Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced several judicial appointments to fill vacancies in Georgia’s Superior and State Courts. The appointments include Steven Blackerby to the Superior Court of the Brunswick Judicial Circuit, Kristi Goodwin Connell to the Superior Court of the Augusta Judicial Circuit, James “Jim” Kiger to the Superior Court of the Douglas Judicial Circuit, Patrick M. Shepherd to the State Court of Spalding County, and Pamela “Pam” Bettis to the State Court of Henry County.
Steven Blackerby is a partner at Brown Readdick in Brunswick and has practiced law for over 20 years. His work includes representing local governments and their employees on issues such as zoning, property, contracts, and employment. He also serves as City Attorney for St. Mary’s and Kingsland, as well as County Attorney for Brantley County. In addition to his civil practice, Blackerby represents indigent defendants in federal court.
Kristi Goodwin Connell currently works as an assistant district attorney for the Columbia Judicial Circuit. She has more than 25 years of legal experience in Augusta and previously worked at Connell Law Firm with a focus on civil, domestic, and criminal defense cases.
James “Jim” Kiger serves as chief assistant public defender in Douglas County and has been practicing law there for over 28 years. Before this role, he worked at a general trial firm in Valdosta.
Patrick M. Shepherd is Solicitor General of Spalding County where he prosecutes misdemeanor cases. Prior to this position, he was a partner at Shepherd Law Offices and served as assistant solicitor in Spalding County from 2016 through 2018.
Pamela “Pam” Bettis is Solicitor General of Henry County. She began her career with law enforcement roles before starting her legal career as Assistant Solicitor General with Henry County Solicitor’s Office in 2005.
The Office of the Governor directs Georgia’s executive branch functions from Atlanta and operates out of the Governor’s Mansion—a Greek Revival residence built in 1967 that hosts official events and features Federal period art (https://gov.georgia.gov/). The office also promotes international economic development through representation offices such as one established in Japan (https://gov.georgia.gov/).
According to information available on its official website, Georgia’s State Executive leads state government operations within its executive branch from Atlanta at facilities including the Governor’s Mansion.
