Governor Kay Ivey Appoints New Judges in Cullman and Escambia Counties, Strengthening Alabama’s Judicial System

Veteran attorneys Heath Edward Meherg and Wade Leon Hartley were selected to fill key judicial vacancies in Alabama’s 32nd and 21st Judicial Circuits.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday announced two judicial appointments aimed at reinforcing the state’s court system in Cullman County and Escambia County, selecting experienced legal professionals to serve on the bench in two important judicial circuits.

The appointments place longtime attorneys Heath Edward Meherg and Wade Leon Hartley into judicial leadership roles, continuing a series of court appointments made by the governor as part of ongoing transitions within Alabama’s judiciary.

Cullman County Receives New District Judge

Governor Ivey appointed Heath Edward Meherg of Cullman to serve as District Judge for the 32nd Judicial Circuit in Cullman County. Meherg replaces J. Chad Floyd, who was elevated to the position of Cullman County Circuit Judge earlier this year.

Meherg brings nearly two decades of legal experience to the bench. His career includes service as a municipal judge, county attorney, and legal representative for local governments, businesses, and private clients.

“Heath Meherg comes to the bench with a strong legal background of nearly two decades of service, including municipal judge and county attorney, as well as representing local government and businesses in private practice,” Governor Ivey said. “He has experience in all facets of law, both criminal and civil, and will serve the people of Cullman County with the highest integrity.”

Meherg, a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham School of Law, and the University of Alabama School of Law, said he is honored by the appointment and committed to upholding the rule of law.

“I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me by Governor Ivey,” Meherg said. “This opportunity to serve the people of our state and uphold the principles of justice is a privilege that I hold in the highest regard.”

Escambia County Circuit Court Appointment

In a second appointment, Governor Ivey named Wade Leon Hartley of Brewton as Circuit Judge for Alabama’s 21st Judicial Circuit, which serves Escambia County.

Hartley succeeds Jeffrey Alan White, who retired in February after nearly 12 years of service on the Escambia County District and Circuit Court.

Hartley brings more than three decades of legal experience, including roles as tribal prosecutor, special municipal judge, indigent defense counsel in the 21st Judicial Circuit Drug Court, and public defender.

“Wade Hartley brings to the bench almost 32 years of varied legal experience, including work in public defense and municipal courts,” Governor Ivey said. “His broad knowledge of the law will serve the Court and the people of Escambia County well.”

Hartley, a graduate of Birmingham-Southern College and the University of Alabama School of Law, said he intends to serve the community with fairness and dedication.

“I am both humbled and honored to receive Governor Ivey’s appointment,” Hartley said. “I intend to serve the people of Escambia County with integrity, diligence, fairness, and a deep respect for the rule of law.”

Strengthening Alabama’s Judiciary

Judicial appointments play a key role in maintaining the stability and efficiency of Alabama’s court system. By selecting experienced attorneys to fill vacancies, state officials aim to ensure that courts continue to operate effectively while addressing both criminal and civil matters across the state.

Both appointees were officially notified of their appointments earlier this week and are expected to begin their judicial duties as the courts transition to new leadership.

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-- By James W. Thomas

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