For Immediate Release | October 23, 2026
Nominating Commission names finalists for Lake County judicial positions
The Lake County Judicial Nominating Commission announced ten finalists to fill two upcoming judicial openings.
For the vacancy created by one upcoming retirement:
- Caleb Johnson
- Commissioner Amy Jorgensen
- Magistrate Shaun Olsen
- Senior Judge Michael Pagano
- Ryan Rowan
For the vacancy created by a second upcoming retirement:
- Christopher Bruno
- Referee Timothy Haraminac
- Commissioner Karyn Price
- Eric Randall
- Magistrate David Urbanski
On October 23, the commission interviewed 17 candidates. After publicly deliberating, the commission voted to send two panels of five finalists to the governor. According to Indiana law, the commission is required to forward to the governor “the five most highly qualified candidates from among all those eligible individuals considered” for each appointment when a vacancy arises. Upon receiving the names, Governor Mike Braun has 60 days to make appointments to the Lake County courts.
Details on the commission, including membership, are available online. The commission thanks retiring judges Natalie Bokota and Sheila Moss for their years of service.
Contact
Adam Clay
adam.clay@courts.in.gov
317-233-3018
