Governor Kay Ivey has appointed Judge Ronald Smith to serve on the Madison County Circuit Court in Alabama’s 23rd Judicial Circuit, while also announcing 17 additional appointments to state boards and commissions.

Judge Smith’s appointment takes effect immediately.

In a statement, Ivey said, “Ron Smith is the right fit for the Madison County Circuit Court bringing more than two decades of successful prosecutorial and general legal practice experience capped by two years behind the bench as District Court Judge. The same high caliber of legal scholarship and judicial temperament that led me to appoint him as District Judge in 2023 make him the best choice to serve Madison County on the Circuit Court.”

Smith began his legal career in 2001 as an assistant district attorney in Madison County before moving into private practice in 2003, where he handled criminal defense, appellate work and juvenile matters. He opened his own practice in 2013 and was appointed District Judge by Ivey in 2023, later becoming Presiding District Judge in 2025.

“It has been an honor and privilege to have served as Madison County District Judge and I am deeply honored and thankful for the opportunity and the trust placed in me by Governor Kay Ivey to serve Madison County as its newest circuit judge,” Smith said.

A Birmingham native, Smith is a graduate of UAB and The University of Alabama School of Law.

In addition to the judicial appointment, Ivey selected 17 individuals for positions across several state entities.

The additional appointments span a range of state boards and commissions, including the State Board of Auctioneers, Motorsports Hall of Fame, Funeral Services Board, Department of Youth Services, State Licensing Board for General Contractors, the Home Builders Licensure Board and the Historic Ironworks Commission.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].