PLACEMENT: Departmental
TITLE:
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DISCUSSION OF RECRUITMENT FOR COUNTY ATTORNEY POSITION
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
executive summary
Following the retirement of County Attorney Sarah Woods in July 2025, the Board appointed Elysse Elder as Interim County Attorney to maintain continuity of legal services. An in-house recruitment process was conducted from May 30 through July 1, 2025, with applications reviewed and interviews held by a selection committee of County leaders and legal professionals. After careful evaluation, the committee unanimously recommends the appointment of Elysse Elder as County Attorney.
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DEPARTMENT: Administration
PREPARED BY: Name: Heather Dayan
Title: Director of HR/Risk Management
REQUESTED BY: Don Donaldson, County Administrator
PRESET: 10:15 AM
PROCEDURES: None
BACKGROUND/RELATED STRATEGIC GOAL:
In July 2025, County Attorney Sarah Woods retired after many years of dedicated service to Martin County. Following her retirement, the Board of County Commissioners appointed Elysse Elder as Interim County Attorney to ensure continuity of leadership within the Office of the County Attorney.
To fill the position permanently, the Board authorized County Administration, in coordination with the Human Resources Department, to conduct an in-house recruitment process. The position was advertised on multiple professional platforms from May 30, 2025 through July 1, 2025.
A selection committee - comprised of Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller Carolyn Timmann, Sheriff John Budensiek, former Palm Beach County Attorney Denise Marie Nieman, and County Administrator Don Donaldson - met on August 19 and September 12, 2025, to review applicants and conduct interviews. After careful evaluation, the committee unanimously recommends Elysse Elder, Acting County Attorney, citing her strong qualifications, extensive experience, and proven record of service to Martin County.
This recommendation is presented for the Board's cons...
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