Aug. 5, 2024, DENVER, CO— Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez has appointed the Honorable Tarryn Johnson to serve as Chief Judge of the 15th Judicial District, which encompasses Baca, Cheyenne, Kiowa, and Prowers counties.

Judge Johnson will replace the Honorable Michael Davidson, who is stepping down after a five-year tenure as Chief Judge but will remain on the bench as a District Court Judge.

Judge Johnson was sworn in as a District Judge on December 10, 2022, after an appointment by Governor Jared Polis. Prior to her appointment as District Judge, she was a senior deputy state public defender in the La Junta Regional Office of the Office of the State Public Defender. 

“I am grateful for Chief Judge Davidson’s five years of service as chief. He acted with wisdom and integrity as he successfully navigated challenging times for the 15^th Judicial District, including the COVID pandemic,” said Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez. “I thank incoming Chief Judge Johnson for stepping into this new role.   I have great confidence in her leadership and know that she will work hard to serve southeastern Colorado rural communities through integrity and fairness in the law.”

Chief Judge Johnson will serve as the administrative head of the district, responsible for appointing the court executive, chief probation office and clerk of court, assisting in personnel, financial and case-management duties, and seeing that the business of the courts is conducted efficiently and effectively.

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