as prescribed in the statute.

Gov. Sebelius said, “It is essential to our freedom and way of life that every citizen, including the poorest among us has their fundamental values protected.”

Cynthia A. Neighbor, Shawnee, works in public relations for Discover Dental. Neighbor served the state as a member of the Kansas House of Representatives from 2002 to 2004. Before she ran for office, Neighbor dedicated herself to public service through the Shawnee Mission Board of Education, the Shawnee Mission School District Advisory Board and as a Republican Precinct Chairwoman.

Mary L. Rubeck, Ph.D., Towanda, is the St. Dismas Volunteer Coordinator for the Detention Ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Wichita. Rubeck received her Ph.D. in science education from Kansas State University in 1990. A former associate professor at Friends University, high school science teacher and chemist, Rubeck is a published science scholar. Rubeck also studied theology at the Diocese of Wichita and has worked as a volunteer at El Dorado Correctional Facility since 1995.

Nathaniel Eugene Terrell, Ph.D., Emporia, will serve his second term on the board after initial appointment by Governor Graves in 2001. Terrell is a professor and chair of the department of sociology and anthropology at Emporia State University. Also a published author, Terrell’s repertoire spans from expertise in deviant behavior to health risks of homeless and runaway adolescents.

John Val Wachtel, Wichita, is a native Kansan. A graduate of Kansas State Teachers College and the Washburn University School of Law, Wachtel is a partner at Klenda, Mitchell, Austerman & Zuercher, L.L.C. Wachtel brings legal expertise to the board with more than 20 years experience as a trial attorney practicing both civil and criminal law, including death penalty litigation.