Rene Young will become chief judge of the 28th judicial district for a two-year period that starts January 1, 2015.

Chief Justice Lawton R. Nuss made the announcement Monday.

“Judge Young is well-respected by court employees and by her fellow judges in her district,” Nuss said. “She and I were lawyers in Salina during the same timeframe, so I have known her personally for more than 25 years. I look forward to Chief Judge Young’s leadership in Saline and Ottawa counties and in the Kansas judicial branch of state government.”

Young will succeed Chief Judge Jerome Hellmer, who will retire January 12, 2015, after 18 years on the bench.

“It is my honor and privilege to serve as chief judge of the 28th judicial district,” Young said. “I look forward to serving the people of my district, my fellow judges, and court employees in this new capacity.”

Young has been a Saline County District Court judge since 2006. She has presided over criminal, civil, and domestic cases.

Before becoming a judge, Young practiced law in Salina for 20 years. She is a graduate of Washburn University School of Law.

Prior to attending law school, Young worked as a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at Asbury Hospital.

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Story from Lisa Taylor /Kansas Supreme Court Public Information Director