Cathryn Whalen joined Pinal County as Director of Public Defense Services in 2020.
Cathryn graduated from Arizona State University College of Law in 2003, Cum Laude with a Pro Bono Distinction and Award for Trial Advocacy. She was admitted to the State Bar of Arizona in 2003 and worked in the Law Office of the Maricopa County Public Defender from 2003 through 2020. In Maricopa, Cathryn was a trial attorney, criminal mental health attorney, attorney supervisor, attorney manager, and the Deputy Director of the Public Defender's Office. Cathryn also teaches Arizona Criminal Law as an Adjunct Faculty for the Arizona State University College of Law.
Cathryn has served on numerous organizations and committees, including serving as the President of the Arizona Association of Drug Court Professionals, the Board of the Arizona Public Defenders Association, and other judicial committees.
Prior to her time as a lawyer, Cathryn coordinated the operations of group homes for adults with intellectual disabilities from 1992 until 2000.
Cathryn enjoys all the benefits of working and living in Pinal County. For over 20 years, she has enjoyed living in the Apache Junction area and has taken advantage of the abundance of outdoor activities in the region.