[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced the appointment of Debra Groehler as District Court Judge in Minnesota’s Third Judicial District. Groehler will be replacing the Honorable Jodi L. Williamson and will be chambered in Mantorville in Dodge County.

“I am pleased to appoint Debra Groehler to the Dodge County bench,” said Governor Walz. “Her impressive background handling challenging legal matters for the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office, combined with her passion for serving her community, will make her a great addition to the Third Judicial District.”

“Debra Groehler is a bright legal mind and a proven leader who will ensure that justice is administered fairly and impartially to all,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “I look forward to seeing the great work she will do for the people of Dodge County.”

Minnesota’s Third Judicial District encompasses Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, Waseca, and Winona counties.

Debra Groehler is a managing attorney in the Civil Division of the Olmsted County Attorney’s Office, where she supervises a team of attorneys who handle child protection, adult protection, and juvenile delinquency cases. She previously worked as the executive director of Legal Assistance of Olmsted County, an attorney in private practice representing clients in family law matters, and a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Gerard W. Ring. Her community involvement includes serving as a member of the Juvenile Law Committee at the Minnesota County Attorneys Association and as secretary of the Next Chapter Ministry Board of Directors. She has also volunteered for the Rochester Public Schools and for the Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota. She earned her B.A. from the University of Wisconsin, Madison and J.D. from Hamline University School of Law.