(contributed photo)
After 24 years of service to Cumberland County, including five years as Chief Public Defender, Cindy Black will retire on December 31. During her career, Cindy has been a tireless advocate for indigent clients and a steady, trusted presence in the courthouse. She served in the U.S. Army prior to going to earning her JD at Campbell University.
The local bar in Cumberland County honored her service at a special ceremony on Dec. 18, and after a nice, well-deserved rest, Cindy plans to continue to do court-appointed in a “less stressful” capacity, mostly for lower-level crimes, post-retirement.
Cindy stepped up numerous times when the office needed leadership, with a focus always on doing what was best for clients and colleagues. She worked hard to strengthen the Public Defender’s Office—improving the office workspaces, building relationships with community partners, and helping shift perceptions of how the office is “seen” in the community. Her approach was grounded in compassion, professionalism, and a deep belief in second chances.
Cindy is grateful for the support of her coworkers, mentors, judges, and the collaborative Cumberland County bar, and she credits her faith and family—especially her two sons—as her foundation. As she looks ahead, Cindy is excited for a slower pace, more time for reading and church service, and finding new ways to help others after a well-earned break. One of her retirement goals is to acquire more skills and know-how to help local older widows and single parents with home repairs.
Cindy wants her legacy to be how she left behind a stronger PD office in Cumberland County. A true advocate, she has no doubt made a lasting impact on the people she served as well as those she worked with every day.