CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Supreme Court Justice Evan Jenkins will serve as the chief justice of West Virginia’s highest court starting in January.
The court announced the designation on Friday, as well as Justice John Hutchison’s term as chief justice that will begin in January 2022.
“I am truly humbled to be chosen Chief Justice by the other members of the Court, and it will be my honor to lead the judicial branch in service to the citizens of West Virginia in the coming year,” Jenkins said in a statement.
“I will continue Chief Justice Tim Armstead’s excellent work to ensure the courts of the state remain open and accessible during this unprecedented pandemic and Justice Walker’s leadership in 2019 to champion the reforms that were so desperately needed at our state’s highest Court.”
Armstead’s term as chief justice will end on Dec. 31.
“It has been a challenging year to serve as Chief Justice,” Armstead noted. “I appreciate very much my fellow justices’ friendship and cooperation and that of our dedicated court staff as well as judges throughout the state. We have truly worked as a team. Our court system is made up of talented, resourceful and dedicated professionals who have proven they are up to the challenge.”
Jenkins joined the bench in October 2018. He previously served in the West Virginia House of Delegates, state Senate and U.S. House of Representatives.