Chief Justice Mark Martin has appointed Judge P. Gwynett Hilburn as chief district court judge for Judicial District 3A (Pitt County), effective January 1, 2017. Judge Hilburn will succeed Chief Judge David Leech upon his retirement.

"Judge Hilburn will bring with her 20 years of excellent service as district court judge," said Chief Justice Martin. "I am confident she will continue to provide the strong leadership necessary for the successful administration of the district courts throughout Pitt County."

Judge Hilburn has served Judicial District 3A as a district court judge since 1996. She earned her juris doctor (J.D.) from Tulane University School of Law in 1981, and her undergraduate degree at the University of South Florida.