Thurston County’s legal pillar receives Washington State Bar’s Local Hero Award 

Christy Anton Peters has long been a known presence in Thurston County’s legal circles. 

But this year, the longtime Chief of Staff for the county’s Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (PAO) was recognized on a statewide level, receiving the Washington State Bar Association’s (WSBA) 2025 Local Hero Award. 

During the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) meeting on Tuesday, April 29, the board celebrated Peters’ statewide honor and acknowledged her impact as the county’s legal executive and state’s public servant. 

“It's an honor to be recognized but, it's the team that makes it work,” Peters said. 

Prosecuting Attorney Jon Tunheim addressed the board to provide context for the award and to credit Peters’ wide-reaching service within the PAO’s legal system and community institutions. 

According to Tunheim, the award “recognize(s) local lawyers for the work they do in their community — not just for their professional contributions, but also for their contributions to the community, just as a member of the community.” 

On March 21, the WSBA formally presented the award to Peters at a Board of Governors meeting in Shelton.

She was nominated jointly by the Thurston County Bar Association and her husband, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Donald R. “Rick” Peters Jr., who cited his unique vantage point as a spouse, colleague and fellow public servant. 

The Local Hero Award is granted to Washington attorneys whose contributions to community life stand out as “exceptional”. 

Leadership in the law 

Throughout the U.S., Peters has taught with the National District Attorney’s Association, led sessions for federal and state agencies, and spoken on subjects like witness preparation and trial advocacy. 

Since 2011, Peters has served as Chief of Staff. The position places her at the center of nearly every governance thread in the PAO. 

In that capacity, she manages personnel issues, writes and oversees grant applications, coordinates hiring and training of legal interns, and guides daily logistics for one of the largest legal departments in the county. 

The WSBA revealed in their statement that Peters has worked within the Special Victims Team, an assignment her husband, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Donald R. “Rick” Peters Jr., described as “by far the most challenging unit in the office.” 

But Tunheim told the board that her legal work is only part of the reason for the award. 

“I could go on and on about her professional contributions and what she’s done for the county, for the county government, and for the kids of Thurston County that she’s worked to protect over the years in her role. … But, I also want to make sure that you all understand what a contributing (member) she is to our community, having served on numerous boards and other roles within the community,” he said. 

Civic involvement 

In addition to her legal leadership, Peters has served a dozen board and community organizations. 

Tunheim cited her extensive experience in the Olympia School Foundation, the South Sound Reading Foundation, Creative Theatre Experience, and Olympia Rotary Club, where Peters is a past president. 

To add to the list, the WSBA also noted Peters’ involvement with community organizations including, but not limited to: Olympia School District, Downtown Olympia Rotary, Junior League of Olympia, Thurston County Bar Association, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Washington State Criminal Justice Task Force focusing on Race and Prosecution 2.0, Olympia School District Education Foundation Board of Trustees, Nova Middle School Board, Olympia Youth Chorus Board, Family Support Center Board of Directors and Government Lawyers Bar Association Board  

“As the elected prosecutor, but I really speak on behalf of my entire office, everybody at the office — we are so proud of Christy for this recognition,” Tunheim said. 

The WSBA also credited Peters for her “mentorship and dedication to community service” in its official announcement and celebrated her as an “inspiration” to both legal professionals and community members in the state. 

“I thank my current elected, my past elected (colleagues) for giving the opportunity and supporting me in helping out in the community. It’s just been a pleasure. Thank you so much,” Peters expressed.