The former Washington County Attorney Shawn Showers has been appointed the Chief Judge of the Eighth Judicial District. Chief Justice Susan Christensen appointed District Court Judge Showers, of Washington County. 

Showers has been a district court judge since 2016. He will begin the position on July 8th, the day after Chief Judge Myron Gookin retires.

As Chief Judge of the Eighth Judicial District, Showers will oversee 14 counties where there are 11 district court judges, nine district associate court judges, 14 part-time magistrates, seven senior judges, and 120 employees. The operating budget is approximately $16.3 million for the current fiscal year. Last year, the Eighth Judicial District had more than 60,000 cases filed.