GA Supreme Court Elects Next Chief Justice

ATLANTA, GA — The Georgia Supreme Court has chosen its newest leader, the successor to Chief Justice Michael P. Boggs who will resign on March 31.

The Supreme Court said Presiding Justice Nels S.D. Peterson will fill the chief role on April 1. Boggs submitted his resignation on Tuesday to Gov. Brian Kemp, noting his plan to return to South Georgia to fulfill obligations.

As chief justice, Peterson will oversee Georgia's judicial branch and will preside over oral arguments and case deliberations. Also during his four-year term, Peterson will be the Supreme Court's spokesperson and chair the Judicial Council of Georgia.

In Peterson's absence, Justice Sarah Hawkins, who will assume the role of presiding justice, will lead the Supreme Court. Hawkins will also be the Judicial Council's vice chair.

Peterson first joined the Supreme Court by appointment in 2016 before being elected to to terms in 2018 and 2024, according to his biography.

He has previously served on the Georgia Court of Appeals, was Georgia's first solicitor general in the Office of Attorney General and was the general counsel for the University System of Georgia. Other past roles included being the executive counsel to the governor.

Peterson lives with his family in Cobb County, according to his biography.