ATLANTA — Gov. Nathan Deal today appointed an appeals court judge to the state’s highest court
Keith R. Blackwell’s appointment to the Supreme Court of Georgia fills a vacancy left by outgoing Justice George H. Carley.
Blackwell’s appointment is effective upon his swearing in, scheduled for July 19. Carley’s resignation is effective July 17, according to Deal’s office.
“The Supreme Court will benefit from Judge Blackwell’s experience on both sides of the bench,” Deal said in a news release. “His intelligence, many years of experience and dedicated commitment to public service will serve Georgians well in his new role on our state’s highest court.”
The appointment is Deal’s first to the Supreme Court.
“I am grateful to Governor Deal for his confidence in me and for this opportunity to serve the people of Georgia as a justice of the Supreme Court,” said said in a news release. “To be appointed as a justice is a humbling experience, but that is especially so when the appointment follows after a jurist as distinguished and respected as Chief Justice George Carley. I also wish to express my gratitude to the chief justice for his many years of fine service to the people of Georgia.”
Former Gov. Sonny Perdue appointed Blackwell to the Georgia Court of Appeals in 2010.
