Two new chief judges will take over from retiring predecessors in the new year.

Iowa Chief Justice Susan Christensen appointed District Judge Lars G. Anderson of Iowa City as the next chief judge of the 6th Judicial District and District Court Judge James M. Drew of Hampton, as next chief judge of the 2nd Judicial District. The appointments are both effective Jan. 1, 2021.

Anderson will succeed Chief Judge Patrick Grady, and Drew will succeed Chief Judge Kurt Wilke, according to news releases. Grady and Wilke will retire effective Dec. 31. Chief judges supervise all judicial officers and court employees in their districts, as well as supervising the performance of administrative and judicial business. They set the times and places of holding court, designate presiding judges and serve on the Iowa Judicial Council, which advises the Iowa Supreme Court on administrative issues that affect trial courts.

Anderson’s 6th Judicial District is located in east-central Iowa and spans six counties: Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Tama. The 6th District has 13 district judges, eight district associate judges, 17 part-time magistrates and 174 employees.

“Judge Anderson is well respected by both attorneys and his fellow judges in the 6th District,” Christensen said. “His strong commitment to our legal system and access to justice will be very helpful as the judicial branch navigates the path to provide court services to Iowans while protecting the health and safety of all court users and our staff during this terrible pandemic.”

Anderson was appointed to the bench in July 2014. He earned his law degree with distinction from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1995. Prior to the bench, he was in private practice in Iowa City from 1995 to 2014.

“It is an honor and a challenge to be selected as chief judge and have the opportunity to follow up on the great work done by Judge Patrick Grady, who has provided this district with excellent leadership during many challenging times, including economic downturns, flooding, and now a pandemic.” Anderson said. “I appreciate the trust being placed in me by Chief Justice Christensen and the members of the Iowa Supreme Court. I plan to work hard, together with all those in the Sixth Judicial District, to advance the mission of the Iowa Judicial Branch.”

Drew’s 2nd Judicial District spans 22 counties:  Boone, Bremer, Butler, Calhoun, Carroll, Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Humboldt, Marshall, Mitchell, Pocahontas, Sac, Story, Webster, Winnebago, Worth, and Wright. The 2nd District has 17 district court judges, 11 district associate court judges, five senior judges, 29 part-time magistrates and 161 employees.

“Judge Drew has the qualities and experience required of a good chief judge,” Christensen said. “His experience on the bench is especially important as the Judicial Branch is now working in new and unique ways to serve Iowans to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.  The Supreme Court is confident that Judge Drew will capably guide the administration of justice to meet the complex needs of Iowans in the 2nd Judicial District.”

Drew currently serves as assistant chief judge. He was appointed to the bench in February 1999. He earned his law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law with distinction in 1985. Prior to the bench, he was in private practice from 1986 to 1999 and was Franklin County attorney from 1988 to 1994.

“I am honored to be chosen for the position and look forward to serving the people in the 2nd Judicial District in my new role,” Drew said.