September 22, 2025 3:05 a.m.

The Douglas County Board of Commissioners along with the Juvenile Department have announced that Holly O’Dell has been named the 2025 Southern Region Juvenile Justice Professional of the Year by the Oregon Juvenile Department Directors Association.

A county release said the honor was awarded during OJDDA’s annual conference held earlier this month in Eugene. The award formally recognizes an outstanding juvenile justice professional from Oregon’s southern region, which includes Jackson, Klamath, Josephine, Douglas, Curry, Coos and Lane counties. It is based on nominations submitted by County Juvenile Directors.

O’Dell was nominated by Douglas County Juvenile Department Director Wendy Lang for her exceptional dedication and leadership in juvenile justice. Lang said, “Holly leads by example. Her integrity, ethics, and work ethics have earned her the respect of the entire department”. O’Dell began with the department in 2007 and now after multiple promotions is a Juvenile Counselor III.

Douglas County Commissioner and Juvenile Department Liaison Chris Boice said, “We’re incredibly proud to have Holly as part of Douglas County, she represents the heart of what public service is all about”.

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