MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced on Aug 28th, his appointment of Samantha Wagner to the Brown County Circuit Court – Branch 4. The appointment will fill the vacancy created by Judge Kendall M. Kelley’s resignation. Wagner will complete a term ending July 31, 2025.

“From her involvement with the Brown County Family Recovery Court to her involvement in the community, Samantha Wagner is committed to improving people’s lives,” said Gov. Evers. “She will be an excellent judge for the people of Brown County.”

Wagner has worked in the Brown County Corporation Counsel’s Office since receiving her law degree in 2012 and is currently the lead assistant corporation counsel. In this role, she is responsible for all child welfare cases in the county, including cases for kids in need of protection or services, juvenile guardianships, termination of parental rights, and administrative substantiation appeal hearings. Additionally, she is Brown County’s HIPAA compliance officer and the chair of the county’s supervised release committee. She also provides general legal advice on a variety of topics for the county’s human service departments and is actively involved with the Brown County Family Recovery Court.

“It is both a privilege and an honor to welcome Attorney Samantha Wagner to the bench as a Brown County Circuit Court Judge,” said Brown County Circuit Court Judge Marc Hammer. “Her successful career in our courts has confirmed an intelligent, well-prepared, and compassionate attorney who will bring her talents and skills to our courthouse. Since her graduation from law school, Sam has been an active member of our community with a particular focus on improving the lives of our children and elderly citizens. I look forward to working with Sam and believe she will serve our citizens with fairness and integrity.”

Wagner lives in Allouez with her family and is a graduate of the University of San Diego and the St. Louis University School of Law. She is active in numerous community and professional organizations, including as a trustee for the Green Bay Area Catholic Education Board of Trustees and as the president of the Wisconsin Professional Society on the Abuse of Children.

“I am deeply honored to accept Governor Evers’ appointment as the next Circuit Court Judge for Brown County,” said Wagner. “The support and encouragement from my family, friends, and colleagues have been overwhelming, and I am immensely grateful to each one of them. As I look forward to serving Brown County, my commitment is to approach the bench with a dedication to continuous improvement, an eagerness to learn, and a resolve to make the most informed decisions possible. I am committed to upholding the traditions of fairness and equality as exemplified by the current judiciary and those who have preceded me.”

A photo of Wagner is available here