Monique Kirby, Coweta Judicial Circuit Chief Assistant District Attorney, was named Assistant District Attorney of the Year for mid-sized circuits last week at the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council Annual Summer Conference. The conference was hosted by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council of Georgia.

Kirby was nominated by Coweta Judicial Circuit District Attorney Herb Cranford. He said Kirby was selected for the award by the District Attorneys’ Association of Georgia and the Georgia Association of Solicitors-General.

“Receiving this award was an honor and humbling,” Kirby said. “I feel very fortunate to be able to serve the Coweta Circuit and our community in a fulfilling career that I love.”

Kirby has served in the Coweta Judicial Circuit district attorney’s office for 31 years and as the chief assistant district attorney for 25 years. She served as acting district attorney from Jan. 4 to Jan. 24, when Gov. Nathan Deal appointed Cranford as district attorney, who replaced Pete Skandalakis. 

“When Pete Skandalakis became district attorney in 1991, he named Monique his chief assistant, and the easiest decision I’ll ever make as district attorney was to name her my chief assistant as well,” Cranford said. “Monique has tried more felony jury trials than any other prosecutor in this circuit and is passionate about the difficult work we do.”

Cranford said Kirby has a reputation for being honest and fair.

“She does not count convictions, she simply seeks to do the right thing with each case,” Cranford said. “Monique’s leadership of this district attorney’s office has made it one of the most respected in the state, and the citizens of this circuit should be thankful, as I am, for her continued dedication to serving and protecting this community.” 

The Coweta Judicial Circuit includes Carroll County, Coweta County, Heard County, Meriwether County and Troup County.