INDIANAPOLIS (June 12, 2017) – Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced he has selected Wabash County Superior Court Judge Christopher M. Goff as the next member of the Indiana Supreme Court. Goff will replace Justice Robert D. Rucker, who retired from the Indiana Supreme Court in May after nearly 18 years. Here is Governor Holcomb:
Goff was appointed to the Wabash County Superior Court in 2005, where he maintains a general civil and criminal docket.
Clark County Circuit Court Judge Vicki L. Carmichael and Boone County Superior Court Judge Matthew C. Kincaid were the other two finalists.
Goff, 45, has built a career marked by a devotion to civic and community affairs.
Prior to his appointment to the Wabash Superior Court, Goff maintained a private practice as a partner in a Huntington law firm, where he gained experience in a diverse range of legal matters—including domestic relations, criminal defense, collections, wills and estates, personal injury and small business. He also served as a part-time child support commissioner for the Wabash Circuit Court and a part-time public defender for two years.
Goff served for five years on the Huntington County Police Merit Board and established the Huntington County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. He was recognized as Huntington County’s Volunteer Legal Services Pro Bono Attorney of the Year in 2001 and 2002.
Once appointed to the Wabash County Superior Court, Judge Goff took action to reduce the devastating effects of drug abuse that have ravaged his community. He implemented the Wabash County Drug Court and the Family Drug Treatment Court to help reduce recidivism and save lives.
Judge Goff also is active in several organizations and partnerships working to address issues facing Indiana courts, such as the Indiana Domestic Violence Prevention Partnership and the Northeast Indiana Regional Mental Health Court.
Goff earned his undergraduate degree at Ball State University in 1994 and his law degree from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 1996.
He is a member of the board of directors of the Judicial Conference of Indiana and Chair of the Indiana Judicial Conference’s Protection Order Committee He regularly serves as faculty for the Indiana Judicial Center and provides statewide training for judges and court employees. Goff also is a member of the Wabash County Community Corrections Advisory Board. He is a member and past vice president of the board of directors for the White’s Residential and Family Services. Judge Goff previously served in leadership roles for the Wabash County YMCA, the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce, and the Huntington County Bar Association.
A date for Goff’s robing ceremony will be determined by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Goff’s biography and a photo are available at http://www.in.gov/gov/files/Biography_SC_appointment_Hon_Goff.pdf