Harold Melton

A 1984 graduate of Joseph Wheeler High School in Marietta, Georgia, Melton received a Bachelor of Science from Auburn University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1991.[1] From 1991–2002 he served as a Volunteer Leader of Young Life Ministries and is currently a Board Member of Atlanta Youth Academy and the Director of Teen Ministry at Southwest Christian Fellowship Church.

While at Auburn University, Melton served as the Student Government Association President for the 1987-88 academic year. He was the first African-American student elected to that position in the history of the university. He was also the first ever "independent" (non-fraternity member) to be elected to that position.[1]

Prior to joining the Court, Melton served as Executive Counsel to Governor Perdue. Before serving as Executive Counsel, Melton spent eleven years in the Georgia Department of Law.[2]

Melton was first appointed to the Court by Governor Sonny Perdue on July 1, 2005, to fill a vacancy on the bench created by the retirement of Justice Norman S. Fletcher. His appointment marked the first time a Republican governor had made an appointment to the Supreme Court since 1868 when Governor Rufus B. Bullock selected Justices Joseph E. Brown and H. K. McCay. He was sworn in as Chief Justice on September 4, 2018 by former Chief Justice Harris Hines.[2]

• Harold Melton at Ballotpedia
• Website of the Supreme Court of Georgia
• Press release from Governor Perdue's office announcing Justice Melton's appointment