Jerry Harmison has been selected to replace the retiring Michael Cordonnier as Presiding Judge of the 31st Circuit.
On March 22, Cordonnier called a Special Session for the 31st Circuit en Banc, with the intent for the court to elect his replacement. Harmison's term began at noon on March 24. He will serve out the remainder of Cordonnier’s term, then begin a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2024.
Harmison was first appointed to the 31st Circuit by former Gov. Eric Greitens in 2017 as an associate circuit court judge, and was eventually appointed by current Gov. Mike Parson as a circuit judge in September 2022.
Harmison studied at the University of Central Missouri before getting his Juris Doctor from Drake University in 1987.
Harmison has previously served on, or continues to serve on numerous local boards, including at Springfield Public Schools, Care to Learn, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Ozarks Technical Community College, and the Springfield-Branson National Airport.