By Dennis McCaslin | Today in Fort Smith
After more than three decades of service in Arkansas’ judicial system, Washington County Circuit Judge Stacey Zimmerman has announced her retirement, stepping down to care for her elderly mother.
Zimmerman, who has presided over juvenile court cases in Washington and Madison counties since 1999, made the announcement Friday, explaining that her 82-year-old mother now requires more assistance than she can provide while working full-time.
“My mom's getting older, and I'm blessed that she lives here. I think I'll become her personal assistant,” Zimmerman said. “Then I can just relax and maybe do some fill-in judge work.”
Zimmerman’s retirement comes before the end of her current term, which was set to expire on December 31, 2026. She was first elected in 1998 at just 35 years old, defeating the sitting male juvenile judge, a victory she described as “quite a feat.” That same year, Judge Mary Ann Gunn was elected to a newly created circuit judge position, making the two the first women elected as circuit judges in Northwest Arkansas.
“Since then, every day on the bench has been an honor serving the people of Washington and Madison counties,” Zimmerman said.
During her tenure, Zimmerman established the Youth Reporting Center in Springdale, a detention alternative that provides at-risk juveniles with rehabilitation programs, outdoor activities, and life skills training. “They learn how to cook, they do outdoor adventure stuff. Our youth reporting center is excellent, and all of our officers work so hard,” she said.
In her retirement message, Zimmerman emphasized the importance of selecting a strong, impartial judge to replace her, stating that “the need for a judge who is focused on applying the law to the facts, protecting public safety, and balancing rehabilitation with justice cannot be overstated.”
Shortly after Zimmerman’s announcement, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders appointed Dawn Egan to fill the vacant Fourth Judicial Circuit, Division 3 seat. Egan’s appointment is effective March 1, and she will serve the remainder of Zimmerman’s term through December 31, 2026.
“Dawn is a very experienced and qualified attorney who has dedicated her career to serving our state’s most vulnerable, with a special focus on kids,” Sanders said. “I look forward to her continued service on the Fourth Judicial Circuit.”
Egan has worked as an attorney in Washington and Madison counties for 14 years, representing approximately 5,000 abused and neglected children in dependency neglect cases. Prior to that, she served as a juvenile prosecuting attorney in Washington County and worked in private practice.
A graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Egan brings extensive experience in child advocacy and juvenile law to the bench.
With Zimmerman’s departure, Washington and Madison counties are losing a long-standing advocate for juvenile justice, but with Egan’s appointment, the focus on protecting the most vulnerable children in the legal system is set to continue.
