THE STATE OF GEORGIA 
EXECUTIVE ORDER 
BY THE GOVERNOR: 
 
Whereas: The quality of our system of administering justice is determined by the quality of the judicial officers elected and appointed to serve within our judicial system; and 
 
Whereas : It is the responsibility and the duty of the Governor under Article VI, Section VII, Paragraph III, of the Georgia Constitution to appoint duly qualified persons to fill vacancies in the courts arising during the Governor's term of office; and 
 
Whereas : 
 
It is essential that the Governor fills judicial vacancies with men and women of the highest capacity whom by temperament, ability and integrity will freely, impartially, and independently interpret the law and administer justice; and 
 
Whereas: Judicial candidates demonstrating excellence should be drawn from a cross-section of our community, reflecting the diversity of our citizenry; and 
 
Whereas: 
 
A non-partisan, non-political judicial nominating commission composed of outstanding lawyers and laypersons in aid to the discretion reposed in the Governor, drawn from all quarters of the State and a cross-section of its diverse population best ensures the highest quality of judicial appointments. 
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BY VIRTUE OF THE POWER VESTED IN ME AS Governor of the State of Georgia, it is hereby 
 
Ordered: That there is created the Judicial Nominating Commission for the State of Georgia. The Commission shall make nominations to fill vacancies on all courts of record in the State. 
 
It is further 
 
 Ordered: 
 
That the Commission shall consist of members that have demonstrable knowledge of the judicial system and experience in the needs and operation of Georgia courts. Members who are members of the Bar shall have appropriate experience relevant with the courts as former judges, former magistrates, trial counsel, government counsel, or corporate counsel and shall be members of the State Bar of Georgia in good standing. Members who are not members of the Bar shall be familiar with the attributes that best qualify a person for appointment as a judicial officer. 
 
It is further 
 
Ordered: 
 
That the Georgia Judicial Nominating Commission shall consist of members appointed by the Governor to serve at the pleasure of the Governor. All members shall be residents of the State of Georgia. Appointments shall be made with a view toward equitable geographic representation and shall reflect the diversity of the State's citizenry. 
 
It is further 
 
Ordered: 
 
That in the event of a judicial vacancy, the Commission shall advertise the vacancy and elicit applications of qualified persons to fill the vacancy; meet and consider persons for submission as nominees according to merit and law and shall recommend to the Governor individuals which it finds qualified for each judiciary vacancy. 
 
It is further 
 
Ordered: 
 
That all written communications by the Commission or any member with any applicant or with any person or entity concerning an applicant shall be limited to Commission stationery. No law firm or law practice letterhead stationery shall be used in connection with any such communication. 
 
It is further 
 
Ordered: 
 
That the members of the State Bar of Georgia shall at all times act according to the professional and ethical standards set forth by the Bar. All members shall at all times act according to the highest professional and ethical standards. 
 
It is further 
 
Ordered: That Mark Middleton, Esq., Vincent Russo, Esq., and Shannon Wallace, Esq. are appointed as Co-Chairs of the Commission to serve at the pleasure 
 
 of the Governor. Vincent Russo shall serve as administrative co-chair and will be responsible for the record keeping and operation of the commission. It is further Ordered: That the following individuals are hereby appointed as members to the Georgia Judicial Nominating Commission: 
Vincent Russo Mark Middleton Shannon Wallace Neera Bahl Beth Beskin Michael Boggs Derek Bottoms Lance Cooper Meg Heap Robert Highsmith Andrew "Drew" Hill Anne Kaufold-Wiggins Shawn LaGrua Anh Le Quentin Marlin John Mroczko Brooke Newby Natalie Paine 
 
 Darrell Sutton 
 
Mack Taylor 
 
Trey Taylor 
 
Ryan Teague 
 
Frank Turner, Jr. 
 
Josh Waters 
 
Kathleen Wilkinson 
 
It is further 
 
Ordered: 
 
That members of the Commission shall serve without compensation, but are entitled to receive reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties for the Commission. Such reimbursement shall be expended from funds appropriated to or otherwise available from the Office of the Governor of the State of Georgia. 
 
Any inconsistent previous order is hereby rescinded. 
 
This 
 
day of February, 2019. 
 
Governor