As the year draws to a close, there are some changes happening within the Coconino County government office. At its final meeting of the year, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors chose to focus on the careers of six retiring public servants, as announced in a recent report. press release.
Sheriff Jim Driscoll is retiring after a distinguished half-century of service with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. His career, which began in 1974, came to an end in November when he stepped down to replace his elected chief of staff, Brett Aksland. Patty Hansen, who served three terms as county recorder, is also leaving her position to make way for Aubrey Sonderegger, who was also elected in November. Bill Ring, who has been the face of the county attorney’s office since 2017, will have his duties reduced but will remain as chief civil prosecutor, and Ammon Barker will lead the office for the next term.
Deserving special recognition are tenured employees who have dedicated decades of service to the public service. Judge Kathleen Brown Nichols has served since 1995 and has been praised for her work in prosecuting felonies, particularly domestic violence. The responsibility for replacing her lies with her successor, who has not yet been appointed by Governor Hobbs through the Trial Appointments Commission. I will do the procedure next year. Sandy Deal is another longtime veteran, having done much of his work in juvenile and family law since 1994, when he ended a 30-year career with the Coconino County Public Defender’s Office.
The retirement of Coconino County Emergency Management Director Wes Disson is notable as communities have faced challenges in recent years due to natural disasters and pandemics. Disson, who arrived in 2019, strengthened the county’s response to wildfires, flooding, heavy snowfall and COVID-19. He transformed a small department into a robust emergency management team. In the words of Judy Begay, District 4 Chair and Superintendent, “You are true leaders, and even though we are losing your knowledge and experience, you continue to do great things to do.” “It has given my successor the tools to continue the work that has been done for our residents.” official statement. Patrice Horstman, District 1 Vice Chair and Supervisor, shared this sentiment and praised the retirees for their leadership and dedication.
As these professionals retire from their roles, their legacies will reflect a combination of decades of experience and service. The Board of Supervisors’ recognition recognizes the contributions of those who helped shape Coconino County and prepare incoming officials to continue their work.
