Ms. Shanahan is a senior member of the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, and has made her mark as one of its top litigators. She is entrusted with the most serious cases that the office handles. In addition to her courtroom duties, she has supervisory responsibilities, which include counseling assistant prosecutors and advising police agencies on charging decisions.

Ms. Shanahan has successfully tried over 50 common pleas jury trials. She has significant experience in the Court of Common Pleas, and she has successfully prosecuted the most dangerous offenders. Throughout her career, Ms. Shanahan has shown a commitment to public safety.

Ms. Shanahan is a courtroom pioneer in prosecuting child predators. In a recent case, she persuaded the court to allow closed circuit television for the live testimony of a child victim. This allowed the child to testify in a separate room so as not to be intimidated by his offender, while at the same time protecting the defendant’s constitutional rights. The jury voted to convict due to the child’s testimony.

It is this type of innovative thinking that was rewarded by the Hope in Heels Organization, a group that recognizes those who advocate for victims of crime. Ms. Shanahan was the recipient of the Peggy Caldwell Award for her professionalism, creativity, and determination in working with victims of violent crime in 2009.

Prior to her current position, Ms. Shanahan was a Butler County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. She diligently prosecuted those who violated the obscenity laws, while also protecting free speech. She successfully negotiated the closure of a business that sold pornography and obscene materials. Ms. Shanahan also prosecuted the largest child pornography case in Butler County history, as of 2003.
Ms. Shanahan serves as prosecutor for the City of Mt. Healthy. She helped improve the quality of life in that community by successfully litigating against a nuisance business which subsequently closed.

Ms. Shanahan, the youngest of eight children, grew up in the Midwest before graduating from Kent State University and the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

Ms. Shanahan frequently lectures at schools and civic groups. She volunteers with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and The American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” movement. Ms. Shanahan is a member of St. Cecilia Church in Oakley. She married St. Xavier High School graduate, Bart Cosgrove, and they reside in Cincinnati, Ohio.