Phoenix, Arizona) – County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced her leadership team at the County Attorney’s Office. The changes became effective Monday, May 9, 2022.

Paul Ahler has re-joined the office as Chief Deputy. Ahler is a career prosecutor for more than 40 years. He held this role under former County Attorney Rick Romley. Ahler most recently came from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office where he served as Criminal Deputy Division Chief. Ahler was Executive Director for the Arizona Prosecuting Attorney’s Advisory Council and has served in various capacities for several county attorneys, both inside and out of Maricopa County.

“Paul is one of the most seasoned and respected leaders in our profession,” stated County Attorney Mitchell. “My focus on quickly addressing the leadership issues in this office requires someone who can step into the job on day one and understand the role. While some of the issues and faces have changed since Paul was last at the office, he has a deep understanding and respect for the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office and cares deeply for our community.”

Ahler replaces Ken Vick as Chief Deputy. Vick will remain with the office in the role of Special Assistant to the Chief Deputy. Vick will focus on operational and programmatic improvements office-wide.

Jennifer Liewer will serve as Mitchell’s Chief of Staff. Liewer served as Communications Director under County Attorney Allister Adel and joined the office in 2019. She will continue to lead the communication efforts of the office and will oversee facilities, human resources, and the office’s diversity efforts. Liewer has served at all levels of public agencies across the Phoenix area for more than 20 years.

“I have worked with Jennifer for the past two years and admire her commitment to this office, respect of our community, and her courage to stand up for what she believes in,” stated Mitchell. “I look forward to utilizing her skillset and passion in a broader capacity within the office. Her understanding of the people and issues at the heart of what we do at MCAO will allow her to hit the ground running.”

Chief of Staff to Allister Adel Candice Copple will be leaving the office for new opportunities.

Mark Stribling has been promoted to Chief of Investigations. Stribling served for 21 years with the Phoenix Police Department, including assignments in Homicide and Organized Crime. He has been with MCAO for 23 years. He previously served as Commander and Interim Chief under prior administrations and has extensive investigations experience.

Current Chief of Investigations Billy Long will remain with the office and continue his service in a new capacity. Tom Van Dorn will transition from Director of Investigations to focusing on connecting and communicating with the public safety community.

Mitchell has also announced that Civil Services Division Chief Tom Liddy and Legislative Liaison Rebecca Baker will now be a direct report to the County Attorney. Previously, these positions reported to the Chief Deputy and Chief of Staff.

“As the civil lawyers for county government, I plan to be extremely involved in service to our clients - the Board of Supervisors, other elected county officials, and county government,” stated Mitchell. “I also intend to engage and advocate on behalf of our community as it relates to criminal justice and victim’s rights at the Arizona Legislature and look forward to working with Rebecca, a seasoned prosecutor and well-respected individual at the state capitol.”