To implement the legislative mandates of Act 22 of the Second Extraordinary Legislative Session of 2024, the Office of the State Public Defender has been working with the Division of Administration and State Civil Service to restructure the agency’s organizational chart. While the job duties and responsibilities of some employees have been re-imagined, all existing employees of the former Louisiana Public Defender Board have been retained during the transition.
Changes among Existing Staff:
Michael A. Mitchell – who currently serves as the Trial Level Compliance Officer and Capital Case Coordinator will officially become the Deputy State Public Defender. The Deputy State Public Defender plays a crucial role in assisting the State Public Defender in overseeing the statewide public defense system. In this role, Mr. Mitchell will represent the agency in Mr. Starns’ absence, serve as the district liaison ensuring communication, coordination, and effective resolution of any conflicts between the District Offices of the Public Defender and the state office, and assist in the development of polices and procedures. The Deputy State Public Defender also counsels the State Public Defender on all aspects related to maintaining a robust and effective public defender system. In addition to his duties as the Deputy State Public Defender, Mr. Mitchell will retain his present Capital Case Coordinator duties and responsibilities.
Dr. Tiffany Simpson – who currently serves as the Juvenile Justice Compliance Officer and Director of Legislative Affairs will become the office’s Director of Compliance and Special Projects. In this capacity, Dr. Simpson will oversee all aspects of non-capital compliance in the districts. She will be charged with ensuring district compliance with state and federal laws, OSPD rules and regulations, as well as monitoring OSPD contracts. Dr. Simpson will also oversee all agency special projects including issue specific data collection and analyses, legislative affairs, and strategic planning.
Dr. Erik Stilling – who currently serves as the Program Management and Resource Development Officer will become the office’s Chief Information and Technology Officer. Dr. Stilling will be responsible for the administration of the OSPD’s complex, specialized Information Technology operations, programs, program reviews, studies, and other data-driven specialized projects.
Denise Ellington – who is currently the OSPD’s accountant will become the office’s Auditor. In conjunction with contract auditor Corlis Green, Ms. Ellington will be tasked with conducting specialized audits and evaluations of the 42 statewide district Offices of the Public Defender and contract programs to improve practices, promote effectiveness and ensure compliance with laws, rules, and regulations.
In addition to staffing changes among existing personnel, the office has created two new positions that will hopefully be filled in the very near future.
Business Technology Analyst – This position performs detailed and complex research and analysis involving statewide district and programmatic data collected on a wide range of issues as required by statute and the Office of the State Public Defender using agency specific databases. This position requires knowledge and experience in data research, compilation, analysis, Excel and Access spreadsheets, dashboard reporting and acknowledge of Louisiana’s criminal justice, legislative, and judicial systems.
Compliance Investigator – The OSPD Compliance Investigator will serve primarily in the field conducting and assisting with district offices of the Public Defender assessments of compliance with the Office of the State Public Defender statewide policies, programs, projects, state and federal laws, rules, regulations and statutes, licensure and ethics related to the improved delivery of public defense services to adult and juvenile clients.