Ms. Holt is a lifelong Tampa resident and the Public Defender for Florida’s 13th Judicial Circuit (Hillsborough County), bringing a unique perspective and extensive history of public service to Children’s Network of Hillsborough.

She has served the community as Public Defender since her election in 1993, heading a staff of over 210 employees and directing the representation of approximately 40,000 – 45,000 cases annually. Before her election, Ms. Holt served as a Special Court Appointed Public Defender from 1987 – 1992 and worked in private practice from 1981 – 1992.

Ms. Holt serves as a board member of Phoenix House Florida, as chair and board member of the Public Safety Coordinating Council and DUI Counter-Attack Board, and as chair of the Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. She has received numerous awards for her public service, including the Hillsborough Association of Women Lawyers Lifetime Achievement Award, the Hillsborough County NAACP Unsung Hero Award, and Hillsborough County Hispanic Woman of the Year. She earned her J.D. (summa cum laude) at South Texas College of Law, her B.A. at USF, and her A.A. at Hillsborough Community College.