The Illinois 4th Judicial Circuit has announced the election of At-Large Circuit Judge Douglas L. Jarman as its new Chief Judge for the Circuit. Jarman was elected to complete the term of Kimberly G. Koester, who is retiring at the end of the year. 

Judge Jarman was appointed At Large Circuit Judge by the Illinois Supreme Court at the recommendation of Justice Karmeier in 2009 and was elected to that position in 2010 by voters and was retained in 2016 and he released the following statement following his election as Chief Judge:

"It has been a privilege to serve the people of the Fourth Judicial Circuit for the past 11 years, and I am honored to have been given this opportunity by my colleagues. I believe that my background and experience in making judgments and handling administrative issues makes me well qualified to handle this position and I look forward to serving as Chief Judge. I have great respect for the judicial system  and my colleagues, both current and retired, who are some of the finest Judges in the State of Illinois. I also want to thank Judge Koester for all her guidance and support." 

Jarman resides in Montgomery County with his wife, Cheryl. They have three children and three grandchildren. 

Current Chief Judge Kimberly G. Koester released the following statement about the election of Judge Jarman as the new Chief Judge for the Illinois 4th Judicial Circuit. “Judge Jarman is a proven and respected leader, who will continue to  guide the Fourth Judicial Circuit’s criminal and civil justice system with excellence.”