Kitsap County Board of Commissioners Appoints Gina Buskirk as District Court Judge
April 7, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PORT ORCHARD, Wash. — The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners today announced the appointment of Gina Buskirk as District Court Judge for Department #2. Buskirk will begin her term on June 1, 2025, following the retirement of Judge Jeffrey J. Jahns, who concludes his distinguished service on May 31.
"Ms. Buskirk's extensive legal experience and deep community roots make her exceptionally qualified for this position," said Christine Rolfes, Chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. "Her commitment to justice and fairness will serve our community well."
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The appointment follows a rigorous selection process announced in February 2025. The Board interviewed five highly qualified candidates for the position last week before announcing Buskirk's appointment today. Board members noted her wide range of experience and community involvement set her apart and made her ready to serve effectively from day one.
"I am honored and excited to serve the Kitsap County community as its newest District Court Judge, building upon the years of dedicated service of retiring Judge Jeffrey Jahns. I am committed to upholding the principles of fairness, integrity and a steadfast commitment to justice," said Buskirk.
Buskirk brings over 20 years of diverse legal experience to the bench. She currently serves as Partner and Managing Attorney at Puget Law Group, where she has established herself as a respected litigator. Her public service includes roles as City Prosecutor for Bremerton and Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Kitsap County. She has already demonstrated judicial aptitude as a Judge Pro Tem in multiple jurisdictions throughout the region.
“Our court serves thousands of Kitsap County residents each year, and Ms. Buskirk's demonstrated commitment to both professional excellence and community service makes her an ideal addition to our judiciary,” said district court administrator Robyn Dunham.
Several bar associations rated Buskirk "Exceptionally Well Qualified" for judicial service. And, her professional excellence has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Kitsap County Business Journal's "40 Under 40" award and the YWCA's Woman of Achievement for professional work and civic leadership.
Buskirk earned her Juris Doctor cum laude from Seattle University School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington. She currently serves as the president of the Kitsap County Bar Association.
Per Washington state RCW 3.34.100, Buskirk will serve through the remainder of Judge Jahns' term, which concludes at the end of 2026.
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About Kitsap County
Located in Washington, Kitsap County is home to over 270,000 residents across 566 square miles, making it the seventh-most populated county in the state. Bordered by the Hood Canal and Puget Sound, Kitsap offers residents, businesses, and visitors a stunning natural beauty and a unique blend of urban amenities and rural charm. The county includes the cities of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, and Bainbridge Island, as well as many unincorporated communities.
Kitsap County is led by a three-member Board of Commissioners that is committed to providing high-quality services and amenities that enhance the quality of life for all residents while fostering economic growth, environmental conservation, and sustainable development.
For more information about Kitsap County services and initiatives, visit www.kitsap.gov or follow us on social media @KitsapWa.
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Links in this document
Kitsap Board of Commissioners: https://www.kitsap.gov/BOC_p
District Court: https://www.kitsap.gov/dc
Washington state RCW 3.34.100: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=3.34.100
Kitsap County: www.kitsap.gov
@KitsapWA: www.facebook.com/KitsapWa
Website: www.kitsap.gov
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