Flynn to serve as president of National District Attorneys Association

Erie County District Attorney John J. Flynn has been elected by his peers to serve as the president of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA). Flynn, who was unanimously voted as president-elect by NDAA members last summer, was officially named president Monday afternoon at the “Pass the Gavel” ceremony at the organization’s Summer Summit in Denver.

The NDAA, established in 1950, is a nonpartisan, nonprofit association of prosecutors from across the country. The organization provides educational training, technical assistance and other services to members. Its mission is to be voice of this nation’s prosecutors by supporting efforts to protect the rights of the people, while providing members with the knowledge, skills and support to ensure justice for all.

Flynn served as president-elect under the leadership of the previous president, Cumberland County District Attorney Billy West. Flynn will now serve as the leader of NDAA until summer 2024. At this year’s summit, State’s Attorney Charlie Smith of Frederick County, Maryland, was elected to serve as president-elect.

In addition to voting on leadership, the summer conference focused on “The Evolution of the Digital Prosecutor.” Members learned ideas and strategies related to cybercrimes, digital evidence, body-worn cameras, case management systems, discovery and search warrants.

A press release stated that, as president of NDAA, Flynn will “focus on the dual role that prosecutors play in holding bad actors accountable, particularly in light of increases in certain violent crimes across the country, while promoting innovative thinking and smart criminal justice reforms to protect our communities. Additionally, he plans to promote greater leadership and trial advocacy skills training, especially as prosecutors’ offices across the country are experiencing severe recruitment and retention challenges.”

Flynn said, “It is my great honor to serve as the leader of this organization. I extend my gratitude to the National District Attorneys Association, not only for their confidence in me to be the representative of this association, but for its commitment to the prosecution profession through advocacy, support, training for our members. I, along with my colleagues across the country, chose to become prosecutors to protect the rights our citizens, create safer communities, and ensure that we obtain justice for the victims of crime. I look forward to representing my fellow district attorneys, and the opportunity to have a voice on criminal justice-related issues on a national level.”

Currently serving his second term as the 41st DA in Erie County, Flynn previously served as the leader of the NDAA’s metro section, which represents prosecutors in major cities across the country. He is the second Erie County DA to serve as president of the organization. U.S. District Court Judge Hon. Richard J. Arcara, Western District of New York, served as president of NDAA during his term DA.

Flynn also serves as president-elect of the District Attorneys Association of New York (DAASNY), an organization representing prosecutors across this state.