Jason Deal has been named the new chief judge for the Northeastern Judicial Circuit (NEJC), officials announced Tuesday in a news release. The circuit’s superior court judges unanimously chose Deal for the position, effective immediately.
Deal has served as a superior court judge since 2005. He succeeds Kathlene Gosselin, who announced her plans to retire at the end of the year.
Previously, Deal served as the assistant district attorney and, later, DA for the NEJC. He also served as a Hall County magistrate judge and currently presides over Hall County’s Drug Court and the Dawson County Treatment Court.
Deal is a graduate of the University of Georgia and Furman University and has served in the U.S. Army.
“I’m grateful for the confidence of my fellow judges and appreciate the opportunity to continue the strong legacy of leadership provided by Judge Gosselin, Judge Andrew Fuller, and Judge Richard Story,” Deal said in a statement. “We’re a strong circuit, with Superior Court judges who act with thoughtfulness and unity, and we’ve never been busier.”
The chief judge oversees court operations, facilities, personnel, and other administrative matters. Judge Gosselin has held the position since July 2018.
The NEJC is comprised of five superior court judges who serve Dawson and Hall counties.
