(KAIR)--A district judge vacancy has been filled in the 1st Judicial District, comprised of Atchison and Leavenworth Counties.

Governor Laura Kelly on Wednesday appointed Joan Lowdon to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Michael Gibbens. 

Lowden, of Bonner Springs, has been serving as deputy Leavenworth County Attorney since 2017. Prior to that, she served as Assistant Leavenworth County Attorney from 2011 to 2017.

In making the appointment, Kelly said “throughout her career and during the interview process, Lowden proved that she is not only ready to take on the responsibility of a district judge, but that she has the best interests of her community at heart.”

Lowden was selected from among three nominees. The other two nominees included Leavenworth area private practice attorney's Keyta Kelly and Michael Jones.