Biography

Karen Freeman-Wilson

Karen Freeman-Wilson was formerly the Chief Executive Officer of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and the Executive Director of the National Drug Court Institute in Alexandria, Virginia. She is nationally recognized as a leader in the anti-drug movement. She currently chairs the Indiana Governor's Commission for Drug-Free Indiana.

A native of Gary, Indiana, Freeman-Wilson has demonstrated her dedication to public service as Indiana Attorney General, Gary City Court Judge, Executive Director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, a Lake County deputy prosecutor and public defender. As judge, Freeman-Wilson started the first drug treatment court in the State of Indiana. She graduated with honors from Harvard College (1982) and from Harvard Law School (1985).

Her professional involvement includes the Indiana Supreme Court's CLEO Board, and the Indiana State Bar Association. Freeman-Wilson is the recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash award from former Indiana Governor Evan Bayh and many other awards from cities and organizations throughout the country. Freeman-Wilson was identified as a future leader by Ebony magazine and the Democratic Leadership Council. She also took center stage nationally as a speaker at the 2000 National Democratic Convention.

Freeman-Wilson is also an active member of Israel C.M.E. Church in Gary, Indiana, the Second Chance Foundation Board of Directors, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the Links of Northwest Indiana. Freeman-Wilson is married to Carmen Wilson and they have one daughter, Jordan.