Governor Jay Nixon today appointed the Honorable Margaret Holden as Associate Judge of the 31st Judicial Circuit. Judge Holden will be the first woman to serve in that role in Greene County.( Governor's Media Release)

This position was formerly held by the Honorable Jason Brown and was vacated when he became Circuit Judge. Holden was one of three applicants submitted to the Governor for consideration by the 31st Circuit Judicial Commission under the Missouri Nonpartisan Court Plan. The nonpartisan court plan was adopted by Greene County voters in 2008 and is attributed with resulting in a more diverse bench.

“Today Judge Nixon made history, appointing Judge Margaret Holden,  delivering on the promise that the Missouri Plan, touted to increase diversity on the bench, is fulfilling that promise in our community.” said SMBA Executive Director Crista Hogan.