The county's former Assistant State's Attorney, Dave Hansen will be taking over the role of public defender December 1.
Hansen began working for the county as the Assistant State's Attorney in April 2011.
Hansen said he will bring the same level of passion.
"That passion of wanting to make sure that every citizen in our country, regardless of whether or not they can afford an attorney, gets adequate representation in the criminal justice system, is also something that motivated me to want to go ahead and switch to the public defender's side," Hansen said.
Hansen is taking over the responsibility as the public defender's office aims to become more efficient.
Hansen will replace Jim Harrell who held the position for 25 years and plans to move into private practice.