In September 2021, Heather Rogers was confirmed by the board of supervisors and appointed as the first public defender of Santa Cruz County. Rogers has nearly two decades as a defense attorney, including time as a staff attorney with Biggam, Christensen and Minsloff, where she is currently a supervising attorney. Rogers has experience with high-profile felony cases and working with justice-involved youth and immigrants.

“I’m honored to be chosen to lead this new agency,” Rogers said. “I look forward to putting together a team that provides courageous, compassionate, client-centered defense to reach the best outcomes for our clients in a manner that is consistent with our community’s values.”