Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced today the appointment of Jerry Larson to Akron, OH Municipal Court. Larson, who is openly gay, will fill the seat vacated by Judge Linda Kersker, who passed away July 2.

Larson has served as Chief Assistant City Prosecutor for the City of Akron Law Department since 2008. He has also served as an active member of the Child and Family Leadership Exchange and as a member of the steering committee of the Gay Community Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation. Larson’s name was one of six recommended to the Governor by the Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendations Panel last February regarding vacancies on the Court.

“I look forward to using my knowledge, training, and experience in the Akron Municipal Court to build upon the sound legal foundation that Judge Kersker was able to establish in her brief time as judge in the Akron Municipal Court,” said Larson on his appointment.

Larson is to take the bench August 10, but must run in the November judicial election in order to retain his seat.

For a full list of out elected and appointed leaders in the U.S., go to the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute’s interactive map.