MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Governor Kay Ivey on Tuesday announced 15 appointments to boards, commissions and judicial positions across Alabama, including the appointment of two judges in Mobile County’s 13th Judicial Circuit.
Deborah McGowin was appointed to serve as a district judge in Mobile County, filling the vacancy left by District Judge Deborah Tillman. Theresa Williamson was appointed as a circuit judge, succeeding Circuit Judge Michael Sherman.
McGowin, a graduate of The University of Alabama and The University of Alabama School of Law, brings more than 30 years of legal experience, including private practice and service as Acting Municipal Judge and Director of Courts for the City of Mobile.
“Deborah McGowin offers a broad range of legal experience spanning more than three decades including private practice and service as Acting Municipal Judge and Director of Courts for the City of Mobile,” Ivey said. “She is well versed in the law and our legal system, and I am confident she will serve the people of Mobile County well as district judge.”
McGowin said she was honored by the appointment.
“I am deeply honored and grateful to Governor Ivey for the trust and confidence placed in me through this appointment to serve as District Judge,” McGowin said. “As a judge, I will approach this responsibility with humility, integrity, preparation, and impartiality. I look forward to serving the citizens of Mobile County and working each day to maintain the public’s trust and confidence in our judicial system.”
Williamson, a graduate of The University of Alabama Huntsville and Birmingham School of Law, has more than 25 years of legal experience. She has served as an attorney, assistant prosecutor for several Mobile County municipalities, a special sitting judge for the Mobile District Court and a special master for the Mobile Circuit Court.
“Theresa Williamson is an experienced legal professional who for more than 25 years has advocated for the rule of law in the courtroom as an attorney and served as Assistant Prosecutor for several Mobile County cities and held positions of Special sitting judge for the District Court of Mobile and Special Master for the Mobile Circuit Court,” Ivey said. “She possesses the knowledge and judicial temperament to make her well qualified to assume the bench.”
Williamson said she intends to serve Mobile County families fairly and impartially.
“I am humbled and honored by the confidence Governor Ivey has shown in me,” Williamson said. “The responsibilities of a Domestic Relations Judge are not to be taken lightly. Their decisions carry a great weight and impact families on a daily basis. It is my goal to remain impartial and protect the rights of the parents and children that come through my court.”
In addition to the judicial appointments, Ivey announced appointments to several state boards and commissions, including the Board of Rehabilitation Services, State Board of Optometry, Alabama Music Hall of Fame Board, Alabama Supercomputer Authority Board of Directors, Innovate Alabama Board, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board, STEM Council, and county commission vacancies in Coosa and Marshall counties.
Other appointments announced by Governor Ivey include:
- Jessie Bailey, Board of Rehabilitation Services
- Dr. Stephanie Bedsole, State Board of Optometry
- Alexandra Cary, Residential Building Code Advisory Council
- Bill Black, Alabama Music Hall of Fame Board
- Dr. Robert Howard, Alabama Supercomputer Authority Board of Directors
- Danny Windham, Innovate Alabama Board
- Chief Richard Lindsey, Board of Commissioners of the Firefighters Annuity and Benefit Fund
- Rep. Joe Lovvorn, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board
- Jessica Wilson, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board
- Dr. Dallas Rabig, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board
- Rep. Terri Collins, STEM Council Chair
- Matthew Reams, Coosa County Commission District 4
- Charles Whisenant, Marshall County Commission District 1
The governor’s office said all appointees were notified of their appointments last week.