Ashley Green will begin serving as Wayne County’s prosecuting attorney before voters officially elect her.
Green was chosen by a Republican caucus Aug. 6 to finish Mike Shipman’s term that ends Dec. 31.
Sept. 1 will be the final work day for Shipman, who is not running for reelection this year. Green takes over Sept. 2.
In his July 15 resignation letter addressed to Tara Pegg, Wayne County Circuit Court clerk, Shipman said he’ll open a private legal practice beginning Sept. 2. Shipman announced May 29, 2025, that he would not seek reelection.
Following protocol, Shipman’s letter also went to Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s office to share with Beth Leisure, Wayne County’s Republican Party chair.
“It has been an honor to serve the people of Wayne County,” Shipman wrote. “I am grateful for the trust placed in me for 30 years in public service, including 22 years as the elected prosecuting attorney.”
Shipman said he leaves the office with deep respect for its work and full confidence in Green as she takes over his role. He also offered assistance “in any way that supports an orderly transition.”
Leisure said the caucus of Republican precinct committee people unanimously chose Green, who was the only caucus candidate. Green, who ran unopposed, won the Republican nomination for prosecutor in May’s primary, and she’s again unopposed in November’s general election. After being elected, she will begin a new term Jan. 1.
Leisure said she had 30 days after being informed of Shipman’s resignation to conduct the caucus, and chose to do so during the county party’s regularly scheduled meeting. Brewer Broadcasting first reported the caucus.
Shipman was appointed Wayne County’s prosecutor in 2005, finishing David Kolger’s term after Kolger was elected Circuit Court judge. He was reelected five times without facing opposition.
Green, who has served five years as chief deputy prosecutor, officially kicked off her candidacy for prosecutor June 28, 2025, with an announcement outside the county courthouse. She is a Northeastern High School graduate who interned with the prosecutor’s office while an Indiana University East student before being hired by Shipman in 2016.
WWN reached out to Shipman and Green for additional comments. Shipman did not respond by press time. Green told WWN she would release a statement after being sworn in Aug. 28.
A version of this article will appear in the August 12 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
