Mayor Ben McAdams announced that Noella Sudbury, a former legal defender, has been chosen as the new Criminal Justice Advisory Council Coordinator.
Her selection was approved by the Salt Lake County Council today. She replaces David Litvack, who resigned to accept a position in the Salt Lake City mayor’s administration.
McAdams said the transition comes at a critical time in the county’s effort to implement the Justice Reinvestment Initiative passed by the state legislature and its own work to improve public safety through alternatives to incarceration for the homeless and those non-violent offenders suffering from substance abuse disorders.
“I’m pleased that Noella is joining our team. She is an attorney with an extensive background in criminal defense work, as well as a strong commitment to follow data and evidence for criminal justice policies that keep the public safe, appropriately offer treatment instead of jail, and save taxpayers money,” said McAdams.
Sudbury was chosen by a committee that included Sheriff Jim Winder, District Attorney Sim Gill, County Council Chairman Max Burdick, and County Council members Jim Bradley and Jenny Wilson. She has previously worked as a Utah Supreme Court law clerk, as a Salt Lake Legal Defender representing indigent defendants in criminal appeals, and at Zimmerman Jones Booher, LLC, as an appellate attorney.
“We welcome Noella to our Salt Lake County team as we move forward in a collaborative effort to improve our criminal justice system. Our goal is to reduce recidivism and provide treatment instead of jail for offenders with mental illness and substance abuse,” said Council Chair Max Burdick
“Ms. Sudbury brings a wide range of experience to this position,” said District Attorney Sim Gill. “She will provide a fresh and valuable perspective to our ongoing mission of reforming the criminal justice system in Salt Lake County. We are excited for her to join with us in this important process.”
“Our department is excited about the potential of Noella Sudbury and the direction CJAC is headed. We appreciate her desire to serve in this capacity,” said Sheriff Jim Winder.
CJAC advises the county on criminal and social justice issues and is composed of members of the law enforcement, prosecutorial, defense, corrections, courts and human services communities.
In her letter of application, Sudbury said she was interested in the job because of her commitment to gathering data and recommending changes to policies based on evidence and research.
McAdams said Sudbury is married to University of Utah Law Professor Clifford J. Rosky and they are the parents of a young daughter.
McAdams said she’ll begin working for the county on June 13th.
