New judge announced

The Sixth Judicial District officially has a fourth judge.

Governor Mark Gordon announced last week that he has appointed Mike McGrady to fill the newly created role for the district that covers Crook, Campbell and Weston counties.

A bill passed by the Wyoming Legislature earlier this year increased the number of judges in the district from three to four and appropriated $1.24 million to fund the additional judge for the first two years, beginning on July 1.

It also authorized three full-time positions for the personnel necessary to staff and support the new judge.

SF-53 sailed through the legislature with very little resistance and was signed into law by Governor Mark Gordon on March 15.

Three nominees for the new position were submitted to the governor by the Judicial Nominating Commission in May: Alison Ochs Gee of Gillette, McGrady of Green River and Ronald E. Wirthwein Jr. of Gillette.

Last week, Gordon announced that he had selected McGrady for the appointment.

“I want to thank the Governor for his confidence and support in this appointment,” McGrady said in a press release. “I look forward to serving the public in the Sixth Judicial District and moving my wife and kids closer to my wife’s family in Gillette.”

McGrady has been Vice President of Human Resources & Environmental, Health and Safety for Sisecam Wyoming, LLC in Green River since 2022.

Previous to that time, he was the Vice President of Regulatory and Legal Affairs for Ciner Resources in Green River. He has also served as Deputy Attorney General in the Torts Division of the Wyoming Attorney General’s Office and as Natural Resources Section Supervisor and Senior Assistant Attorney General.

McGrady was the senior policy advisor and state planning officer for Governor Matt Mead between 2016 and 2018. He possesses a bachelor’s and Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Wyoming 

“This was a particularly difficult choice with three exceptionally qualified candidates,” Governor Gordon said in a press release.

“Mike is an accomplished attorney who has demonstrated excellent analytical skills and a strong legal mind. These qualities make him well-prepared to serve as a District Court judge.” 

McGrady’s appointment is effective July 18.