Employee of the Month - March '24

Amanda Ard, Deputy Public Defender I at the Public Defender’s Office, has been recognized as the Employee of the Month for March 2024!
Let's take a moment to celebrate her remarkable achievements and contributions to our community!

Amanda's journey with the County began back in 2020, where she initially served as a Legal Secretary before moving up the ranks to become a Legal Secretary Supervisor and eventually landing in her current role as Deputy Public Defender I. Throughout her tenure, Amanda has consistently exceeded expectations in every aspect of her work.

As a Legal Secretary and later as a Supervisor, Amanda's professionalism, efficiency, and upbeat attitude stood out. She juggled multiple tasks effortlessly, always greeting clients and colleagues with a smile. Her dedication to her work was evident in her punctuality, preparedness, and unwavering honesty.

But Amanda didn't stop there. While managing her full-time responsibilities, she pursued her dream of becoming a lawyer. Despite the challenges, she successfully passed the California Bar Exam on her first attempt and was sworn in as an attorney. Talk about determination and commitment!

Now as a Deputy Public Defender, Amanda continues to shine. She quickly adapted to her new role, taking on significant responsibilities with grace and competence. Recently, she completed her first jury trial, where her hard work and intellect truly shone as she advocated for those navigating the legal system.

What's even more impressive is Amanda's positive attitude and willingness to help others. She's always ready to lend a hand, offer solutions, and inspire her colleagues to strive for excellence. Her leadership and teamwork have been invaluable, especially during the integration of new software at the Public Defender's Office.

Amanda embodies everything we value in a Shasta County employee – dedication, integrity, and a passion for serving our community. We couldn't be prouder to have her as part of our team.

Let's give a big hand to Amanda for her well-deserved recognition as the Employee of the Month! Keep up the amazing work, Amanda – you're an inspiration to us all!