JACKSON, MS - Governor Tate Reeves today announced the appointment of Austin C. Terry of Meridian to the Office of Chancellor for the 12^th Chancery Court District, Place 1. This appointment fills a vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Charlie Smith.

“Austin Terry will do fantastic work in this position, and I was proud to appoint him,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “He’ll lead the office with professionalism and distinction and I’m thankful for his willingness to serve his community.”

Terry is the owner of Terry Law Offices in Meridian, where he has experience working on a variety of legal issues in the community. Previously, he served as a prosecutor in the Lauderdale County Juvenile Center and as a staff attorney for the 10^th Circuit Court District.

Terry earned a J.D. from the Mississippi College School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts from Mississippi State University.

Terry’s term will begin on August 5, 2024. Governor Reeves will call a special election to be held on November 4, 2025. The winner of the special election will serve the remainder of the four-year term.