OFFICE ADMINISTRATION
Christopher Lott, Administrative Director
Christopher Lott serves as the Administrative Director for the Law Office of the Public Defender, where he oversees administrative operations and supports the office’s mission of providing high-quality legal representation for the community.
Mr. Lott has a Bachelor of Arts from Tulane University and a Master of Health Sciences and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Florida. Prior to joining the Law Office of the Public Defender in 2015, he spent nearly three decades in executive and administrative leadership roles in the healthcare and professional services sectors, including serving as Administrator of the Ft. Lauderdale Eye Institute and as Executive Director and Managing Director for several regional pathology and consulting organizations. Mr. Lott chose public defense work out of a strong desire to move beyond the private sector and apply his experience in a way that directly benefits the community he serves.
Tami Locke, Executive Administrative Assistant
Tami Locke serves as Executive Administrative Assistant to the Public Defender for the Law Office of the Public Defender, a role she has held under successive administrations. With nearly four decades of service, she is widely respected for her institutional knowledge, professionalism, and steady leadership in support of the office’s mission.
Ms. Locke spent 24 years in the appellate division as a legal assistant, where she played a critical role in supporting appellate advocacy. In her current role, she provides executive-level administrative support and serves as a trusted resource within the office. She is the recipient of the Holly Marie Stutz Outstanding Administrative Service Award and the Tenth Judicial Circuit Professionalism Committee Justice Achievement Award.
Rhonda Corbin, Support Staff Supervisor
Rhonda Corbin serves as Support Staff Supervisor for the Law Office of the Public Defender and has dedicated decades of public service since joining the office in 1989. She began her career as a felony floater secretary and later served as a felony legal assistant.
Over the course of her tenure, Ms. Corbin has worked in nearly every support role within the office, including felony and misdemeanor divisions, human resources, front desk, switchboard, and administrative support. This broad experience gives her a deep understanding of office operations and allows her to effectively support both staff and clients. She values public defense work because it allows her to help people every day, by assisting clients, supporting attorneys, and mentoring the support staff she supervises.
Terri Jones, Operations Director
Terri Jones serves in a senior leadership role within the Law Office of the Public Defender, overseeing the intake division and witness coordination, serving as the office’s case management system administrator, and acting as a key liaison with other state agencies.
Since joining the office in 1988, Ms. Jones has brought extensive institutional knowledge shaped by decades of experience in public service. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, cum laude, from Polk State College and is a recipient of the Tenth Judicial Circuit Justice Achievement Award.
Megan Skipper, Finance & Accounting Director
Megan Skipper serves as Finance & Accounting Director for the Law Office of the Public Defender, overseeing the office’s financial and accounting operations to ensure responsible management of public resources.
Since joining the office in 2006, Ms. Skipper has brought a broad range of experience to the role, including prior service as Personnel Director. She holds an Associate in Arts degree and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management from Polk State College, as well as a Master of Business Administration in Human Resource Management from Warner University.
Martha Villarreal, Client Services Supervisor
Martha Villarreal serves as Client Services Supervisor for the Law Office of the Public Defender, where she supervises interpretation, switchboard, and reception services and also works as a member of the office’s interpretation team. A lifelong resident of Polk County, Ms. Villarreal has been with the office since 1996 and brings decades of institutional knowledge and client-centered experience to her role.
Before joining the office, she worked for Hardee County as its official court interpreter and in Hardee County Probation. Ms. Villarreal began her career in the Hardee County branch of the Law Office of the Public Defender as the sole staff member supporting attorneys, performing a wide range of duties including legal assistance and reception, and later served for many years in the Polk County branch as an interviewer and paralegal. She believes it is essential that clients feel heard and, through accurate interpretation, fully understand their legal proceedings so they can make informed decisions about their cases.
Nancy H. Cobb, Investigations Director
Nancy H. Cobb serves as Director of Investigations for the Law Office of the Public Defender, overseeing the Investigation and Interview Divisions and supporting trial teams through comprehensive case investigation and witness development.
Ms. Cobb joined the office in 2003 and brings a depth of investigative experience shaped by years of work in complex criminal cases, including nearly a decade as a homicide investigator. She holds an Associate of Arts degree from Polk Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, summa cum laude, from Florida Southern College, where she was recognized as the Beverly S. McLear Outstanding Political Science Major.
Lauren Supanich, Social Worker
Lauren Supanich joined the Law Office of the Public Defender in 2025 where she applies her background in social work to support clients as they navigate the criminal legal system. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Luther College in Psychology and Communication Studies and previously worked in child welfare. Her experience allows her to approach each case with a strong understanding of both systemic challenges and individual needs.
In her role, Ms. Supanich works closely with clients beyond the courtroom, connecting them to housing, treatment, and community-based resources that promote stability and dignity. She values the time and space to support clients in a personal and meaningful way, believing that justice and access to treatment should never depend on wealth or circumstance. By bridging legal defense and social services, Ms. Supanich helps create more equitable outcomes for clients when the legal process feels overwhelming.