Governor Ron DeSantis Makes Six Judicial Appointments

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis is excited to announce six new judicial appointments highlighting a record-setting year of appointments to the bench. In 2020, Governor DeSantis appointed 61 judges bringing his total number of judicial appointments to 117.

Mary Alice “Molly” Nardella, of Winter Garden, to serve as Judge on the Fifth District Court of Appeal

Nardella has been a partner with Nardella & Nardella, PLLC since 2017. She previously served as an Associate with Rumberger, Kirk and Caldwell P.A. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and her law degree from the University of Florida College of Law. Nardella fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Justice Jamie Grosshans to the Supreme Court.

Kenneth Janesk, II, of St. Augustine, to serve as Judge on the Seventh Circuit Court

Janesk has been a prosecutor in the Seventh Circuit State Attorney’s Office since 2011. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware and his law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law. Janesk fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Patti Christensen.

Jeb Branham, of Jacksonville Beach, to serve as Judge on the Fourth Circuit Court

Branham has been the owner and president of Jeb T. Branham, P.A. since 2002. He previously served as an associate with McGuire Woods. He received his bachelor’s degree from Emory University and his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Branham fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge David Gooding.

Kevin Kohl, of Lake Wales, to serve as Judge on the Polk County Court

Kohl has been a partner with Boswell & Dunlap since 2015. He previously served as a partner with Kevin Kohl, P.A. He received his bachelor’s degree and law degree from Florida State University. Kohl fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Jennifer Swenson to the 10^th Circuit Court.

Edward Dyer, of Panama City, to serve as Judge on the Bay County Court

Dyer has been the owner of E. William Dyer Attorney at Law since 2010. He previously served as an associate with the Law Office of Russell R. Stewart. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his law degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law. Dyer fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Thomas Welch.

Brian Gnage, of Pinellas Park, to serve as Judge on the Pinellas County Court

Gnage, of Pinellas Park, has been a prosecutor in the Sixth Circuit State Attorney’s Office since 2011. He received his bachelor’s degree from Florida State University and his law degree from Stetson College of Law. Gnage fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Steve Berlin to the Sixth Circuit Court.