Kansas District Judges Association elects 2022–2023 officers

TOPEKA—The Kansas District Judges Association, an organization open to all state district court judges, has elected officers to serve the organization in the coming year. 

Judge Thomas Kelly Ryan was elected president. He is a district judge in the 10th Judicial District, which is Johnson County.

“I am truly honored to accept the nomination to serve as president of the Kansas District Judges Association,” Ryan said. "We serve all district courts throughout the state to provide quality service and access to justice for everyone who utilizes our judicial system. I am proud of our continuing efforts to advocate for adequate pay for all court personnel and judges. KDJA continues its efforts in helping our colleagues work for the fair and impartial administration of justice." 

Ryan has served as district judge in the 10th Judicial District since 2008. He was chief judge from 2018 to 2021. He is a native Kansan and graduated from Creighton University and Washburn University School of Law. 

Ryan succeeds Chief Judge Kim Cudney as president. Cudney serves in the 12th Judicial District, composed of Cloud, Jewell, Lincoln, Mitchell, Republic, and Washington counties. 

Other officers elected are: 

• Judge Brenda Cameron, president-elect. She also serves in the 10th Judicial District.  

• Judge Brad Ambrosier, secretary. He serves in the 26th Judicial District, composed of Grant, Haskell, Morton, Seward, Stanton, and Stevens counties.

• Judge Cheryl Rios, treasurer. She serves in the 3rd Judicial District, which is Shawnee County.  

Members elected the new officers during a conference for judges in October.