Gov. Laura Kelly announced Friday that she has appointed Carl Folsom III and Catherine Theisen, both alumni of KU Law, as Douglas County District Court’s next judges.
Folsom is an assistant federal public defender for the District of Kansas. He is active in the community as president of the Judge Hugh Means American Inn of Court and on the board of directors for Just Food, according to a news release from the governor’s office.
“I am honored and thankful for the opportunity to serve my community as a district judge,” Folsom said in the release. “In this position, I will strive for a commitment to procedural fairness, to ensure a transparent process where all participants are treated fairly, evenly, and with dignity and respect.”
Theisen is a member at Barber Emerson LC. She is vice president of the Judge Hugh Means American Inn of Court, a member of the Douglas County Bench-Bar Committee, and a board member for the Heart of America Professional Network Inc., according to the release.
“It is an honor to be selected to serve Douglas County in this important role,” Theisen said in the release. “I am committed to applying the law fairly and impartially, and to treating everyone who comes before the court with respect.”
The two were among five nominees the Seventh Judicial District nominating commission forwarded to the governor for consideration. The other three candidates were Jessica Glendening, Blake Glover, and Paul Klepper.
“Carl and Catherine bring vast legal knowledge and a broad range of expertise, and I am confident they will serve with fairness, integrity, and dedication,” Kelly said in the release.
The first district judge position was the one created by Judge Kay Huff’s retirement in July. The second is a new position, which will give Douglas County seven district court divisions.
After serving one year in office, new judges must stand for retention votes in the next general election. If they are retained, they will serve four-year terms before facing another retention vote.
Note: Photo updated at 4:27 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28
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