For the first time, Fayette County and the Griffin Judicial Circuit have a black and a woman as a superior court judge.

Her name is Rhonda Kreuziger, and she lives in Fayetteville.

Governor Brian P. Kemp on July 20 announced his appointment of Judge Kreuziger to fill the Superior Court vacancy in the Griffin Judicial Circuit. Kreuziger will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Chris Edwards. The Griffin Judicial Circuit comprises Spalding, Pike, Fayette, and Upson counties.

Judge Kreuziger issued the following statement following the announcement of her appointment:

“I am deeply grateful to Governor Kemp for selecting me as his intended appointment to the Griffin Judicial Circuit Superior Court. I am also deeply grateful for broad support from attorneys, clerks, court personnel, and members of the public. 

“The paramount duty of a judge is to follow the law, ensuring the litigants are provided due process. I will always seek wisdom in applying the rule of law to render fair and impartial judgments. I look forward to continuing my public service in this important role in our judicial system.”

Rhonda Kreuziger holds her Bachelor’s degree from Northeastern State University and a law degree from the John Marshall Law School. She has served as an Associate Juvenile Court Judge since August 2020.

She previously served as Chief Judge of the City of Fayetteville Municipal Court from July 2018 to August 2020. From June 2006 to August 2020, she was a Criminal Law, Family Law, and General Civil Litigation Attorney at the Kreuziger Law Firm.

She was an Assistant District Attorney for the Griffin Judicial Circuit from September 2002 to October 2003, and again from June 2004 to June 2006.

Judge Kreuziger lives in Fayetteville.

Former Judge Edwards resigned to return to his first love, private practice and trial law cases. He is based in Griffin. Then-Chief Judge Edwards nominated Kreuziger to be considered by the Judicial Nominating Commission, which selects a short list for final choice by the governor.

“Although Rhonda’s appointment will break two historic barriers to entry upon the Superior Court bench in this Circuit, Rhonda has earned the honor on her great merit,” Edwards said in his letter, published also in The Citizen.  As a former practicing scientist, Rhonda’s analytic methodical thought is needed to help lead my Circuit into the future. Rhonda has proven in her advocacy as a trial lawyer, and as a judge, that she understands trial courts to have the duty to follow the law, not to set policy contrary to law.

“Her judicial temperament will be excellent. She has the respect of the trial bar as a skilled principled trial lawyer. Superior Court judge is not a position for on-the-job training. Her depth of jury trial experience qualifies her to immediately conduct a murder jury trial or divorce jury trial,” Edwards wrote.

Kreuziger joins the current bench of judges: W. Fletcher Sams (Fayetteville), Scott L. Ballard (Fayetteville), Ben J. Miller, Jr. (Griffin), and Benjamin D. Coker (Thomaston).