Selection of Judge Pro Tempore

Published on September 19, 2023

Selection of Judge Pro Tempore YAVAPAI COUNTY, ARIZONA – Presiding Judge John D. Napper is pleased to announce his selection of Kristyne Schaaf-Olson as Judge Pro Tempore, Division A, for the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Debra Phelan to Division 8 of the Superior Court.

There were 16 applicants for the position. Presiding Judge Napper selected the successor for this position after interviewing five finalists identified by a Selection Committee, reviewing applicant qualifications, and considering public comment. When announcing his decision, Judge Napper stated, “I am proud to nominate Kristyne Schaaf-Olson as the next person to fill Division Pro Tempore, Division A. Ms. Schaaf-Olson is an outstanding attorney and dedicated member of her community. She will make an excellent Judge.”

Presiding Judge Napper is requesting that the Chief Justice of the Arizona Supreme Court’s formal appointment of Judge Schaaf-Olson be effective October 9. The appointment is also subject to the approval of the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors. Judge Schaaf-Olson will serve primarily in the Prescott Judicial District.

The members of the Selection Committee were the Honorable Krista M. Carman, Selection Committee Chair, the Honorable Michael P. McGill, Presiding Domestic Relations Judge, Wendy Ross, Director of Yavapai County Human Resources and Risk Management, Stephen Polk, Esq., and C. Rolf Eckel, Superior Court Administrator.