County Executive PJ Wendel welcomes Emily Woodard, Esq. following her appointment as Chautauqua County Attorney.

MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel has appointed Emily Woodard, Esq. as the new Chautauqua County attorney, bringing more than a decade of legal experience and a deep commitment to public service in Chautauqua County to the role.

Woodard has served in the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office since January 2015 and currently holds the position of Second Assistant District Attorney, where she manages a felony caseload and prosecutes crimes throughout the County. Her work has included reviewing investigations, presenting cases to the grand jury, conducting hearings and trials, preparing legal briefs and memoranda, and working closely with law enforcement agencies and victims of crime. In addition, Woodard has supervised support staff, implemented office-wide administrative policies, and coordinated countywide law enforcement training programs.

“Emily Woodard brings a strong combination of legal expertise, professionalism, and dedication to public service,” said County Executive PJ Wendel. “She has demonstrated reliability, sound judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments — qualities that are essential for the County Attorney’s Office. I am confident she will serve Chautauqua County with integrity and distinction.”

She replaces former county attorney Ana Morgan, who had been appointed in July 2024, resigned after the county legislature meeting, which took place on Dec. 17.

Neither County Executive PJ Wendel nor County Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon stated then why Morgan resigned, only to confirm that she did.

A lifelong Chautauqua County resident, Woodard grew up in the city of Dunkirk and has deep family roots in the community. She and her husband currently reside in the village of Fredonia, where they are raising their two children. Woodard says her personal connection to the county reinforces her commitment to serving its residents.

“Chautauqua County is my home, and it is an honor and privilege to serve this community,” Woodard said. “I am proud of the professional relationships I have built across County government, and I look forward to continuing that work in the County Attorney’s Office by providing reliable, thoughtful, and collaborative legal counsel.”

Woodard was admitted to the New York State Bar in January 2015. She earned her Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo School of Law, SUNY, in 2014, where she participated in the Buffalo Public Interest Law Program and was the Editor-in-Chief of the Buffalo Public Interest Law Journal. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, graduating summa cum laude, from St. John Fisher University.

As County Attorney, Woodard will serve as the chief legal counsel for Chautauqua County, providing legal advice and representation to County Executive, County departments and agencies.

Woodard will officially begin her role as Chautauqua County Attorney on Thursday, Feb. 19.