Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant has selected Chancery Judge Dawn Beam for the state Supreme Court, replacing Justice Randy Pierce who will be stepping down from office on January 31, 2016.
The Clarion Ledger has reported that Judge Dawn Beam, who comes from Sumrall, will hold the position temporarily when she assumes office on February 15, 2016 to complete the rest of Judge Pierce's eight-year term which will end in November of the same year. Elections will then be held to find the new judge, although this appointment is said to have given Judge Beam an advantage over other nominees. Judge Pierce is resigning from his post at the Mississippi Supreme Court because he has accepted a position as the director of the Judicial College in the University of Mississippi.
In announcing his appointment of Judge Beam, Governor Bryant cited her "valuable" work and experience as a Chancery Judge, prosecutor, and private practice as strengths she could leverage on in her new position, according to an article from WMC Action News 5. Of particular importance are her accomplishments during her time in the Department of Human Services and other social work activities that saw her protecting the rights of children who had suffered emotional and physical abuse.
MS News Now gave a report which elaborates on Judge Beam's credentials: Mississippi Chancery Judge holding court over cases in counties like Forrest, Lamar, Marion, and Pearl River, 2010 up to the present; Lamar County prosecutor, 2007-2010; Child Support Attorney, Mississippi Department of Human Services, 1989-1994; and private practice for 16 years prior to serving as prosecutor.
In her acceptance of her appointment, Judge Beam said she was looking forward to serving the state, and feels "honored and humbled" by her new position.
Judge Dawn Beam has been married to Dr. Stephen Beam and is the mother of their five children.
