The newly organized Georgia Judicial Nominating Commission sent Gov. Brian Kemp shortlists Thursday for judicial openings in three circuits.

Nominees are now on the governor's desk to fill vacancies in the Coweta, Macon and Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit Superior Courts. They could become some of the governor's first judicial appointments since taking office in January.

The Coweta Judicial Circuit vacancy was created by the resignation of Judge Jack Kirby. Kirby retired at the end of January after a 40-year legal career. He was appointed to the Superior Court in 2006.