Clinton County Chief Probation Officer To Retire

There will be a changing of the guard at Clinton County’s Probation Office next week. Chief Probation Officer Nancy Ward will retire on Friday, April 18 after 23 years on the job. Matthew Risk, an adult probation officer, will step into the role on Monday, April 21.

Ward’s colleagues surprised her with a retirement party last week. She says she will miss her team and is proud of the changes they’ve implemented in recent years. “A lot has changed since I first started in this role,” Ward says. “There was a time when people were released from jail and essentially left to figure it out on their own. In recent years, we’ve partnered with Healthy Communities of Clinton County to launch a peer recovery program that supports individuals with substance use disorders as they reenter the community. It’s made a real difference—not just in helping people get back on their feet, but in reducing the chances that they end up back in the system.”

Clinton County Circuit Court Judge Bradley Mohler says Ward will be sorely missed. “She has helped train many new probation officers and has implemented many programs to assist folks on their paths to recovery and success. We are grateful for her many years of service.”

One of Ward’s successful hires is Risk. He has been with the Probation Office for 13 years and will assume her role on Monday. Ward says she’s confident in Risk’s ability to lead. “We have worked closely for several years and he is more than qualified and ready to take over.”

As she steps into retirement, Ward says she’s looking forward to spending more time with her dogs, fishing, and traveling with her husband.

PICTURED IN GROUP PHOTO: (L-R) Jen Feterick, Nathan Crabtree, Nancy Ward, Anahi Santos, Lindsey Dishon, Ember Morris, and Elisha Surber