CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The United States District Court for Southern West Virginia and the state Supreme Court announced personnel changes Thursday in separate news releases.
U.S. District Thomas Johnston is the district’s new chief judge. The seven-year term began Sept. 5. Federal Judge Chuck Chambers has held the post for the past several years.
The district court also has a new clerk. Rory Perry, the longtime clerk of the West Virginia Supreme Court, will move to federal court beginning Dec. 1. Perry, a Huntington native, has been in his current position for the past 17 years.
A vacancy opened up in federal court with the recent retirement of Clerk Teresa Deppner.
The state Supreme Court later Thursday announced Deputy Clerk Eydie Gaiser, a Wheeling Jesuit University graduate, would replace Perry as clerk beginning Nov. 1.
“Rory has not only been a friend to our entire Court family, but through his leadership, our Clerk’s Office has operated smoothly and efficiently for many years. Rory will undoubtedly serve the federal court with the same integrity and work ethic that he has provided to this Court. I will miss him both personally and professionally,” WV Supreme Court Chief Justice Allen Loughry said in a news release.
Loughry said he expects a seamless transition.
“Eydie Gaiser has served the Court for many years as Deputy Court Clerk, working side by side with Rory. We are fortunate that she is able to bring forward that experience as she assumes the role of Clerk of Court,” he said.