Above and Beyond: SAO Team Recognized Throughout Community

The State Attorney’s Office strives to represent the people of the Fourth Circuit through its dedicated service in and out of the courtroom. Here’s a roundup of some of the exemplary efforts, noted awards, and prestigious distinctions members of the office have earned during the first six months of 2018:

Rachel Algee was awarded the Judicial Victim Advocate Award from the Mayor’s Victim Assistance Advisory Council. The council coordinates and encourages cooperative efforts among social service, criminal justice, mental health and other agencies to provide assistance to crime victims and their families.

Ashleigh Brooks and Matt Silverstein were each accepted into the Leadership Jacksonville Collegiate Experience. The program is limited to 36 participants who interact with community leaders, network with professionals, and explore difficult issues facing the community.

Mark Caliel was elected to the board of directors for Jacksonville Golf & Country Club.

Sam Friedman and Brook Gasson were each selected to participate in the Gerald T. Bennett Prosecutor / Public Defender Trial Training Program at the University of Florida. The Criminal Law Section of the Florida Bar provides the skills training program every August to government lawyers in the field of criminal law. It was developed by the National Institute for Trial Advocacy and has been offered since 1979.

Carl Harms was selected by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as a 2018 State of Florida Distinguished Victim Services Award winner. Harms’ was among a select few who were honored for service that went beyond the call of duty and had a positive impact on the community.

Pam Hazel was selected to serve on the board of directors for Operation New Hope. The nonprofit provides support, life, and job skills training for people with a history of involvement in the criminal justice system, and places them in employment that offers a sustainable quality of life.

Mac Heavener was selected by National District Attorney Association (NDAA) President Michael Freeman to sit on the organization’s Opioid Working Group. The group is chaired by State Attorney Dave Aronberg of Florida’s 15th Judicial Circuit and assisted by NDAA Executive Director Nelson Bunn.

John Kalinowski was named by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) as the recipient of the Prosecutor Award of Excellence for his efforts in DUI prosecutions. He received the award at the MADD Northeast Florida Law Enforcement Recognition and Community Awards.

Sheila Loizos was appointed chair of the Florida Bar Criminal Procedure Rules Committee by incoming Bar President Michelle Suskauer. The committee carries out the mandate of Rule 2.140, Florida Rules of Judicial Administration, concerning the proposal of new rules and procedures and changes to existing rules.

Jessica Narducci was selected to participate in the Florida Bar’s Williams Reece Smith Jr. Leadership Academy. The one-year multisession training program is designed to assist a diverse and inclusive group of lawyers to become better leaders in the profession.

Leigh Rosenbloom was selected as a participant in the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2019. Formed in 1976, Leadership Jacksonville educates, connects, and inspires diverse leaders to build and strengthen their communities.

Theresa Simak was one of 13 people across the country named to serve on the National Review Board for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The organization’s purpose is to collaborate with the USCCB to prevent the sexual abuse of minors in the U.S. by people in the service of the Church.

Erin Wolfson was appointed to the board of directors for Wolfson Children’s Hospital and was named a recipient of the Women’s Center of Jacksonville’s 2018 Unsung Shero & Hero Award. Wolfson Children’s Hospital is recognized as one of the best children’s hospitals in the U.S. and provides specialized care for children with a full range of needs. Wolfson received the Unsung Shero Award for her work with victims, law enforcement, nonprofits and the Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Coalition.

Cyrus Zomorodian was appointed to the Florida Bar Committee on Professionalism by incoming Bar President Michelle Suskauer. The committee assists the Commission and Center for Professionalism in implementing programs, events, and activities to promote professionalism throughout the state.