FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jerry Cobb 602.478.0002 jercobb@gmail.com
(PHOENIX, AZ) November 10, 2010 – Newly elected Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery today announced the selection of the first five members of his Executive Management Team to handle key functions and responsibilities of the County Attorney’s office under his administration. Members of the team, which includes the Chief Deputy County Attorney, will actively manage essential office operations, including state and local government relations, legislative affairs, law enforcement liaison duties, and communications.
“I have chosen five outstanding individuals who will bring a high level of experience and integrity to the important job of serving as the chief advocate for the citizens and elected officials of Maricopa County,” Montgomery said. “These appointments underscore my firm commitment to continue the process of restoring public trust and confidence in the County Attorney’s office with a focus on professionalism and service to the people of Maricopa County,” he added.
To oversee intergovernmental relations, Montgomery has selected veteran litigator Douglas L. Irish. A former managing partner for the firm of Lewis and Roca, Irish brings four decades of civil trial, appeal, and litigation management experience in seven states to his position. Recognized for his work in complex litigation, mediation and arbitration, he was named one of the Best Lawyers in America in Alternative Dispute Resolution by his peers in 2010. He will focus initial efforts on working with the Board of Supervisors and Maricopa County Administration to achieve the reintegration of the Civil Division and represent the County Attorney in a variety of activities in relations with the Board of Supervisors and other governmental jurisdictions.
Daniel B. Seiden, an associate with the law firm of Gallagher and Kennedy, has been chosen by Montgomery to oversee policy issues and legislative affairs. Seiden has experience working with legislation and public policy in Texas, California and Arizona. He will work closely with the County Attorney in developing criminal justice policy to ensure that the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office works in partnership with local, county, and state officials to fight crime, honor the rights of victims of crime, and protect and strengthen our community.
Montgomery’s choice to handle internal and external communications is Jerry Cobb, a managing partner of Actual Media LLC and award-winning former journalist for CNBC with more than twenty-five years of experience in media, marketing and public relations. Cobb will be responsible for planning and directing communications strategy and public information programs, and serving as the primary spokesperson for the County Attorney with the media, government agencies, and citizen groups. He will also oversee the creation of key communications materials including press releases, articles, speeches, videos and online content.
Deputy County Attorney Keith D. Manning has been selected by Montgomery to serve as Law Enforcement Liaison and Executive Division Chief, where he will oversee and coordinate relations with some 34 state and local law enforcement agencies and federal authorities. A highly experienced prosecutor and former supervisor within the Office, Manning will be responsible for administrative duties in the Executive Division in addition to managing the investigation and review of incidents of law enforcement use of force. He also serves as the Chair of the Officer Integrity Database Committee.
Montgomery has chosen Mark C. Faull to serve as Chief Deputy County Attorney, responsible for the overall direction and management of office administration and operations. Faull brings nearly thirty years of law enforcement and public policy experience to his position, including more than a decade in senior positions within the County Attorney’s office. He will plan and implement Office-wide policies and programs, oversee day-to-day activities, and provide recommendations on a broad range of high-level legislative, budgetary, personnel and operational issues.
“Under my direction, the Executive Team has begun to work immediately with the current administration of the County Attorney’s office for a smooth and orderly transition, albeit an abbreviated one given the Special Election,” Montgomery remarked. “I am confident my team will establish a professional, collaborative relationship with other government entities, civic and business leaders, and the citizens of Maricopa County to build the best public law firm in the country,” he added.
In addition to his Executive Management Team selections, Montgomery also announced a revitalized professional mentoring program spearheaded by Judge James H. Keppel, who recently rejoined the Office as part of the Board-appointed interim administration. A respected judge and prosecutor, Judge Keppel has committed to help Montgomery fulfill his promise of creating a system of continuous professional improvement for prosecutors.
Each of the appointments announced today is subject to processing and final approval by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors.
