“Donna Stroud became the chief judge of the North Carolina Court of Appeals today. She took the oath of office this morning, administered by Chief Justice Paul Newby. Chief Judge Stroud holds the highest judicial office of the Court of Appeals, which is the second highest court in the state, behind the Supreme Court of North Carolina. The swearing-in occurred at the Carteret County Courthouse, where Chief Justice Newby also administered the oath of office to new and returning district and superior court judges in that area. She replaces Linda McGee, who retired on December 31, 2020, after serving as chief judge since 2014.”

“‘Serving the people of North Carolina on the Court of Appeals is a great honor and responsibility, and this new role is an amazing opportunity,’ said Chief Judge Stroud. ‘I take my oath of office seriously and with grave respect to the duties now entrusted to me, and I look forward to continuing to serve this great state.'”