As two new Ohio Supreme Court justices are set to take office this week, Gov. John R. Kasich recently appointed two judges who will take their vacant seats.

He appointed Raymond C. Headen to the Eighth District Court of Appeals, replacing Melody J. Stewart, who becomes a justice Jan. 2. Headen will assume office Jan. 3, 2019, and must run in the November 2020 election to retain the seat for the remainder of the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2023.

“It’s a wonderful privilege and opportunity to serve the people of Ohio,” Headen said. “What I’ve done for the past 30 years is exactly what I will be doing as a judge, which is rendering opinions. I’m looking forward to doing a diligent job for the people of Ohio.”

Prior to his appointment, Headen served in private practice. He received his bachelor’s degree from Williams College and his law degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

Gov. Kasich also appointed Judge Wanda C. Jones to serve on the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. She will replace Judge Michael P. Donnelly, who becomes a justice on Jan. 1.

“I’m so excited I can’t even put it into words,” Jones said.

She will assume office on Jan. 7, 2019, and must run in the November 2020 election to retain the seat for the remainder of the unexpired term ending Jan. 2, 2023.

Prior to her appointment, she was a partner at Axner & Jones. She received her bachelor’s degree from Ursuline College and her law degree from Cleveland-Marshall University.