COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch County Board of Commissioners are scheduled to formally name John Vincent as the county’s next Public Defender during their regular meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
His appointment was brought forward by the Commissioners during their work session on Thursday.
Contingent upon the results of the November 3 General Election, Vincent will take over for Terri Norris. She is running unopposed for Prosecutor after winning the August G.O.P. Primary over Vincent who had been serving as the Assistant Public Defender.
Vincent has served in the Public Defender’s Office since 2022.
The special election was triggered by the appointment of former Branch County Prosecutor Zach Stempien to Circuit Court Judge with two years remaining on Stempien’s term.
Vincent was one of two candidates to express an interest in the Public Defender position. Interviews were conducted with the candidates by a five-person committee last week consisting of County Administrator Frank Walsh, County Commission Personnel Chair Jon Houtz, Treasurer Steve Rutz, District Court Administrator Sarah Collins and County Clerk Chris Ransbottom.
Walsh said in his report to the Commissioners that Vincent was unanimously chosen for the job.
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