A magistrate from the Stark County Common Pleas Court rises into a new role this week after Judge Rosemarie A. Hall retired on Sept. 30.

Beverly P. Proctor-Donald served as a magistrate in the juvenile and domestic relations divisions, together known as the Stark County Family Court. She was appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to serve the remainder of Judge Hall’s unfinished term. To retain the seat, Judge Proctor-Donald must run for election in November 2028.

“It has been an enriching experience working as a magistrate in the Stark County Family Court over the last three years, and I am excited and honored to begin my new role serving the people of Stark County as a judge in the same court,” said Judge Proctor-Donald.

Judge Proctor-Donald began her legal career in 1993 as a legal administrative assistant at Hammon & Kazaglis. In 1994, she joined Roetzel & Andress as a law clerk. Judge Proctor-Donald went on to clerk in the trial division at Nationwide Insurance in 1996 before becoming a property damage and bodily injury adjuster later that year.

In 2001, she became a partner at Proctor-Donald & Olesky, where she worked until opening her own private practice in 2005. She practiced there for 22 years.

“I have spent the last 25 years of my legal career working with families, and over this time I have grown to understand and appreciate the importance of having knowledgeable, impartial, and compassionate hearing officers on the bench who are dedicated to administering justice with integrity,” said the judge. “I am dedicated to providing these critical characteristics as I begin my work, and I look forward to joining the court in our continuing mission to promote a safe and healthy community by protecting and supporting children and families.”

Judge Proctor-Donald was a 1990 graduate of Memphis State University with a degree in communications. She earned her juris doctor in 1996 from the University of Akron School of Law. She hopes to inspire young people to pursue careers in law during her time on the bench.