Former Anderson University President Joins CCHA Law as Senior Advisor to Higher Education Practice Group
POST DATE: 6.2.25
Church Church Hittle + Antrim (CCHA Law) is proud to announce that John S. Pistole, a nationally recognized leader in higher education and government public service, has joined the firm as a senior advisor in its Higher Education Practice Group.
Pistole’s appointment marks a significant milestone in the firm’s ongoing commitment to serving over 75 institutions of higher education nationally from coast to coast. His distinguished career spans decades in national security and university leadership. Most recently, Pistole served as President of Anderson University.
“We are delighted to have John join our team. His deep background in education, government and law enforcement along with his unmistakable integrity, give him a unique perspective on issues facing many of our clients and we look forward to his contributions on their behalf,” said Doug Church, senior partner at CCHA Law.
Prior to his presidency at Anderson University, Pistole served as the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the longest-serving in the agency’s history, where he led a 60,000-member workforce and oversaw security operations across more than 450 airports nationwide. Before that, he spent 26 years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), serving as the deputy director and playing a pivotal role in shaping U.S. counterterrorism strategy following the September 11 attacks.
“I have had the great fortune to work with John Pistole and have witnessed his unique combination of hard-won expertise coupled with genuine humility,” said Jodie Ferise, attorney at CCHA Law. “He brings a staggering scope of wisdom and knowledge to our practice group. His experience in both higher education and governmental affairs will allow us to expand the way we serve our institutional clients. We are honored to welcome John to our team.”
At CCHA Law, Pistole will support the Higher Education Practice Group by offering insights into the unique needs of small colleges and universities, facilitating strategic conversations with campus leaders and identifying emerging challenges, and providing seminars and training to institutions of higher education.
“It’s a privilege to continue serving the higher education community through this new role,” said Pistole. “Institutions across the country are facing unprecedented challenges. I look forward to being part of the CCHA Law team helping college and university presidents, their cabinets, and their Boards continue to achieve their unique institutional missions even in these tumultuous times.”John S. Pistole
Pistole holds multiple honors for his service, including the Presidential Rank of Distinguished Executive, the Edward H. Levi Award for Outstanding Professionalism and Exemplary Integrity, and an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Anderson University.
Pistole and his wife, Kathy Harp, have two adult daughters.
To learn more about John and his work, visit cchalaw.com.
About Church Church Hittle + Antrim
Founded in 1880, CCHA Law is the oldest law firm in Hamilton County, Indiana. As a full-service law firm, CCHA Law provides a myriad of legal services to clients across a wide variety of practice areas including: personal injury, business formation and representation, divorce and family law, estate planning and administration, collegiate sports, k-12 and higher education, complex litigation, governmental entity and municipal law, real estate law, criminal law, labor and employment law, mediation services and appellate litigation. CCHA Law serves clients across the country and has offices in Indiana in Noblesville, Fishers, Fort Wayne, Tipton, Crown Point, Westfield, and Zionsville.
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