West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals issued the following announcement on Aug. 12.
Twenty-Fifth Judicial Circuit (Boone and Lincoln Counties) Judge William S. Thompson has been nominated to be U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia. Judge Thompson’s last day on the bench will be Wednesday, August 18. Before he begins his new job, the U.S. Senate must confirm his nomination, which should be sometime this fall. “I’ve been really proud of the work I have been able to accomplish as a circuit judge. I see this as an opportunity to expand my work to a greater portion of the state,” Judge Thompson said.
“It’s not a decision I take lightly. It’s one I had to contemplate quite a bit.” Judge Thompson has been active in expanding West Virginia’s network of treatment courts and personally oversees the Adult, Juvenile, and Family Treatment Courts in Boone and Lincoln Counties. Judge Thompson said his goal has always been to make the state of West Virginia a better place, and it will continue to be his goal as U.S. Attorney. “Judge Thompson is a very experienced circuit judge and has been an energetic leader in the expansion of treatment courts in West Virginia. I congratulate him on this new opportunity and truly appreciate his years of exemplary service,” said Chief Justice Evan Jenkins.
“I have been inspired by Judge Thompson’s service to his community and the judiciary, especially treatment courts,” said Justice Beth Walker. “We will miss his leadership but are confident that he will continue to serve West Virginia in an exemplary way in his new role.” “I have enjoyed working with Judge Thompson and appreciate his work in developing programs within our State’s court system to help heal and reunite families who have been affected by drug addiction,” said Justice Tim Armstead. “I am confident that he will show this same leadership and dedication in his new role and wish him the best as he begins this important work.” Justice John Hutchison said, “I have known Judge Thompson for 20 or more years and I am saddened that the judiciary in the state of West Virginia is losing such a wellqualified and seasoned judge.
On the other hand, I am very pleased and excited that he has been appointed to this very, very important federal position. I wish him luck in all his future endeavors.” Justice Wooton said, “Congratulations to Judge Thompson. His appointment is a loss to the West Virginia judiciary.
He is an outstanding circuit judge. His appointment allows him to perform greater service to the state and nation.” Judge Thompson was born in Charleston and raised on Lick Creek near Danville. He graduated Salutatorian from Scott High School in 1988. He has a 1992 degree in civil engineering from West Virginia University and graduated from West Virginia University College of Law in 1995.
He was an engineer for American Electric Power in Columbus, Ohio, in 1992; Vice President of Danville Lumber Company from 1992 to 2007; and President of Madison Health Care, Inc., from 1998 to 2007. He was an attorney for Cook and Cook in Madison from 1995 to 2007 and a Mental Hygiene Commissioner for Boone County from 2003 to 2007.
Then-Governor Joe Manchin III appointed him to the bench in 2007. Judge Thompson was elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2016. He is a member of the Madison United Methodist Church and is actively involved in coaching youth sports. He and his wife, Keri Dawn, have four children. They will continue to reside in Madison.
Original source can be found here.
