15 February 2023

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The 31st Circuit Judicial Commission conducted one day of public hearings, interviewed 12 applicants, and selected a panel of three nominees for the position of associate circuit judge of the 31st Judicial Circuit (Greene County), created by the appointment of the Honorable T. Todd Myers to the position of circuit judge. The nominees are:

Steven E. Kellogg, a public defender; 

Josephine “Jody” Larison Stockard, an assistant United States attorney; and

Ann Mills, an attorney with Courtney & Mills law firm.

The commission believes these three candidates, chosen from a field of extremely qualified individuals, possess those qualities essential to the fair and efficient administration of justice. The commission is confident all of these individuals are capable of serving well and honorably if selected by the governor. Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 10.20, the commission notes the final votes received by each nominee after two hours of deliberation were: Kellogg received four votes, Larison Stockard received five votes, and Mills received three votes.

The commission has submitted the panel to Governor Michael Parson, who will have 60 days to appoint one of the nominees as associate circuit judge.

The commission is chaired by Chief Judge Jack Goodman of the Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District, and is composed of attorneys Deborah Dodge and Kurt Larson, and lay members Kim Hancock and Dr. Fred McQueary.

Note: Links to the nominees' applications typically are disabled after the governor makes his selection.

Contact: Craig Street, clerk of the court

Missouri Court of Appeals, Southern District 

(417) 895-6811