County circuit’s new presiding judge takes over

Photo provided by Greene County

Michael Cordonnier

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The Greene County 31st Judicial Circuit Court selected Michael Cordonnier as the next presiding judge.

The county’s five circuit judges, six associate circuit judges and six commissioners chose Cordonnier to succeed Judge Thomas Mountjoy, effective Jan. 1. Mountjoy was presiding judge 2010-18, according to a news release. Greene County spokeswoman Trysta Herzog said Mountjoy decided not to run for re-election as presiding judge.

“I am gratified for the opportunity to serve my colleagues on the Circuit Court and to continue the tradition of service to the citizens of Greene County,” Cordonnier said in the release. “We look forward to meeting the challenges that lie ahead.”

A former Lathrop Gage LLP attorney, Cordonnier was appointed to the 31st Judicial Circuit in early 2008 by then Gov. Matt Blunt. He later was elected in 2008 and retained by voters in 2012.

As presiding judge, Cordonnier will serve a two-year term that’s subject to re-election. His duties include presiding over court meetings; appointing and supervising committees of judges or commissioners; overseeing the preparation of the budget; coordinating duties and judicial assignments; and managing media and government contracts, according to the release.