Ahead of the new year, Gov. Brian Kemp has reconstituted the Judicial Nominating Commission for the State of Georgia.

In an executive order issued Friday, Kemp named new leadership who'll oversee the 38-member judicial watchdog agency.

Updated Roster

(l-r) Vincent Russo of Robbins Alloy Belinfante Littlefield, Mark Middleton of Gilbert, Harrell, Sumerford & Martin and Justice Shawn LaGrua, Supreme Court of Georgia. Courtesy photos

Members of the JNC play an important role. They screen candidates hoping to rise to the bench via gubernatorial appointment. The JNC reviews the applications and conducts interviews before recommending to the governor a shortlist of candidates to fill judicial vacancies within the state, superior and appellate courts. The governor has the final say on judicial appointments.