Who is Phillip Naifeh from The Chamber and what is their importance?

Sixty-three-year-old, Phillip Naifeh, is the superintendent of Parchman prison. He is looking forward to retirement. Like may others, Naifeh does not believe in the death penalty and is conflicted by the upcoming execution. Naifeh, however, does not participate in the execution because he has a heart attack and is hospitalized.