LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Assistant State’s Attorney Zachary Varda of St. Mary’s County has been named the 2025 Victoria F. Gelfman Legal Excellence Award winner, State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling announced on June 30, 2025. The award, presented annually by the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association, recognizes a prosecutor who exemplifies public service, legal integrity, and community commitment.
Varda, sworn in as a prosecutor in January 2023, serves in the Special Victims Unit of the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office. His work focuses on prosecuting cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and animal cruelty. “Zachary brings both integrity and humility to every decision he makes,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “His relentless preparation and excellent courtroom presentations highlight his deep legal knowledge and commitment to justice.”
The Victoria F. Gelfman Legal Excellence Award honors the legacy of Victoria “Vickie” Gelfman, a Howard County prosecutor who served from 2010 to 2014. Gelfman, who died at 31 after battling leukemia, was known for her passion and dedication to the legal profession. The award is presented each year at the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association’s Summer Conference to a rising star prosecutor who reflects Gelfman’s values.
Beyond his courtroom duties, Varda contributes to the community through regular volunteer work at local events and active participation in multidisciplinary teams addressing domestic violence and sexual assault. “Zachary gives freely of his time and energy to advance justice, support the criminal justice field, and improve our community,” Sterling added. “He lives the values of this award, and I believe he is precisely the kind of public servant Vickie would have been proud to stand beside.”
The St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office expressed appreciation to the Gelfman family and the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association for sustaining Gelfman’s legacy through the award. The office highlighted Varda’s alignment with the principles of excellence and compassion that defined Gelfman’s career.
Varda’s selection underscores his role as a prosecutor dedicated to upholding justice while serving the public. His work in the Special Victims Unit involves navigating complex and sensitive cases, requiring both legal acumen and empathy for victims. The unit handles cases that often involve vulnerable individuals, and prosecutors like Varda are tasked with ensuring accountability while supporting community safety.
The Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association, established to foster collaboration among prosecutors across the state, uses the Gelfman Award to highlight individuals who demonstrate exceptional promise in the field. The annual Summer Conference, where the award is presented, serves as a platform for recognizing contributions to Maryland’s criminal justice system.
Gelfman’s impact on Howard County during her tenure left a lasting impression on colleagues and the community. Her commitment to public service set a standard for prosecutors, and the award named in her honor ensures her values continue to inspire future generations of legal professionals. The St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office noted that Varda’s recognition reflects his embodiment of these ideals.
The selection process for the Gelfman Award involves evaluating nominees based on their professional achievements, community involvement, and adherence to ethical standards. Varda’s contributions, both in and out of the courtroom, positioned him as a standout candidate for the 2025 award.