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Gov. Ted Strickland today announced the appointments of Glenda Smith to the Butler County Area III Court and Kathleen Romans to the Butler County Juvenile Court.
Smith, 47, of Fairfield Township, fills a seat on the Area III Court that was vacated due to the resignation of Judge Robert Hendrickson on Aug. 15. She will begin Sept. 6.
Smith has maintained a private practice in Fairfield Township since 2001 and has presided as a hearing examiner for the Bureau of Motor Vehicles since 2007. She represented law enforcement officers as a deputy attorney general in Indiana from 1992-1993, and protected the interest of vulnerable citizens as a guardian ad litem in the Hamilton County Public Defender’s Office from 1999-2001.
Smith has also taught a variety of law-related courses as an adjunct professor at both Cincinnati State Technical and Community College and Columbus State Community College. Smith received her bachelor’s, master’s and law degrees from Indiana University.
“In her years as a public servant and attorney, Glenda has exemplified hard work, legal expertise, and commitment to her community. She also brings a diversity of experience to the bench that will make her an outstanding judge,” Gov. Strickland said.
“I am humbled by Governor Strickland’s appointment and assure that I will serve the court and community with high standards,” Smith said.
Romans, 59, of Middletown, will assume the duties as juvenile court judge on Sept. 6. She replaces Judge David Niehaus, who died on Aug. 1.
Romans was appointed by the late Judge Niehaus as magistrate of the juvenile court in 2003, and continues her service in that court. Romans also has maintained a private general law practice since 1983. Before becoming a juvenile magistrate, Romans was a supervising assistant prosecuting attorney in juvenile court for more than 18 years (1983-2001).
Among her community activities, Romans served on the Middletown Regional Hospital Foundation Board from 1994-2003 and chaired the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund Board of Butler County from 1994-1998. She is active in the legal community as both an attorney and magistrate, dedicating much time to working on issues of domestic violence, child assault and abuse of children.
Romans received her bachelor’s degree from Miami University in 1973 and her law degree from University of Dayton School of Law in 1983.
“Kathleen has served Butler County for more than two decades as a respected attorney dedicated to protecting Butler County families and children,” Strickland said. “Kathleen is ready to assume the important responsibilities of a juvenile judge.”
“As a long-term resident of Butler County, I am deeply honored by this appointment and I look forward to continuing my service to my community in this role,” Smith said.
A high resolution photo of Smith is available at the following link: http://www.governor.ohio.gov/News/Photos/GlendaSmith/tabid/826/Default.aspx
A high resolution photo of Romans is available at the following link: http://www.governor.ohio.gov/News/Photos/KathleenRomans/tabid/825/Default.aspx