Appointments
Porter County
Governor Mike Braun appointed Mark Chargualaf to Porter Superior Court 6. Chargualaf has managed large and diverse caseloads as a public defender in Porter, Lake, Starke, and Pulaski counties. He has also served as judge pro tempore in the Lake Superior Court Felony Division, Merrillville Town Court, and Porter County Circuit and Superior Courts. Chargualaf earned his Bachelor of Arts from Gonzaga University and his J.D. from Valparaiso University School of Law.
Randolph County
Olivia Faddis has been announced as Governor Mike Braun’s appointment to the Randolph Superior Court. Since being admitted to the Indiana Bar in 2020, Faddis has represented clients in family law, adoption, guardianship, small claims, criminal, juvenile delinquency, and CHINS cases at Suzan Dillon Myers Attorney at Law in Winchester. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of St. Thomas and a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law.
Awards
Judge Paul Mathias Receives Legend Award
Recognized for a lifetime of impact, the Honorable Paul D. Mathias received the Indiana Bar Foundation’s highest honor, the Legend Award, celebrating his extraordinary contributions to civic education and civil legal assistance. A Fort Wayne native, Indiana Court of Appeals judge, and longtime volunteer leader, Judge Mathias has devoted his career to strengthening civic engagement and expanding access to justice, earning statewide respect as a tireless advocate for Hoosiers.
Hon. Paul D. Mathias (left) receives his award from Chuck Dunlap, Executive Director of the Indiana Bar Foundation.
Judge Kenworthy Assists with Award-Winning Investigative Report
The WRTV Investigates Special “Kids In Our Care—Pressing For Change” won first place for reporting on children’s issues at the Indiana Society of Professional Journalists’ Awards in April 2026. Court of Appeals Judge Dana Kenworthy was interviewed for the special, reflecting on her experience overseeing thousands of cases involving children during her time as a judge in Grant County. She provided insight on the factors she weighed when making decisions and explained misconceptions about the child welfare system.
Christine Kerl Awarded Order of Augustus
The Indiana Probation Officers Advisory Board honored Christine Kerl, Chief Probation Officer for Marion County, with the Order of Augustus Award for 2026. This award is presented annually to celebrate individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment and personal dedication to the field of probation and a career defined by accountability, compassion, and positive change.
Christine Kerl (left) with Chief Justice Rush.
Award Recipients Recognized at Adult Guardianship Symposium
The 2026 Adult Guardianship Symposium provided an opportunity to recognize individuals making a difference in Indiana’s guardianship community. The awards highlight the important work of the Volunteer Advocates for Seniors & Incapacitated Adults (VASIA) program and the Indiana Working Interdisciplinary Network of Guardianship Stakeholders (WINGS). Keri Logsden was honored as VASIA Volunteer of the Year, Tara Holliday received the VASIA Director of the Year award, and LaVonne Jarrett was named WINGS Star of the Year for their outstanding service and dedication.
Keri Logsden (left) and LaVonne Jarrett.
IBJ Honors Chief Justice Loretta Rush
IBJ Media has again recognized Chief Justice Loretta Rush as one of Indiana’s most influential leaders, selecting her for inclusion in the 2026 Indiana 250, an annual publication that highlights 250 individuals shaping the future of Indiana through leadership and service. This marks her fifth consecutive appearance in the publication, having also been recognized in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. The publication includes photos, biographical information, personal reflections, and advice from each honoree. Additional information is available at Indiana250.com.
Events and Speaking Engagements
Kosciusko County Judge McGrath Presides Over Fifth-Grade Mock Trial
After eight weeks of preparation, Jefferson Elementary teacher Dindy Snyder brought three fifth-grade classes to the Kosciusko County Justice Building to participate in a mock trial. Judge Karin McGrath presided over the case, which revolved around a fictional $300 theft from Happy Beans Coffee Shop. Other volunteers included Sheriff Jim Smith, Deputies Caleb Snyder and Chris Rager, Prosecutor Brad Voelz, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Katy Hampton, and Court Security and Jail Officer Kevin Riley. These dedicated public servants worked together to provide the students with an unforgettable lesson in the workings of Indiana’s justice system.
Indiana Joins Strengthening Partnerships to Prevent Overdose Learning Collaborative
Indiana was accepted into the inaugural cohort of the Strengthening Partnerships to Prevent Overdose Learning Collaborative. This CDC-funded learning group is hosted by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, in partnership with Safe States Alliance.
Over the next seven months, staff from state offices and agencies in Indiana, Illinois, Mississippi, Ohio, and Washington will have the opportunity to advance overdose prevention initiatives and policy strategies, including engaging with high-level leadership about financing across the entire prevention/response spectrum.
Publications
Court of Appeals Annual Report
The Court of Appeals of Indiana showcased exceptional efficiency and statewide impact in its 2025 Annual Report, disposing of more cases than were filed and maintaining an average pending case age of 1.7 months. Beyond its courtroom work, the Court expanded civic education through 36 Appeals on Wheels events, reaching more than 6,000 students, educators, and community members across Indiana. In total, the Court issued more than 2,000 written decisions and reinforced its reputation as one of the nation’s most effective appellate courts.
Read the full report online at courts.in.gov/appeals.
Tax Court Annual Report
The Indiana Tax Court’s 2025 Annual Report spotlights strong engagement beyond the courtroom, including Judge Justin L. McAdam’s completion of the Indiana Graduate Program for Judges, service as judge pro tem in Marion County Eviction Court, and Constitution Day outreach with middle school students in Hendricks County. Alongside this outreach and professional development, the Court continued its core work statewide, issuing 17 written opinions in 2025.
Read the full report online at courts.in.gov/tax.