Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk honors employees during annual luncheon

(Left to right) Ashely Rodriquez, Jonathan Hale, Alisha Showman, John Lowe, Danalyn Savage, Larissa Parker and Carmen Stewart. Not pictured, Carol Kennedy and Judy Meeker. (Yavapai County Attorney’s Office)

(Left to right) Ashely Rodriquez, Jonathan Hale, Alisha Showman, John Lowe, Danalyn Savage, Larissa Parker and Carmen Stewart. Not pictured, Carol Kennedy and Judy Meeker. (Yavapai County Attorney’s Office)

The Yavapai County Attorney’s Office recognized outstanding attorneys and staff during its annual luncheon held in March. Attendees also enjoyed a keynote presentation by Joanna Burton from the Arizona Softball Hall of Fame, who regaled the audience with Arizona’s softball history and tales of the early days.

Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk expressed her appreciation to the office during the luncheon.

“I wake up every morning feeling incredibly lucky to work with each and every one of you,” Polk said. “It is because of your hard work, dedication to public safety, and great attitudes that Yavapai County is a wonderful place to live and work.”

Polk awarded the following individuals for their extraordinary work over the past year:

ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

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Ashely Rodriquez

Lead Legal Secretary Ashely Rodriquez was honored for her exceptional dedication toward achieving the goals of the office. Over 15 years ago, while a high school student, Rodriquez began working for the office as a part-time clerk. She has now worked virtually every criminal assignment providing her with a wealth of knowledge about office procedures and the criminal justice process in Yavapai County.

EXCELLENCE IN VICTIM ADVOCACY AWARD

Carol Kennedy, a prosecutor assigned to the Office Charging Bureau, exemplifies extraordinary talent in protecting public safety and is a strong and effective voice for crime victims. In this very early stage, many victims are at their most raw and vulnerable state, still reeling from the criminal offense. Kennedy treats all victims of crime with the utmost care, compassion and concern.

OUTSTANDING FELONY PROSECUTOR

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Jonathan Hale

Prosecutor Jonathan Hale has been a highly valued member of the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office since 2014. He was selected as this year’s outstanding felony prosecutor for his exceptional advocacy and trial skills. Hale exemplifies everything a prosecutor should be and treats every single case as an important case, expertly managing all aspects of a successful prosecution to seek justice and keep our communities safe.

LEGAL ASSISTANT OF THE YEAR

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Alisha Showman

Paralegal Alisha Showman was awarded the outstanding legal assistant for her hard work on the office’s recent prosecution of the double murder trial of Kenneth Wayne Thompson II.

Showman assisted with legal research and writing on over 70 pre-trial motions and prepared over 300 trial exhibits. Through this case and others, Showman has made herself an invaluable member of the prosecution team.

VICTIM ADVOCATE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

This award recognizes a victim advocate whose career exemplifies the highest standards of integrity, dedication to public safety, and commitment to justice. Judy Meeker joined the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office as a victim advocate in August of 1991. Over the past twenty-seven years, she has worked as an advocate in misdemeanor, early disposition, felony and juvenile courts. Meeker has dedicated her career to victims of crimes with passion, empathy and unfailing professionalism. She is the voice for those who often do not have the strength to speak, and advocates for those who, at times, have lost hope. She demonstrates excellence in victim advocacy every single day.

MISDEMEANOR PROSECUTOR AWARD

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John Lowe

John Lowe, who joined the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office in 2018, was awarded the outstanding misdemeanor prosecutor. Lowe handles a busy caseload of misdemeanors, prosecuting everything from barking dog and wildlife cases to DUI’s. Lowe’s calm presence and ability to connect with others has helped him resolve several difficult cases. In addition to his prosecutor duties, Lowe serves our country in the National Guard.

JUVENILE PROSECUTOR AWARD

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Danalyn Savage

Danalyn Savage was awarded the outstanding juvenile prosecutor. She has served on the office’s juvenile prosecution team since 2017 and expertly manages a very large caseload. She has developed an excellent reputation thanks to her care and compassion for young offenders and her desire to impact their lives in a positive way. She truly exemplifies the characteristics of an effective, compassionate juvenile prosecutor, treating every offender as an opportunity to encourage better choices for a better future.

RISING STAR OF THE YEAR

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Larissa Parker

Deputy Yavapai County Attorney Larissa Parker is a prosecutor assigned to the Verde Valley Justice Court and was honored as the office’s rising star, an award given to a prosecutor with a maximum of three years prosecution experience.

Parker consistently demonstrates a passion for seeking justice, has an outstanding work ethic, and exceptional raw legal skill. She expertly manages a very large caseload and has developed a reputation for being tenacious and fair when working with both pro per and represented defendants.

VICTIM ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

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Carmen Stewart

Carmen Stewart was recognized as the outstanding victim advocate for the exceptional support and service she provides on behalf of crime victims. Stewart is assigned to three separate misdemeanor courts, two of which are extremely busy. In addition to her busy and often challenging caseload, she serves as a Spanish interpreter for the office. Stewart continuously strives for excellence in all that she does.

Information provided by Yavapai County Attorney’s Office.


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