Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 08/08/06

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Larry Scoufos

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

JOAN RISSE PROMOTED TO CHIEF DEPUTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that he has promoted Joan Risse to the position of chief deputy district attorney. Ms. Risse joins the management staff of the office after having been a deputy district attorney for Sonoma County since 1996.

Joan attended St. Mary’s College and received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Health Administration. She received her law degree from Empire College School of Law. As a prosecutor, Ms Risse has extensive experience in prosecuting child molest and sexual assault cases, as well as other violent crimes.

District Attorney Passalacqua stated, "Joan’s unquestionable integrity, work ethic and commitment to justice will serve the public well in her new position."

Prior to becoming a lawyer, Joan was a registered nurse specializing in critical care in the trauma center at Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa. She and her husband, Walter, reside in Santa Rosa and have three adult children.