Judge William Dickenson will serve the 21st Judicial Circuit as Chief Judge beginning January 1, 2026.

The 21st Judicial Circuit Judges have selected Circuit Judge William S. Dickenson to serve as its next Chief Judge starting January 1, 2026.  Judge Dickenson was appointed as an Associate Judge in August 2018, then elected as a Circuit Judge in December 2020.  Before being appointed to the bench, Judge Dickenson worked for the Kankakee County State's Attorney's Office for 27 years.  Fore more than 20 years, he served as First Assistant State's Attorney.

Current Chief Judge Thomas Cunnington said "the Circuit Judges made an excellent selection.  Judge Dickenson has the experience and skills to be successful as Chief Judge, and he'll have the strong support of all his colleagues."

Judge Dickenson said, "I look forward to the challenge of continuing the 21st Circuit's tradition of excellence."  He adds, "I thank Judge Cunnington for his outstanding service as Chief Judge the last four years."

Judge Cunnington will remain a circuit judge, having been retained in the November 2024 General Electionfor a 6-year-term.

94.1 WGFA