Verkamp named State Community Corrections board member of the year

Dubois Circuit Court Judge Nathan Verkamp has been named the 2026 Community Corrections Advisory Board Member of the Year by the Indiana Association of Community Corrections Act Counties.

Dubois County Community Corrections announced the award Thursday.

Verkamp has served on the county’s Community Corrections Advisory Board for more than 20 years. During that time, he has served on the board in his roles as a defense attorney and as the Dubois County Circuit Court judge.

The Community Corrections Advisory Board Member of the Year Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to their local Community Corrections Board through their time, talents, and unique expertise. The award recognizes a Board member who has consistently gone above and beyond or who has made a significant contribution that has increased understanding and support of the mission of community corrections or provided meaningful support to agency staff.

His longstanding commitment and involvement have provided the board and Community Corrections staff with valuable insight from multiple perspectives within the criminal justice system, according to a press release from Community Corrections.

Verkamp’s nomination cited his work during board meetings and his support for agency staff outside them. Community Corrections Director Wyatt Madden wrote in a letter backing the nomination that Verkamp routinely stops by the office to check on staff and ask whether they need anything.

“These seemingly simple gestures have meant a great deal to the staff,” Madden wrote in the letter.

Verkamp will be honored at the association’s Fall Conference awards luncheon in November in Muncie.

Community Corrections and Community Supervision agencies from across Indiana come together annually for the IACCAC Fall Conference for professional development, networking, and to support IACCAC’s mission: “to promote and facilitate the professional identity, development, and enhancement of community-based supervision.”

The Fall Conference also recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the field. Award categories include Community Corrections Director of the Year, Community Corrections Advisory Board Member of the Year, Distinguished Service in Client Rehabilitation, Home Detention Staff Member of the Year, Residential/Work Release Staff Member of the Year, Outstanding Team Member of the Year, and Innovative Service Award in Support of Evidence-Based Practices.