Harold Melton

Harold David Melton (born September 25, 1966) is the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Georgia. He was first appointed to the Court by Governor Sonny Perdue on July 1, 2005, to fill a vacancy on the bench created by the retirement of Justice Norman S. Fletcher. His appointment marked the first time a Republican governor had made an appointment to the Supreme Court since 1868 when Governor Rufus B. Bullock selected Justices Joseph E. Brown and H. K. McCay.

Early years and education

A 1984 graduate of Joseph Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia, Justice Melton received a Bachelor of Science degree from Auburn University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1991. He previously served as a Volunteer Leader of Young Life Ministries for 11 years, is currently a Board Member of Atlanta Youth Academy and the Director of Teen Ministry at Southwest Christian Fellowship Church.

While at Auburn University, Melton served as the Student Government Association President for the 1987-88 academic year. He was the first African-American student elected to that position in the history of the university. He was also the first ever "independent" (non-fraternity member) to be elected to that position.

Political and legal background

Prior to joining the Court, Justice Melton served as Executive Counsel to Governor Perdue. Before serving as Executive Counsel, Justice Melton spent eleven years in the Georgia Department of Law.

Personal life

A native of Washington, D.C., Melton grew up in East Point, Georgia, and Marietta. He currently resides in Atlanta with his wife, Kimberly, and their three children.