Phoenix, Arizona - Governor Doug Ducey Wednesday announced the appointments of Carter Olson and Patrick Gard to the Pinal County Superior Court. These appointments are to fill vacancies due to the retirements of Judge Brenda E. Oldham and Judge Henry G. Gooday Jr.
Carter Olson currently serves as a Commissioner for the Pinal County Superior Court. In addition to his judicial duties, Carter oversees the implementation and operation of a new system for selecting and overseeing court-appointed attorneys.
From 1990 to 2007, Carter worked for the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, which included being elected as the County Attorney. While the majority of his legal experience as County Attorney was in criminal law, as he was also the legal advisor to Pinal County, including the Board of Supervisors and County departments, his office provided representation regarding various civil matters. From 2007 to 2013, Carter was elected as a judge to the Pinal County Superior Court.
“As a former judge for the Pinal County Superior Court, Carter is well-qualified and can make an impact on the court,” said Governor Ducey. “I am honored to appoint Carter to the Pinal County Superior Court.”
Carter received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in Public Accounting from Elmhurst College and was an Illinois Certified Public Accountant. He received his law degree from Loyola University of Chicago.
Patrick Gard also currently serves as a Commissioner for the Pinal County Superior Court. As part of the Family Law Bench, he handles hundreds of cases involving marriage dissolution, child custody and guardianship, protective orders, child support, and child parenting plans.
Prior to this position, Patrick was a prosecutor with the Pinal County Attorney’s Office from 2007 to 2016, where he handled adult felony prosecutions with an emphasis in domestic violence, child abuse, and sex crimes. In addition to his felony experience, he spent five years specializing in juvenile prosecution. Patrick also was a prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office from 2003 to 2007.
“Patrick’s commitment to the safety of the community is apparent from his work as a prosecutor,” said Governor Ducey. “I am pleased to appoint Patrick to the Pinal County Superior Court.”
Patrick earned both his law degree and his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Arizona.