The Ombudsman and Staff

Joanne MacDonnell was appointed to a five-year term as the Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide starting on July 1, 2022, following confirmation by the 55th Legislature and Governor Ducey. She joined the office as Deputy Ombudsman in 2005 after serving nearly eight years at the Arizona Corporation Commission as the Director of Corporations.

Lane Organ joined the office as Deputy Ombudsman in July 2022 after serving almost seven years as the Ombudsman for the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES).

Danee Garone is the Senior Staff Attorney for the Ombudsman’s office and specializes in open meeting and public records law matters.

Melissa Henry joined the office in February 2024 and is serving as Legal Counsel and Dispute Resolution Specialist. Prior to joining the Ombudsman’s office, Melissa spent most of her career in state and federal government, including the U.S. Senate, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, and the Arizona Department of Economic Security.

Whitney Herb is Legal Investigator Ombudsman for the Ombudsman’s office. Whitney earned her BA in Sociology at the University of Oregon, with a minor in Psychology and graduating Cum Laude from the Robert D. Clark Honors College.

Thomas Driscoll joined the office as a Senior Investigator in August 2024. Before joining the Ombudsman’s office, Thomas worked for the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) for almost eight years as a Specialist, Program Specialist, and Unit Supervisor.

Frank Rutledge joined the Ombudsman team in June 2016 after working almost nine years with the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES).

John Wicus joined the office as an intern in January of 2018 while completing his Master’s in Politics at Arizona State University.

Alicia Nugent is an investigator who specializes in the Department of Child Safety. Alicia has a Master of Legal Studies emphasizing conflict resolution and criminal law, and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy with an emphasis in Morality, Politics, and Law, both from Arizona State University.

Brandon Rosas joined the Ombudsman team in January of 2021. He is a fluent Spanish speaker.

Connor Mueller joined the Ombudsman team in January of 2022. Connor studied at ASU and received a Bachelor’s in Political Science.

Yvonne Rothblum joined the Ombudsman team in November 2016. She has worked in both the public and private sectors.

Marwan Al Jasim joined the Ombudsman team in January of 2025. He is a junior at Arizona State University (ASU) pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and an interest in law, policy, and public service.

Melona Medhane joined the Ombudsman team in January 2025. She is a junior at Arizona State University (ASU), completing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Justice Studies. She is also completing a certification in Cross-Sector Leadership through the Next Generation Service Corps.