TALLAHASSEE /Florida Newswire/ -– Governor Charlie Crist today appointed Kathy L. Garner of Quincy to the Gadsden County Court. “As a lifelong resident of Quincy, Kathy brings to the bench a thorough understanding of the community she will serve,” Governor Crist said. “With more than a decade as an investigator, along with her experience as a child advocate, she has demonstrated the appropriate balance of compassion and justice needed by a judge.”

Garner, 50, has been a child support hearing officer for the 2nd Judicial Circuit since 2004 and a sole practitioner with the Garner Law Group since 2000. From 2004 to 2006 she practiced with Barnes, Garner and Rayne. Prior to completing her law degree, Garner was an investigator for the Florida Department of Transportation from 1987 to 1992, for the Florida Department of General Services from 1985 to 1987, and with the Florida Commission on Human Relations from 1981 to 1985. She earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Florida A&M University and a law degree from Florida State University College of Law.

Garner will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Stewart E. Parsons.