About Steve

---

Judge Steve Nation has dedicated his life to protecting and serving his community. In 1979, Steve became Prosecuting Attorney of Hamilton County and served four consecutive terms. In 1995, he became Hamilton County Judge and served four terms in office, and then retired in 2018. Steve’s legacy and impact go far beyond the courtroom and extend far into the community.

Most notably, the conception of Hamilton County’s Youth Assistance Programs started with Steve. The idea came from an acquaintance asking Steve to help with common challenges that the community, schools, and families were having with youth. After several conversations within the community, it was clear that more needed to be done to help youth reach their highest potential. Westfield’s Youth Assistance Program quickly began. Soon other school systems and local government came together in Hamilton County to start their own division of the program. Today, Steve still plays an integral role in the six local Youth Assistance Boards in Hamilton County.

Through Steve’s leadership, he has been able to move programs forward that support mental health, child and victim abuse, and substance abuse. 

Special Initiatives include: 

• Worked with the Department of Education to implement HB 1419 (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support); and served as Chairman. 
• Member of the Pre-Trial Release Committee and Mental Health Subcommittee. 
• Served as Special Judge in several counties of the State of Indiana. 
• Helped establish the Hamilton County Youth Task Force, which focuses on youth issues and expanded to other issues. 
• Established Victim Assistance in Hamilton County for victims of Elderly Abuse, Domestic Violence, Child Abuse, Rape and other violent crimes. 
• Collaborated with Township Trustees to establish a procedure for Emergency Housing for Hamilton County. 
• Current Board President for Indiana Fallen Heroes Foundation. 
• Along with administrative responsibilities of the Prosecutor's Office, personally tried 57 jury trials and attained 57 convictions. 

Steve Nation’s Roadmap to Success 

Steve was born in Indianapolis and raised by his mother and father in Beech Grove, along with his sister Betty. His parents were always supportive of new ideas --- including Steve’s growing interest in law as a young kid. His father’s memorable phrase was “Great idea. How are you going to do it?” Steve’s parents were practical and loving, which are two characteristics that Steve still carries with him today. Steve was the first in his family to graduate from college and go on to law school. He graduated from Indiana University with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, with Minors in History and Math, and a JD from Indiana University School of Law. 

Steve and his family settled in Noblesville 40 years ago, and he continues to make his mark on the county. In 2017, Steve was awarded “Person of the Year” by the International Association of Truancy and Dropout Prevention, and in 2018, was granted the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash Award presented by Governor Eric Holcomb.

Steve lives in Noblesville with his wife of 36 years. Steve has a daughter, son-in-law, step son and grandson. He loves spending time with his family on vacations and watching DIY shows.