Attorney General John Ashcroft welcomed President George W. Bush's announcement of his intention to nominate Deborah J. Daniels to be Assistant Attorney General for the Office of Justice Programs (OJP).

"Deborah Daniels' record of service is impressive," Ashcroft said. "She brings to OJP an ideal blend of practical experience and fresh ideas. I have confidence she will lead this crucial component of the Department with honor and distinction."

Daniels is currently a partner at the Indianapolis law firm of Krieg DeVault Alexander & Capehart, LLP, where she specializes in legislative and regulatory work. Previously, she acted as the Executive Director of Greater Indianapolis Progress Committee, Inc., a not-for-profit corporation that pioneered the public-private partnerships that have contributed to Indianapolis' success.

From 1988-1993, Daniels served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. She was instrumental in the establishment of Project Weed and Seed in Indianapolis, a program that continues to be a national model in achieving Weed and Seed's goals of integrating law enforcement, community policing, violence prevention and neighborhood restoration efforts.

She also served as the first Director of the Executive Office of Weed and Seed within the Department of Justice from 1992-1993, for which she received the Attorney General's Award for Excellence in Management.

She is actively involved in a variety of charitable organizations in Indianapolis, including the United Way of Central Indiana and various pro bono legal assistance projects. She received a BA with honors at DePauw University and graduated cum laude from the Indiana University School of Law.