Aron DeFerrari
Title
President
What unit are they currently in?
Homicide
How long a DA?
16 years
Hobbies?
Car Repair / Restoration
Why they want to serve on the board?
I want to assure that the District Attorney’s Office I consider my home continues to thrive into the future by securing competitive compensation for our current and future attorneys. Without compensation that makes our office competitive with other DA’s Offices in the region we will continue to lose talented attorneys that make our office the great place that it truly is.
Jay Melaas
Title
Vice President
What unit are they currently in?
Sexual Assault Unit
How long a DA?
12 years
Hobbies?
Spending time with family, Outdoor Sports
Why they want to serve on the board?
I serve on this board to represent the interest of all association members. This includes advocating for pay that is commensurate with similar counties and reflective of the important work these attorneys do to keep this community safe.
Lauren Whalen
Title
Treasurer
What unit are they currently in?
Special Operations, Insurance Fraud
How long a DA?
5 years
Hobbies?
Travel, Live Music, SoulCycle, Notre Dame football
Why they want to serve on the board?
I’m honored to serve on this Board and represent so many talented attorneys. The privilege to work alongside such quality people is only further enhanced by the fact that I was raised in Contra Costa. The needs of this county demand that this office continue to recruit, develop and ultimately retain the very best.
Devon Bell
Title
Secretary
What unit are they currently in?
Sexual Assault Unit
How long a DA?
12 years
Hobbies?
Running, Fitness and Travel
Why they want to serve on the board?
Recruitment and retention of top prosecutors is vital to the protection of Contra Costa County. I serve on the District Attorneys’ Association Board to ensure that the interests of our attorneys are represented and our voices are heard, allowing us to focus our energies on the fight for justice inside the courtroom.
Steve Bolen
Title
Representative -Over 10 years
What unit are they currently in?
Brady Alert List Deputy
How long a DA?
29 years
Hobbies?
SF Giants season-ticket holder, hiking, gardening
Why they want to serve on the board?
I want to represent those prosecutors who have dedicated their careers to protecting the citizens of our county as demonstrated by their longevity and accomplishments. The institutional memory and experience of this group is highly valuable to our county and should be compensated accordingly. We must be vigilant in advocating for and defending the benefits we bargained for as career public servants.
Stephanie Kang
Title
Representative – Three to Ten Years
What unit are they currently in?
Felony Domestic Violence
How long a DA?
6 years
Hobbies?
Netflix marathons, foodie adventures, and traveling.
Why they want to serve on the board?
I have so much respect for my colleagues who work tirelessly to protect our communities. I am honored to serve as a representative for our prosecutors who have 3-10 years of experience and ensure our interests are heard. It’s important that we prioritize our commitment to recruit, teach, and retain the best prosecutors. I believe we can do so by advocating for both fair and competitive salaries as well as policies that promote a positive and supportive work environment.
Gillian Simmons
Title
Representative – Contract
What unit are they currently in?
Misdemeanors
How long a DA?
1 years
Hobbies?
Spending time with family, reading, and Pilates
Why they want to serve on the board?
I am honored to serve as the representative for our fixed-term attorneys. I look forward to being a voice for the new attorneys in our office and to ensuring that our unique perspectives are heard.