July 14, 2006

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the appointment of Joseph K. Sheeran as judge of the 18th Judicial Circuit Court, which serves Bay County.

"Joe's longstanding passion for the law and commitment to his community will guide him in serving Bay County with fairness and integrity," Granholm said.

Sheeran, of Essexville, served as Bay County prosecuting attorney starting in 1993 and served as city attorney for Bay City from 1985 to 1987. His professional and civic involvement includes serving as president of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan from 2001 to 2002, serving as chairperson of the Michigan Crime Victims Services Commission, serving as a board member of the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, and being a founding member of Mentor Michigan. He earned his law degree from the Detroit College of Law and graduated from the University of Notre Dame.

Mr. Sheeran replaces Judge Lawrence Bielawski who has retired. His term will expire on January 1, 2009.