INDIANAPOLIS (June 20, 2006) ? The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute Board of Directors has acted on Governor Mitch Daniels? recommendation for the appointment of a new executive director of the Institute. The board, which met today, unanimously ratified the appointment of Michael Cunegin.

Cunegin is a police officer from Fort Wayne, where he has served since 1980. Among assignments, he has served as a member of the detective bureau, emergency service team and as a hostage negotiator. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 1993.

Cunegin also is a member of the Allen County Council, elected in 1994, from the First District. He was council president from 2001 to 2003. He also currently serves as third vice president of the Association of Indiana Counties.

Daniels said he recommended Cunegin because of his experience as a police officer, his knowledge of public safety issues and his involvement in a number of community service activities, such as the Governor?s Commission for a Drug Free Indiana.

Among other volunteer efforts, Cunegin is a member of the Drug and Alcohol Consortium Board, the Commission on the Social Status of Black Males, the Allen County Community Corrections Board and the Allen County Child Care Board. He is also a member of the NAACP and the Fort Wayne Urban League.

?It?s an honor to be nominated by Governor Daniels. I?ve dealt with many unique situations and have a wealth of experience in law enforcement, budgeting procedures and working with state legislators that will be beneficial for the Institute,? said Cunegin.

The Institute has been overseen by Jason Barclay, special counsel to the governor for public safety and chairman of the board of trustees of the Criminal Justice Institute, and John von Arx, the chairman of the Commission for a Drug-Free Indiana, since late April.

The institute is the state?s planning agency for criminal justice, juvenile justice, traffic safety, and victim services, and administers federal and state funds to carry out long-range strategies.

The institute also has been involved in leading the governor?s initiatives to stop the spread of methamphetamine use and production in Indiana.

Cunegin is expected to join ICJI in early July.

Editor?s note: An electronic photo of Michael Cunegin is available. Please contact Brad Rateike, 317/232-1800, brateike@gov.in.gov or Jane Jankowski, 317/232-1622, jjankowski@gov.in.gov.