Gov. Kemp announces three new court appointments
Paul Cook, David Ranieri, and Alex Shalishali appointed by Gov. Kemp
ATLANTA (41NBC/WMGT) — Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has announced three judicial appointments, including the appointment of Judge Paul K. Cook to the Superior Court of the Middle Judicial Circuit.
Cook’s appointment fills a vacancy created by the passage of House Bill 1215, also known as Act 450, during the 2026 session of the Georgia General Assembly.
Kemp also appointed David Ranieri and Alex Shalishali to the State Court of Muscogee County.
According to the governor’s office, Ranieri will fill a vacancy left by the resignation of Judge Andy Prather. Shalishali’s appointment fills another vacancy created by the passage of House Bill 1258, or Act 661, during this year’s legislative session.
Who is Paul Cook?
Cook currently serves as a judge on the State Court of Toombs County, a position he has held since January 2021.
He also serves as a municipal court judge in six cities and has been designated to serve on the Superior Court of the Middle Judicial Circuit. Cook also presides over conflict cases in the State Court of Candler County.
In addition to his judicial responsibilities, Cook operates the Cook Law Firm, LLC, in Vidalia, where he handles cases involving criminal defense and family law.
Cook earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Auburn University in 1992 and his law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1997.
Two appointments to Muscogee County State Court
Kemp also announced two appointments to the State Court of Muscogee County.
Ranieri currently serves as chief judge of the Recorder’s Court of Columbus. He previously served as a prosecutor for more than 21 years, handling misdemeanor and felony cases in the U.S. Army and several Georgia prosecutors’ offices.
He began his legal career in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps and later spent more than nine years in private practice, primarily handling civil litigation.
Ranieri earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Mercer University in 1985 and his law degree from Mercer University School of Law in 1988.
Shalishali is an attorney and shareholder with Page, Scrantom, Sprouse, Tucker & Ford, P.C., where he has practiced since 2012.
He currently serves as the Dougherty County Attorney, overseeing the county’s legal affairs and advising county commissioners and staff.
Shalishali previously served as an assistant magistrate judge for the Muscogee County Magistrate Court, where he presided over civil matters and criminal arraignments.
He earned his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2012 and his bachelor’s degree in international affairs from the university in 2009.
The governor’s office has not provided additional details about when the three judges will begin serving in their new positions.
