This week the Pueblo Board of County Commissioners appointed the county’s 35th attorney, and for the first time ever it’s a woman.

Cynthia Mitchell, 42, is a Columbia University undergrad, Case Western Reserve University law school alumna, and no stranger to the legal issues of Pueblo County. She’s a Pueblo native and has worked in the county attorney’s office as an assistant county attorney since 2011.

“Much of my success at Pueblo County can be attributed to my family and the many mentors, colleagues and friends I’ve worked with at the District Attorney’s Office and the County Attorney’s Office. I believe I have learned from the best and thank them for their guidance and support,” Mitchell said of being appointed unanimously.

“Of course, my predecessor has left enormous shoes for me to fill, and I will strive to continue to provide outstanding legal services to the county, though I will likely be wearing heels.”

The accomplishment of being the first woman to hold the job is not lost on Mitchell. She told the Pueblo Chieftain’s county reporter Anthony Maestas this week, “I think that represents a lot in terms of the county’s views on advancement of women in the legal profession as well as in government.”

The new county attorney was unanimously appointed after the commissioners admitted they’d searched long and hard for a candidate outside of the county.

“We decided that the best choice came from within (the county),” Pace told the Chieftain.

Michell is replacing Greg Styduhar, who is now a magistrate in the 10th Judicial District.