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Chief Judge Thomas Kelly RyanTOPEKA—Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss announced today the Supreme Court has appointed Judge Thomas Kelly Ryan to a two-year term as chief judge of the 10th Judicial District, effective January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019.

Ryan has served as district judge in the 10th Judicial District since 2008. He presides over a criminal docket in Johnson County.

"We are glad that Judge Ryan agreed to serve as chief judge, providing continuity in capable leadership in the 10th Judicial District," said Nuss.

“I am honored with the privilege to serve as the chief judge for the 10th Judicial District. I appreciate the confidence of the Supreme Court and my fellow judges in this appointment to serve our courts and the residents of Johnson County," Ryan said. "Our district has 23 outstanding and innovative judges, as well as state and county court employees, who all continue to excel in providing fair, equal, and prompt justice to our community. The standards of competence and excellence established under our current chief judge will serve as the guidepost for the continued progress of the Johnson County courts."

Ryan succeeds Judge Kevin Moriarty, who has served as chief judge since 2014 and will resume his docket without the additional administrative duties.

Ryan is a native Kansan. He graduated from Creighton University in 1981 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications and from Washburn University School of Law in 1985. He has served on various Supreme Court committees and currently is chair of the Judicial Council Adoption Law Advisory Committee. He also serves on the Johnson County Veterans Treatment Court and other local court committees. He will serve as president of the Johnson County Bar Association in 2018.

Each of Kansas' 31 judicial districts has a chief judge who, in addition to his or her judicial responsibilities, has general control over case assignments within the district, as well as general supervisory authority over the administrative and clerical functions of the court.

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