Chief Justice Mark Martin has appointed Judge John Greenlee as chief district court judge for Judicial District 27A (Gaston County), effective November 24, 2015. Judge Greenlee will succeed Judge Ralph Gingles Jr.

"Judge Greenlee has served with distinction as district court judge," Chief Justice Martin said. "I am confident that under his leadership the district courts of Gaston County will operate with efficiency and fairness to ensure the proper administration of justice in our courts."

Judge Greenlee has served Gaston County as a district court judge since 2000, an assistant district attorney from 1997 to 2000, and an assistant public defender from 1993 to 1997. He earned his juris doctor (J.D.) from Capital University Law School in 1993.