Judge Bonnie Brigance Leadbetter will begin a five-year term as president judge of the Commonwealth Court in January, taking over from President Judge James Gardner Colins, who has held the position since 2002.

Leadbetter’s colleagues unanimously elected her to the post Dec. 12. Her term will begin Jan. 2 when Colins steps down after is wrapping up his second non consecutive term at the court’s administrative post.