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Gregory V. Sapp Elected President of Council of State Court Judges

Judges gather to discuss important judicial policies.

News Summary

Gregory V. Sapp, Chief Judge of the State Court of Chatham County, has been elected as the President of the Council of State Court Judges. His election marks a pivotal moment in Georgia’s judicial system, where he will represent nearly 200 judges. Sapp aims to enhance public confidence in the courts while maintaining judicial impartiality and efficiency. With a strong commitment to community service, Sapp’s leadership promises to improve the quality of Georgia’s State Courts and strengthen public trust in the judicial system.

Savannah, Georgia – In a significant leadership change for Georgia’s judicial system, Gregory V. Sapp, the Chief Judge of the State Court of Chatham County, has been elected as the President of the Council of State Court Judges. This election took place during the council’s annual meeting in May 2025, highlighting Sapp’s extensive experience and commitment to the judicial system.

As President, Sapp will serve as the representative of nearly 200 State Court judges and Senior judges from across Georgia on the Judicial Council, which governs the Judicial Branch of the state. This position is pivotal in shaping policies and ensuring the efficiency and integrity of the court system. Judge Sapp’s election comes at a critical time as the judicial landscape continues to evolve, navigating both challenges and opportunities.

Expressing his appreciation for the trust placed in him, Judge Sapp has outlined his main objectives during his presidency. These include enhancing public confidence in the judicial system and improving relationships with other courts and branches of government. He places a strong emphasis on maintaining judicial impartiality and ensuring that justice is administered fairly and efficiently throughout Georgia.

Sapp’s leadership vision seeks to enhance the quality and expertise of Georgia’s State Courts, which play a crucial role in administering justice at a local level. This focus on improvement aims not only to elevate the standards of the courts but also to instill greater trust among the public, reflecting the justice system’s responsive and equitable nature.

In his judicial career, Judge Sapp has significant experience, having been appointed to the State Court bench in 2011 by the former Governor Nathan Deal. Since his initial appointment, he has been re-elected four times, indicating a strong support base within the community and among his peers. Throughout his career, Sapp has demonstrated a commitment to community service, serving on various boards and organizations including the United Way of the Coastal Empire and the Chatham-Savannah Authority for the Homeless, among others.

Judge Sapp is a graduate of the University of Georgia and its Law School, contributing to a strong educational foundation that complements his judicial expertise. Additionally, Sapp has held several leadership roles, including President of the Savannah Bar Association and involvement in Leadership Savannah. His community engagement extends to his contributions to local education, having served on the Savannah Chatham County Board of Education and as President of Oglethorpe Charter School.

In addition to Sapp’s election, the council announced its newly elected officers for the Executive Committee. This includes:

President-Elect: Susan E. Edlein (Fulton)
Secretary: Eric A. Richardson (Fulton)
Treasurer: Jason B. Thompson (Fayette)
Past President: Jeffrey B. Hanson (Bibb)
District representatives from various counties including Bryan, Wayne, Lowndes, Douglas, Richmond, Hall, DeKalb, and Cherokee

Beyond his professional and community service, Judge Sapp balances his personal life with family commitments. He is married to Theresa, and they have two children along with three grandchildren. This personal connection underscores the strong ties he has to the local community.

As he embarks on this new chapter as President of the Council of State Court Judges, Gregory V. Sapp is poised to play a significant role in enhancing Georgia’s judicial system, aiming to fortify its integrity and public trust in the years to come.