Circuit Judge Ken Deihl of Macoupin County has been appointed the new Chief Judge for the Seventh Judicial Circuit by a vote of the Seventh Circuit judges. The Circuit is comprised of Sangamon, Macoupin, Morgan, Scott, Greene, and Jersey counties.

Deihl will be replacing Judge Leslie Graves, whose current term as Chief Judge is expiring. The appointment is effective December 1, 2014.

As Chief Judge, Deihl will serve as administrative head of the Seventh Judicial Circuit. His responsibilities will include supervising the personnel, financial, and case management duties of the circuit and seeing the business of the courts in each of the circuit's counties is conducted efficiently ane effectively. He will also serve on the Conference of Chief Circuit Judges, which meets regularly to discuss issues related to the administration of justice in the circuit courts and other matters referred to the Conference by the Supreme Court. Judge Deihl will continue to preside over cases in Macoupin County.