Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann announced Tuesday afternoon that Assistant District Attorney Christopher Valdina has been promoted to chief assistant district attorney.

Valdina, an undergraduate from Cornell University with a juris doctorate from Boston College, will act as Budelmann's second in command, assisting with the felony case load, high profile appeals and some city and justice court work.

“[Budelmann] is a very active DA but he can't be everywhere doing everything,” Valdina said. “He needs someone to get things done and that will hold up in court at any level.”

While he has handled several major appeals within the county during his nine-year career, Valdina has also been in the courtroom as a prosecutor giving him the experience he will need for both aspects of his new job.

“The thing that's unique about me is that attorneys and prosecutors tend to do just appeals or prosecution and are uncomfortable in a (different) courtroom,” Valdina said. “I have done both successfully.”

In a press release, Budelmann said Valdina has developed into an accomplished attorney, a valuable co-worker and employee.

“I am confident that Chris will continue to serve this office and the people of our county in a professional and thorough manner for years to come,” Budelmann said.

“I am honored and humbled that he would extend (the position) to me,” Valdina said.