Michael C. Cudahy
Criminal Justice Award

This award was established in 2006 by the Board of Governors. It is to be presented to the criminal law prosecutor who during his or her career has worked tirelessly to advance the principles of criminal justice by representing the public's interest with integrity, fairness, tenacity, creativity, brilliance and above all, professionalism.

2012 Recipient

A graduate of the Arizona State University College of Law, Sheila Polk was elected Yavapai County Attorney in November of 2000, becoming the first female to hold the office. Unopposed in her re-election bids, Ms. Polk is currently serving her 3rd 4-year term. As County Attorney, Polk manages a staff of 85 employees, with both criminal and civil duties, and an annual budget of 6.5 million dollars. The Office prosecutes all felony and juvenile offenses that occur in Yavapai County, misdemeanors that occur in the unincorporated areas of the County, and provides legal representation to all county departments. In addition to her administrative duties, Polk personally prosecutes major felony offenders, including financial abuse cases involving the elderly, and the recent 'sweat lodge' case against James Arthur Ray. Among other activities, Polk serves as the Chair of the Arizona Prosecuting Attorneys Advisory Board, as the vice-president of the Prevent Child Abuse, Arizona, and as Co-Chair and founding member of MATForce (Yavapai County Substance Abuse Coalition). Since 2006, working in partnership with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum of Washington D.C. and the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Prescott, Polk has been instrumental in developing and disseminating ethical leadership programs throughout the United States based on "Lessons from the Holocaust."

Prior Recipients

The award has been presented to: