GREEN BAY, Wis. – Judge Samantha Wagner was officially sworn in on Friday to serve as the judge for Brown County Circuit Court Branch 4. Wagner steps into the role following the resignation of Judge Kendall M. Kelley, who left three years into his term after more than 20 years on the bench. Appointed by Gov. Tony Evers in August 2024, Wagner began her duties on September 16. Evers praised her dedication, citing her involvement with the Brown County Family Recovery Court and her active community engagement. University of Wisconsin-Green Bay joins “Get Out The Vote” dance party to encourage civic engagement Wagner spoke about her mentors and how they helped her get to where she is. "I've learned that you have to listen to anybody who comes in," Judge Wagner said. "This was a nice way to end my mentorship with Judge Atkinson, I'm ready to move forward, so I'm excited." Wagner’s term will run through July 31, 2025.