To fill the vacancy created on the Lowndes County District Court by Lovell’s appointment, Governor Riley has appointed Adrian Johnson of Hope Hull as Lowndes County District Judge.

The appointments are effective January 1, 2011.

Judge Lovell has served as District Judge in Lowndes County since 1998 and has handled a caseload of 9,000 cases a year. Judge Lovell comes with unique experience for her new position on the Circuit Court from having previously served as an Assigned Circuit Judge for specific cases in Lowndes County.

"Judge Lovell brings a wealth of experience to her new position,” Governor Riley said. “I’m confident she will continue serving citizens of Lowndes County and the entire Second Judicial Circuit with distinction as their Circuit Judge."

“I appreciate Governor Riley placing his faith in me and giving me the opportunity to serve on the Circuit Court,” Lovell said. “Becoming a Circuit Judge is a tremendous honor and I am committed to working hard everyday for the people of the Second Judicial Circuit.”

Adrian Johnson is a practicing attorney in Montgomery who formerly clerked for Circuit Judge John Bush. In addition to his vast legal experience, Johnson has been heavily involved in area civic organizations, including serving as the president of the Advisory Council for the Family Service Center of Lowndes County and serving on Community Development Committee of the Black Belt Action Commission.

“I’m pleased to appoint Adrian Johnson to the bench in Lowndes County,” Governor Riley said. “Not only does Mr. Johnson have the legal experience befitting this position, he has also demonstrated a care for his community that will help make him a fine District Judge.”

Johnson thanked Governor Riley for appointing him and said he looked forward to serving the people in this new role.

“I’m honored that Governor Riley would have the confidence in me to appoint me as District Judge,” Johnson said. “I’m committed to serving the people of Lowndes County with honor and integrity.”