Johnson
Johnson County’s attorney is stepping into a new role Thursday.
Shena Johnson was named Johnson County’s court administrator earlier this month, replacing Brandi Foster Kirkendall, who is now the county’s new magistrate judge. Johnson has served as the county’s attorney since 2019, representing the county in legal matters, including contracts and in court, and ensuring the county’s adherence to laws.
Overall she has worked for the county for more than 8.5 years, first starting as assistant county attorney in February 2014 before being promoted to county attorney in July 2019 after the retirement of longtime county attorney Kathleen Hash.
As court administrator, Johnson will provide legal assistance to the courts and serve as liaison between the courts and other county departments, along with the local bar association. She will also assist with the courts’ annual budget and ensure compliance with directives from the Indiana Supreme Court, she said.
“The court administrator serves the county by ensuring smooth and efficient court operations and access to the Courts,” Johnson said via email.
Johnson is ready to serve the county in a new way.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to work with other county employees and elected officials in this new capacity,” she said.
Johnson’s new role is the result of a series of job shifts and promotions stemming from the resignation of former Johnson County Superior Court 3 judge Lance Hamner.
Hamner resigned as judge on Feb. 3, and announced his intent to run for Johnson County prosecutor the next day, challenging incumbent Joe Villanueva in May primary. He later won the primary and is unopposed for the general election.
Following his resignation, local attorney Jeff Eggers was tapped to serve as temporary judge while Gov. Eric Holcomb searched for a replacement. On May 19, Holcomb appointed Douglas B. Cummins, who was then the county’s magistrate judge, to fill the seat.
Cummins’ appointment then left the magistrate position open, leading to another search for a replacement. On July 1, Kirkendall was appointed the new magistrate by the judges of the Johnson County Circuit and Superior Courts, leading to another vacancy in the county’s court system that will now be filled by Johnson.
With Johnson leaving, the Johnson County Board of Commissioners appointed Adam Gadberry to take over the county attorney role effective Thursday, she said. Gadberry was the assistant county attorney, which means the commissioners must now will that role.
