Criminal defense attorney Monica Foster has been chosen by the Indiana Federal Community Defenders Inc.’s board of directors as the agency’s new executive director in the Southern District of Indiana. Foster will replace Bill Marsh, who is retiring later this summer.

Foster has focused her private practice on representing indigent persons charged with the death penalty at the trial and appellate levels.

Mark Inman, chair of the board of directors, said that Foster will bring enormous commitment and experience to her role as federal community defender.

She was selected following a nationwide search that drew candidates from Indiana and several states.

“I am mindful that I have big shoes to fill in taking over for Bill Marsh, who was instrumental in the creation of IFCD 17 years ago and has led it masterfully since that time,” Foster said. “While I have many future plans for the agency, they will be implemented slowly. The commitment to client-centered advocacy will continue to be our primary goal as we move forward.”

Foster will begin September 1.