Posted on January 21, 2024
Article By Carie Lawerence
Patricia Sullivan has been named Woman of the Year, an honor given to a community member who has made a significant contribution to the community. As a now retired judge, Sullivan has an extensive history in Malheur County among a variety of organizations.
Sullivan began as a private practice attorney in 1979. From 1988 to 2000, she served as the Malheur County District Attorney, then became a Malheur County Circuit Judge in 2000. Serving as the presiding judge from 2012 to 2016, Sullivan then officially retired, but continued substituting for 5 years after retirement. Although retired, Sullivan is now a contract judge.
Heavily involved in state drug cases and sex crimes, juvenile and family court cases, Sullivan proudly shared that she helped launch the first alcohol recovery center in Malheur County. She has received numerous awards throughout her life, one being the Lifetime Achievement Award for Hands Around the Park Recovery. Sullivan has made a lasting impact on people needing support and resources to get into recovery. She has also been involved in victim advocacy programs and received a Victim Advocacy Award from the Attorney General. In 2001, Sullivan started a drug and alcohol treatment court for substance abuse.
Project DOVE, a local nonprofit focused on helping victims of domestic and sexual violence, is an organization close to Sullivan’s heart. As a founding member in 1980, Sullivan has been involved in crisis intervention and support for hundreds of victims in Malheur County. She is also a member of the Ontario Kiwanis Club and a board member for Community Concerts of the Treasure Valley.
In 2011, Sullivan began serving on the board for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Treasure Valley. Now as the Treasurer, Sullivan shared her excitement for this program which has two facilities, one in Ontario and one in Payette. The Boys & Girls Club is also establishing a clubhouse in Weiser, Idaho, where Sullivan said they’ve had a tremendous turnout for parent help and interest among the community.
Sullivan is proud of her two daughters, one who is a special education teacher in Boise and the other who is a paralegal in Oregon. She has 4 grandchildren that she spends a lot of time with now that she is retired.
