Transitions are taking place within Coconino County's public offices as the year comes to a close. At their final meeting of the year, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors made it a point to spotlight the careers of six public servants entering retirement, as announced in a recent press release.
Sheriff Jim Driscoll is stepping down after a notable half-century of service with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. His career, which began in 1974, sees its closure as he steps aside for Chief Deputy Bret Axlund, who was elected this past November. Patty Hansen, with three terms as County Recorder under her belt, is also leaving her post, making way for Aubrey Sonderegger, another November electee. Bill Ring, who has been the face of the County Attorney's office since 2017, is reducing his duties but will stay on as the Chief Civil Attorney, while Ammon Barker steps in to lead the office into the next term.
Deserving special recognition are employees with tenure that stretches over decades of committed public service. Judge Cathleen Brown Nichols, praised for her efforts in the prosecution of felony cases especially those pertaining to domestic violence, has served since 1995. The responsibility of succeeding her falls to a successor, yet to be appointed by Governor Hobbs following a Trial Court Appointments Board process next year. Sandy Diehl is another long-standing figure, bringing her career in the Coconino County Public Defender’s Office to a close after 30 years, with much of her work involving juvenile cases and family law since 1994.
With recent years challenging communities with natural disasters and a pandemic, the retirement of Wes Dison, Coconino County's Emergency Management Director, is notable. Dison, having arrived in 2019, fortified the County's response to wildfires, flooding, heavy snowfall, and COVID-19. He transformed a modest division into a robust emergency management team. In the words of Judy Begay, Chair and Supervisor for District 4, “All of you are true leaders and even though we are losing your knowledge and experience, you have set up your successors with the tools to continue the great work that needs to be done for our residents," according to the official statement. Patrice Horstman, Vice-Chair and Supervisor for District 1, shared this sentiment, praising the retirees' leadership and commitment.
As these professionals step down from their roles, their legacies reflect decades of combined experience and service. The Board of Supervisors' recognition acknowledges the contributions of those who have helped shape Coconino County and prepared the incoming officials to continue their work.
