ST. PAUL, MN -Today, Governor Mark Dayton announced the appointment of Ms. Jennifer K. Fischer and Mr. Rodney C. Hanson as District Court Judges in Minnesota's Eighth Judicial District. Ms. Fischer will be replacing the Honorable Kathryn N. Smith and Mr. Hanson will be replacing the Honorable Jon Stafsholt, who both retired earlier this year. Ms. Fischer will be chambered at Willmar in Kandiyohi County while Mr. Hanson will be chambered at Glenwood in Pope County.
"Jennifer Fischer and Rodney Hanson have demonstrated throughout their legal careers a passion for justice, and a strong commitment to public service," said Governor Dayton. "Personally, Ms. Fischer and Mr. Hanson have given their time and talent to improve local hospitals, strengthen their communities, and improve the lives of young people. The people of the Eighth Judicial District will be well-served by the character and judgment of these two thoughtful community leaders."
Jennifer K. Fischer: Ms. Fischer is the Kandiyohi County Attorney, where she prosecutes crimes and serves as the legal advisor to the County Board of Commissioners. She previously was a partner at Jones and Fischer, P.A., and, prior to that, served as an Assistant Public Defender for the Eighth Judicial District. Ms. Fischer earned her B.S. from St. Cloud State University and her J.D. with honors from the William Mitchell College of Law.
Additionally, Ms. Fischer serves on the board of directors for Rice Memorial Hospital and Willmar Lakes Rotary, and is a former board member of the Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and past president of the Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA.
Ms. Fischer resides with her family in Willmar, MN.
Rodney C. Hanson: Mr. Hanson is a partner with Anderson, Larson, Hanson and Saunders P.L.L.P., where he practices primarily in civil litigation. He has maintained a local practice in Willmar since 1985 and is a qualified neutral and arbitrator for the American Arbitration Association. Mr. Hanson earned his B.A. with honors from Concordia College and his J.D. from the William Mitchell College of Law.
Additionally, Mr. Hanson is a board member of the Kandiyohi County Area Family YMCA and a past president and board member of the United Way of West Central Minnesota.
Mr. Hanson resides with his family in Willmar, MN.
Minnesota's Eighth Judicial District consists of Big Stone, Chippewa, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac Qui Parle, Meeker, Pope, Renville, Stevens, Swift, Traverse, Wilkin, and Yellow Medicine Counties.
More information on the Commission on Judicial Selection, as well as vacancies it is currently considering, can be found at
http://mn.gov/governor/appointments/judicial-appointments/
Headshots of /governor/assets/Fischer_Jennifer_tcm1055-115322.jpgMs. Fischer and /governor/assets/Hanson_Rodney_tcm1055-115323.jpgMr. Hanson are attached
