On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, the Green Bay Press-Gazette reported that Brown County Circuit Court Judge Kendall M. Kelley will resign from his position effective August 2. According to an announcement from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, Kelley is stepping down from Branch 4 of the Brown County Circuit Court halfway through his six-year term.
Judge Kelley has served over 20 years as a Brown County circuit court judge. He was first appointed to the bench in 2002 by then-Governor Scott McCallum. Kelley was later elected to the position in 2003 and was subsequently re-elected in 2009, 2015, and 2021. In his most recent election, Kelley defeated Green Bay city attorney Rachel Maes to retain his seat.
In addition to his work on the bench, Kelley co-founded the Northeast Wisconsin Veteran’s Treatment Court, a specialized court program that provides judicial supervision and treatment to eligible veterans to help prevent future legal issues.
Governor Evers’ office released Kelley’s effective resignation date and opened applications to fulfill the remainder of his term, which expires in January 2025. Interested candidates have until July 31st at 5:00 PM to submit an application for the position. No reason was provided for Judge Kelley’s resignation.
The abbreviated open application period suggests Governor Evers intends to appoint someone quickly to fill the vacancy and complete the term on Branch 4 of the Brown County Circuit Court left by Judge Kendall Kelley’s impending August 2nd departure.
Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette
