County Executive Sue Serino has named Margaret Walker as the successor to the role of Public Defender in Dutchess County.

If confirmed by the County Legislature at the upcoming Jan. 16 meeting, Walker will become the first woman to hold this position and the sixth public defender in the county's history.

Walker currently serves as a Bureau Chief and holds the position of Director of Training within the Public Defender's office. Her appointment follows the retirement of long-serving Public Defender Thomas Angell.