HUNTINGTON -- Locals know the president of the National District Attorneys Association as a 27-year prosecutor with a baritone voice and a passion for area youth.

Chris Chiles, 54, accepted the national organization's gavel in July 2009. The role has made him a fixture in nationwide conversations about forensic science, gangs and gun crimes, along with student loan forgiveness for state- and county-level prosecutors and public defenders

Since being elected in July 2008, Chiles' travels have taken him from Capitol Hill to Hawaii. Appearances include meetings with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and congressional officials in Washington, along with speaking engagements before the International Chiefs of Police and other law enforcement organizations.

Chiles described his five-month presidential stint as both rewarding and humbling. He believes the role is an extension of his work as Cabell County Prosecutor, a position he has held since April 1990.

"I love what I do, and I feel like I am helping to make a difference in this community," he said. "If I can also try to help make a difference in some small way across the country, then that's a great honor."

The national calling and prestige has had no impact on Chiles' role as Cabell County's top cop, he said. Chiles credits a good prosecutorial staff locally and technological improvements with enabling him to stay in close contact.

Outside of the office, Chiles is family man and father of three adult sons. The national stage hasn't impacted his family life. He joked his wife, Michaela, has enjoyed the change of pace.

"I'm home a little bit less, but my wife swears that she likes being a single, married person," he said. "She swears that it is sometimes easier when I'm gone."

Chiles' post as county prosecutor can make him a lightning rod for criticism. One of its most challenging aspects is providing justice for victims, while balancing the defendants' need for incarceration and rehabilitation.

The Barboursville-area resident finds refuge away the office in spending time with family. He also finds peace in singing music and running area soccer fields as referee. He calls fouls at the youth, high school and collegiate levels. He learned the sport through his sons' participation.

"As they played, I got to know more about the sport," he said. "It's a good way of giving back to the kids because if you don't have referees the kids can't play, but it is also a good stress relief and a lot of fun."

The prosecutor's music selection varies. His favorite artists include James Taylor and Jimmy Buffet, but he will sing anything from Buffet to church music. The self-described baritone said his vocal range rises from bass to second tenor.

"I like to do a little bit of musical theater when I have the opportunity," he said.

Chiles, a graduate of University of Tennessee and West Virginia University, is learning to be an empty-nester. His sons range in age between 19 to 27. They are studying at the undergraduate or graduate levels. They attend Marshall University, Ole Miss and Wheeling Jesuit University.

Chiles attends First United Methodist Church in Huntington as often as his schedule allows.

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Chris Chiles, seen in this April 2009 file photo, has been Cabell County's prosecuting attorney since April 1990. He is also president of the National District Attorneys Association.

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