Martin County attorney announces planned mid-July retirement; deputy recommended as interim

Martin County County Attorney Sarah Woods publicly announced at the board meeting on May 6 that she intends to retire, likely in mid-July, and said she and County Administrator Donaldson are coordinating a transition to ensure continuity of service.

Woods said she has no exact retirement date yet but recommended Deputy County Attorney Elise Elder be appointed interim county attorney and, in her professional and personal opinion, to be considered for the permanent role. "It's my recommendation that in the interim, Deputy County Attorney Elise Elder be designated as interim county attorney," Woods said. Administrator Donaldson told commissioners he will bring an agenda item to discuss the selection and hiring process for the county attorney and expected the transition to be seamless.

Several commissioners offered personal remarks. Commissioner Katz praised Woods' competence and public service and wished her well in retirement. No formal board action to appoint an interim or successor was taken at the meeting; the administrator will return with a process item for the board to consider.