MAYVILLE, N.Y. – Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel has appointed Emily Woodard, Esq. As the new Chautauqua County Attorney, a move announced today that brings a seasoned prosecutor into the county’s top legal role. Woodard, currently the Second Assistant District Attorney, will officially assume her duties on February 19, 2026.
Woodard has been with the Chautauqua County District Attorney’s Office since January 2015, where she has managed a felony caseload and prosecuted crimes throughout the county. Her responsibilities have included grand jury presentations, conducting hearings and trials, and preparing legal briefs, according to the County Executive’s office. She has also coordinated law enforcement training programs and supervised support staff.
“Emily Woodard brings a strong combination of legal expertise, professionalism, and dedication to public service,” Wendel stated. “She has demonstrated reliability, sound judgment, and the ability to operate 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.”
A lifelong resident of Chautauqua County, Woodard grew up in Dunkirk and currently resides in Fredonia with her husband and two children. She expressed her commitment to serving the community she calls home. “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 served as Editor-in-Chief of the Buffalo Public Interest Law Journal. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, summa cum laude, from St. John Fisher University.
As County Attorney, Woodard will serve as the chief legal counsel for Chautauqua County, advising the County Executive and various departments and agencies. Wendel was initially appointed County Executive by the County Legislature in January 2020, filling the remaining term of his predecessor, and subsequently elected to the position in November 2020 and again in November 2021, according to county records. He secured re-election in November 2025, alongside Gregory Carlson, who was elected County Clerk, as reported by the Observer Today.
The appointment follows a period of Republican control of key county positions, including the County Executive, County Clerk, County Court Judge, Family Court Judge, District Attorney, and Sheriff, as confirmed by recent election results.
