A woman from Shelby County was appointed as an Iowa Supreme Court Justice, Wednesday. Governor Kim Reynolds announced Susan A. Christensen, District 4 Court Judge from Harlan, was her selection out of three nominee finalists. During a press conference Wednesday afternoon, the Governor said in making her selection, she received numerous input from Iowans. Christensen was selected because has devoted her professional career to public service. Reynolds said “She has served as a prosecutor, a juvenile court judge, and most recently, a District Court Judge. She’s passionate about improving the judicial system, serving on multiple Supreme Court Committees to improve juvenile justice. (Listen to full audio here: https://www.radioiowa.com/2018/08/01/reynolds-appoints-female-judge-from-harlan-to-iowa-supreme-court/)

She said Iowans have told her Christensen is “The most prepared and passionate person in the courtroom. She’s dogged in pursuing excellence. She’s more than just a sharp legal mind, she has an incredible heart.” Reynolds pointed out that Christensen didn’t take a typical path into the court system: “She attended law school later than most, working for years as a legal secretary to support her family, and her schooling, and she understands the challenges of everyday Iowans.”

Judge Christensen (left) and IA Gov. Kim Reynolds during Wednesday’s announcement (Radio Iowa photo)

“She’s a mother of five and a grandmother of four…and will be the only justice to work outside one of our metro areas. And with her appointment, there will once again be a woman’s voice on the Iowa Supreme Court,” said Reynolds.The last women to serve on the Iowa Supreme Court, was Linda K. Neuman, who served from 1986-2003, and Marsha K. Ternus, from 1993 to 2010.

In her statement, Christensen said “I am honored and humbled to be appointed to the Iowa Supreme Court by Iowa’s first female Governor. Today marks an important day in my life, as well as my professional journey.” Christensen has a family connection to the court. Her late father, Jerry Larson, served on the Iowa Supreme Court for 30 years — longer than any other justice in state history. Larson died this past April. Jeffrey Larson of Harlan, his son and the brother of the new Iowa Supreme Court justice, is also a district court judge.

Christensen’s mother and kids were in attendance for the announcement. She thanked her family for their support and encouragement. Current Iowa Supreme Court Justice Mark Cady said in a statement after the appointment was announced, “I am very pleased to welcome our new colleague, Judge Susan Christensen, to the supreme court. She is extremely well qualified and is a fine jurist. I look forward to serving with her and to having her vision and experience become a part of our state’s highest court. I want to thank the members of the Judicial Nominating Commission for nominating three outstanding candidates and Governor Reynolds for appointing Judge Christensen to the Iowa Supreme Court.”