Carrie Webster is sworn in as Kanawha County's newest circuit court judge by state Supreme Court Justice Margaret Workman during a Dec. 28 ceremony. (Photo courtesy of the state Supreme Court)
CHARLESTON -- Carrie Webster has been sworn in as the newest Kanawha County circuit judge.
Webster was sworn in Dec. 28 by West Virginia Supreme Court Justice Margaret Workman at the Kanawha County Courthouse.
Gov. Joe Manchin appointed Webster to Irene C. Berger's vacant seat Dec. 2.
Manchin said he has watched Webster grow throughout her years in Charleston.
"From her volunteer work, to being an advocate, Carrie has always been working for those without a voice," he said. "She's passionate and has brought that passion with her throughout her career. We are so fortunate to have her."
Rick Thompson, speaker of the West Virginia House of Delegates, said he was proud to be part of Webster's ceremony.
"This is one heck of a day for her," he said. "She's a very hard worker and did a wonderful job as a legislator. I'm proud to be able to address her as 'your honor.'"
Workman said she felt as if she also had watched Webster grow up.
"I recognized right away that Carrie was someone who would make an impact on the lives of West Virginians. She will be an outstanding circuit judge," Workman said. "She has the ability to listen and she genuinely cares about people."
Workman said Webster has the integrity and compassion that it takes to be an effective circuit judge.
Webster said she was honored to have the chance to become a judge.
"I want everyone to know that with me, you have a judge who works hard. I've always found merit in hard work and am extremely excited about working with the great staff I have and my colleagues," Webster said. "I'm so thankful for everyone for believing in me and investing in me."
Webster said when Manchin told her she had been chosen, he told her three things she needed to do.
"He told me I needed to be fair, work hard and win," Webster said. "I can do the first two easily, but I told him I'd need his help for the third."
Webster has been a member of the House of Delegates since 2001, and chairwoman of the House Judiciary Committee since 2006. She resigned from the House on Dec. 3, where Meshea Poore took her place.
"I'm ecstatic to join my colleagues and get to work. I'm ready to be a judge," Webster said.
Webster's 5-year-old daughter, Katherine Skinner, gave the Pledge of Allegiance at the ceremony. Charleston Catholic High School student Alexandra Ayoob sang "Somewhere over the Rainbow."
