(From left): Alfonso J. "Jess" Gonzalez, Judge JP Morgan, and Gina Russo.

(From left): Alfonso J. "Jess" Gonzalez, Judge JP Morgan, and Gina Russo.

Gov. Mike DeWine recently appointed three judges to fill seats left open after the November election.

The governor appointed Alfonso J. “Jess” Gonzalez to serve on the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas. He’s replacing Judge Gene A. Zmuda, who was elected to the Sixth District Court of Appeals.

“It means a lot, especially coming from a blue-collar family,” Gonzalez said. “My parents are ecstatic. I’m overwhelmed with it. I had a moment of euphoria after getting the appointment. I’m happy, it means a lot to my family. By last count, I don’t think there are many Latino judges in Ohio so it means a lot for my culture.”

He will assume office March 18 and must run in the November 2020 election to retain the seat for the remainder of the unexpired term ending Jan. 3, 2023. Prior to his appointment, he was a magistrate for the Lucas County Court of Common Pleas, where he also served as a staff attorney and law clerk.

He received his bachelor’s and master’s from Bowling Green State University and his law degree from the University of Toledo.

Governor DeWine also appointed JP Morgan to serve as a judge on the Mahoning County Court. He is replacing Judge David A. D’Apolito, who was elected to the Seventh District Court of Appeals.

“I am honored and humbled to be the one that was selected by Governor DeWine,” Judge Morgan said. “I was very impressed with how thorough the governor and his committee were in the interview process.”

He will assume office today and must run in the November 2020 election to retain the seat for the remainder of the unexpired term ending Dec. 31, 2022. Prior to his appointment, he was an attorney in private practice in Warren. He also has nine years of experience representing clients in need on behalf of the Ohio Public Defenders Office.

He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron and his law degree from Ohio Northern University.

Gov. DeWine also appointed Gina Russo to serve as a judge on the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. She replaces Judge Laurel Beatty Blunt, who was elected to the Tenth District Court of Appeals.

“I was very honored and blessed to receive the appointment,” Russo said. “I am looking forward to serving the citizens of Franklin County.”

Prior to her appointment, she was an assistant prosecuting attorney for the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office.

She received her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and her law degree from Wake Forest University.