Appointment to the Minnesota Court of Appeals by Governor Mark Dayton announced on December 19, 2012. Joined the Minnesota Court of Appeals on January 7, 2013. Elected in 2014. Retired from the Court of Appeals on February 2, 2016. Appointed and assigned to serve statewide as Senior Judge from February 3, 2016 to June 30, 2017.
Appointed to the district court bench in the Ninth Judicial District by Governor Arne Carlson in 1991. Elected in 1992, 1998, 2004, and 2010.
LL.M., Emory University Litigation, 1987
J.D., William Mitchell College of Law, 1975
B.A., cum laude, Concordia College (Moorhead), 1971
Attorney- Smith, Hunter and Valen, 1976-1991
Professional Memberships:Minnesota District Judges Association
Minnesota State Bar Association (Certified Civil Trial Specialist)
Georgia State Bar Association
Cass-Hubbard County Bar Association
Fifteenth District Bar Association
Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association
Minnesota Small Business Development Advisory Board
Nevis School Board, 1987-present
Former President- Rotary Club, 1985
Supervisor- Crow Wing Township, 1976-1978
Scout Master (Troop 56)- Boy Scouts of America
Former President- Fraternal Order of Eagles
Former President- Jaycees
Northwest Initiative Fund Leader, Northwest Initiative Fund, 1990
Bush Mid-Career Fellowship, 1986
