The outgoing Chief Justice of the Wyoming Supreme Court named his successor Thursday, according to a news release.

Chief Justice E. James Burke, whose last day in that capacity is June 30, announced Michael K. Davis will be the court's 38th chief justice beginning July 1.

Gov. Matt Mead appointed Davis to the court on Aug. 30, 2012.

Before that, Davis was a district court judge in the First Judicial District in Cheyenne.

He served in the United States Army from 1973 to 1975. He received a bachelor of arts degree, summa cum laude, from Western State College of Colorado (Gunnison), and a Juris Doctorate with Honor from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1980.

Davis practiced law with Yonkee and Toner law firm in Sheridan from 1980 to 2006. He then worked for the firm's branch office in Cheyenne from 2006 to 2008 before becoming a district court judge.

He will assume the administrative responsibilities of the Wyoming Court System. During his four year term, he will serve as the chairman of the Board of Judicial Policy, chairman of the Judicial Nominating Commission, as well as serve as the chief justice.

Davis is married to Jan and they have four adult children.

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