(Douglasville)- Chief Judge of the Juvenile Court of Douglas County, Michelle G. Harrison, was officially sworn in as President of the statewide Council of Juvenile Court Judges (CJCJ) on May 5, 2025, during a ceremony held in St. Simon’s Island, Georgia. Surrounded by family, friends, colleagues, and mentors, Judge Harrison was honored for her leadership and dedication to serve on behalf of all juvenile court judges throughout Georgia.
Judge Harrison began her tenure on the CJCJ Executive Board as Treasurer and quickly rose through the ranks. Her advancement was accelerated as fellow board members were elected to other courts, which resulted in a typical 5-year journey turning into a 3.5-year endeavor.
As President of the Council, Judge Harrison will oversee statewide initiatives, advocate for juvenile justice and child welfare reform, and lead efforts to support and unify Georgia’s juvenile court judges. Her role includes presiding over Council meetings, representing juvenile court judges in legislative matters, and ensuring best practices across the juvenile court system.
Effective June 1, 2025, Judge Harrison will serve a one-year term as President, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to improving outcomes for children and families in Georgia’s juvenile courts.
Pictured left to right: Peggy H. Walker, Senior Juvenile Court Judge; Talia J. Nurse, Associate Juvenile Court Judge; Donna Wentz, Juvenile Court Clerk; Michelle G. Harrison, Juvenile Court Judge; Steve Messinger, Retired Juvenile Court
