Jason Edward Ashford

Candidate Statement

Jason Ashford is State Court Judge for Houston County, Georgia, where he was elected in November 2010. As Judge, he presides over civil and criminal jury trials and is a vocal advocate for mediation, court technology and docket efficiency. Prior to the bench, Ashford was a prosecutor for over a decade. He was the District Attorney and Chief Assistant District Attorney, responsible for prosecuting violent felonies and homicides. He was an adjunct professor for Middle Georgia State and currently teaches law at Mercer University.

Prior to becoming a prosecutor, Judge Ashford was an active duty officer in the U.S. Air Force, and served as Comptroller and Support Flight Commander for the 5th Combat Communications Group at Robins Air Force Base. After serving as an active duty officer, he then joined the Georgia Air National Guard, where he was the Commander of the 116th Security Forces Squadron for the 116th Air Control Wing, heading a 60-person unit. Judge Ashford holds a Bachelor of Science in economics and a Juris Doctorate, both from Florida State University. He is a former President of the Warner Robins Optimist Club, Warner Robins Rotary and the Houston County Bar Association, and is active in community and philanthropic organizations.

I’d like to serve on the State Bar of Georgia Board of Governors because I want to learn about the inner-workings of the Bar. I intend to report back regularly to Houston County Bar members what our license fees pay and why they should support the State Bar. It would be interesting, and would be another avenue for me to serve. I rarely miss a Houston Bar meeting, and my experience I think will serve the Board of Governors well.

About the Candidate

Education

• B.S., Economics, Florida State University, 1990
• J.D., Florida State University, 1993

Personal/Family

• Wife Tina, son Ryan
• Enjoy outdoor adventures and technology

Professional Background, Bar Activities, Civic Activities

• Houston County State Court Judge since 2011, handling civil and criminal cases
• Prosecutor for 10 years in the DA office, focusing on murders, violent felonies, and special victim cases
• Air Force officer and squadron commander, leading and managing personnel and resources
• Led the Houston County Bar as President, supporting mock trial programs and other initiatives
• Represent the National Judicial College as a judicial ambassador, teach at Mercer University, present for the American Institute of Justice, served on various boards, and published in the Georgia Bar Journal
• Volunteered as the president of Warner Robins Rotary and Warner Robins Optimist, earning the Paul Harris fellow recognition

Main Issues Facing the State Bar/Position

• Promoting lawyer discipline and mental health support for members
• Providing liability insurance and improving Bar services and value to its members
• Combating runners and other unethical practices prohibited by bar rules
• Maximizing Bar benefits and improving communication between the Bar and its members
• Seeking feedback and input from Houston County Bar members on the issues and priorities of the Board of Governors