2026 Peter S. Gilchrist III Award Recipient Connie Jordan, Retired Assistant District Attorney, Prosecutorial District 6

Stacey, a woman with black hair and black glasses, wears a blue button-down shirt and black blazer.By Stacey Rubain

The Criminal Justice Section of the North Carolina Bar Association is pleased to announce that retired Assistant District Attorney Connie Jordan has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Peter S. Gilchrist III Award (“Gilchrist Award”). The Gilchrist Award is given annually by the Criminal Justice Section to a prosecutor who exemplifies the highest ideals of the profession.

Connie is a graduate of UNC Wilmington and UNC Chapel Hill School of Law. Following law school, Connie worked briefly in private practice before joining the District Attorney’s Office for New Hanover and Pender Counties. Over the course of her distinguished 29-year career with the District Attorney’s Office, Connie prosecuted a wide range of serious criminal matters, including homicides, armed robberies, sexual assaults, human trafficking, and child abuse cases.

Connie, a white woman with brown hair, wears a white blouse and dark grey suit.

Connie Jordan

Among her notable work, Connie worked on the missing person case of Miyonna Jones in 2022. She worked alongside former District Attorney Ben David in the successful prosecution of New Hanover County teacher Michael Earl Kelly, who was convicted of sexually abusing students. She also prosecuted oral surgeon Michael Hasson, who was convicted of sexually abusing patients while they were under sedation during dental procedures.

Connie was widely respected as a fair and ethical prosecutor. She was deeply committed to justice and upholding the rule of law. Connie was also a steadfast advocate for victims of violent crime and human trafficking. Her compassion and dedication to supporting crime victims were often instrumental in empowering them to come forward, share their stories, and begin their healing journeys.

The Criminal Justice Section invites you to join us in honoring Connie at the 18th Annual Gilchrist & Smith Awards Dinner on January 29, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Cary (201 Harrison Oaks Boulevard). Cocktail Hour begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the Event Page.

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