“During my career as county attorney, I have been privileged to work with outstanding public servants who strive to do the best for the people we serve,” she said. 
Polk’s career in public service spans more than 40 years. Following graduation from law school at Arizona State University in 1982, she clerked for one year at the Arizona Supreme Court for Justice Jack D.H. Hayes. She then joined the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, where she worked for 11 more years.
In 1994, she and her husband, Tom, and their young family moved to Prescott, where she began work in the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office and was elected as county attorney in 2000.
“During my career as county attorney, I have been privileged to work with outstanding public servants who strive to do the best for the people we serve,” she said. “I think I have led an office that excels in quality, seeks justice for all and models the core values of ethics, excellence, respect, opportunities for growth and work-life balance. I am proud of our work and the important role we perform in maintaining a low crime rate with a high quality of life in Yavapai County.”
Achievements worth noting in her career include:
- – Establishing an Early Deposition Court.
- – Partnering with PANT, the countywide multi-agency drug task force in apprehending and prosecuting traffickers of dangerous drugs such as methamphetamine and fentanyl.
- – Supporting the county’s therapeutic courts, including veterans’ court and drug court.
- – Forming the Diversion Program, which holds low-level offenders accountable while giving them a second chance at a crime-free lifestyle.
- – Creating a public-facing website to provide accessible data regarding criminal cases.
- – Transitioning the County Attorney’s Office to a paperless environment.
- – Most recently, implementing a remote work option to attract and retain quality employees for every office.
“I have always believed that being a good leader starts with following your passion. I will forever be passionate about safe communities, a low crime rate and doing what I can to create a high quality of life for everyone.”
In addition, she says she will always value her role as lead prosecutor in the criminal trial of James Ray, a self-help guru who caused the deaths of three of his followers. She also is proud of her office’s success in stopping retailers throughout Yavapai County from selling dangerous synthetic drugs called “bath salts” and “spice.”
Polk says she looks forward to spending time with her family, especially her five grandchildren, and will continue to help the greater community by staying involved with MATFORCE, a poster contest that raises awareness about the risks of drug and alcohol abuse, and teaching “Lessons from the Holocaust.”
“I am eager to study Spanish, sketching and reading,” she said. “I will miss the job and all the outstanding people across the state I have worked with and the incredible opportunities that have come my way. But I also know I will be as enthusiastic about this next phase of my life as I have been about my career.”
Best Advice
In law school, I did not know what I wanted to do as a lawyer. My first job involved working for Justice Jack Hayes at the Arizona Supreme Count. He’s the person who urged me to consider a career as a prosecutor, which I did. Here I am, 40 years later.
Book That Had the Greatest Influence
I choose “All But My Life,” by Gerda Weissmann Klein. I met Gerda, a Holocaust survivor, and we became close friends. She was the inspiration for my course about the holocaust, “What You Do Matters – Lessons about the Holocaust,” which is taught throughout the nation. Her book about her life before Hitler, her capture and life in a series of labor camps, is inspiring.
Favorite Holiday
The 4th of July is my favorite holiday because I love parades, the rodeo, the family visits and especially saying the Pledge of Allegiance with a crowd of people.
Recreational Activities
As a child, I loved sports and competed well in college, where I played softball, volleyball and basketball. But today, I play golf, racquetball and pickleball. I just love hiking in the woods with my dog, Leia.
Favorite Music
I enjoy Big Band and soft rock. My go-to radio station when driving is The Coffee House. I like calming music that helps me slow down and gain composure. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
Photo By Ray Newton
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