Utah governor appoints 1st District Court judge

Gov. Gary Herbert on Tuesday appointed Kymber D. Housley to fill a vacancy on the 1st District Court bench.

"Kymber is uniquely qualified to serve as a district court judge," Herbert said. "His keen intellect combined with his breadth of legal experiences in civil, criminal and administrative law will serve the residents of the 1st Judicial District well."

"First and foremost I am thankful for all the support I received from so many in the community of whom I admire and respect," Housley said in a news release from the governor's office. "I am honored and humbled by the Governor's appointment and I look forward to serving in this new capacity in the First District Court."

Since 1995, Housley has served the residents of Logan City in many roles, including city attorney, assistant city attorney and city prosecutor. Prior to his work in Utah, Housley was deputy district attorney and a law clerk in Contra Costa County, Calif., having earned his law degree from J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University.

In addition to his professional work, Housley has demonstrated his commitment to community by serving as Cache County bar president and a community council member of the Logan City School District, according to the news release. Recently, Housley was named by his peers as a top lawyer and presented with a 2011 Utah Legal Elite Award.

Housley's appointment is subject to confirmation by the Utah Senate.

The position on the bench was vacated by Judge Clint Judkins, who retired Feb. 1.

The 1st District covers Cache, Box Elder and Rich counties.