Attorney Ken Hayden has been officially appointed to fill the vacant seat on the 26th Judicial Circuit that serves Camden, Miller, Morgan, Laclede and Moniteau counties.
Hayden will replace Judge Greg Kays, who was appointed to a seat on the federal court.
Hayden is the first circuit court judge from outside of Camden and Laclede counties in decades. He and his family reside in Barnett.
“It was a humbling experience to get the call from Gov. Matt Blunt congratulating me on the appointment,” Hayden said. “I was honored to receive that call and am honored to have the opportunity to serve the people of the 26th Judicial Circuit. I am looking forward to the challenge.”
If everything falls into place, Hayden will be ready to take his seat on the bench by Oct. 1. Hayden will be sworn in at a ceremony in Morgan County. The date has not been announced.
Between now and then, Hayden will finish closing out his private practice and wait for his commission from the state.
Visiting senior judges and associate judges throughout the circuit have been filling in until a replacement for Kays was appointed.
Hayden was nominated for the position by the Republican Judiciary Committee by members from all five counties within the circuit. His appointment was uncontested by Democrats from the judicial circuit.
Hayden, 46, is a partner with McDorman & Hayden, L.L.C. with offices in Versailles and Lake Ozark.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Central Missouri State University and juris doctorate from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Hayden has extensive experience in criminal and civil law.