Kara Bowser, currently Senior Counsel, named as First Deputy AG
HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday announced the retirement, effective July 5, of First Deputy Attorney General James Donahue — following a prolific 40-year career with the office.
Donahue started with the Office of Attorney General in 1985, working in a number of capacities, and front-lining some of the office’s most impactful legal work on behalf of Pennsylvanians, specifically consumers.
Donahue was part of landmark litigation efforts to bring funds to Pennsylvania from the historic tobacco and opioid settlements, and fought monopolies from major companies, including Ticketmaster and pharmaceutical companies. His work also was integral in protecting consumers during major airline, grocery store, and other retailer mergers that could have limited consumer options and cost them more for everyday products.
“It would be impossible to quantify Jim’s impact, but I can confidently say he had a hand in legal efforts that impacted nearly every community in the Commonwealth — and beyond,” Attorney General Sunday said. “Jim is a true public servant who made himself available at any hour, during any holiday or vacation, for the sake of helping Pennsylvanians and their families. I wish him the very best in retirement, and look forward to Kara taking command of Jim’s duties.”
Following Donahue’s retirement, Attorney General Sunday announced the appointment of his Senior Counsel, Kara Bowser, as First Deputy Attorney General.
Bowser served 12 years as a prosecutor at the York County District Attorney’s Office, most recently as First Deputy prosecuting homicide cases, and, prior to that position, in the Special Crimes Unit.
Prior to her tenure with the York County District Attorney’s Office, Bowser worked as an attorney in the Berks County Public Defender’s Office.
“Kara Bowser has served alongside me for the last 12 years, helping me to bring accountability and redemption to the criminal justice system in York County, which brought down crime, protected the vulnerable, and created safer communities,” Attorney General Sunday said. “I can think of few people who I would trust more to serve in this position as we work to have the same impact throughout the Commonwealth. She has been an integral part of my first months as Attorney General. Pennsylvania and the Office of Attorney General will benefit from her integrity, intellect, and work ethic as she assumes her new role.”
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