Gina Jones, who serves as a judge for the Merrillville Town Court, was appointed by Gov. Eric Holcomb to the Lake County Superior Court to replace Judge John Pera who retired in June.

Jones has served as a Merrillville Town Court judge for the past eight years. She also maintains a private practice.

Jones previously served in the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office as executive director of the child support division from 2003 through 2010.

Jones, a native of Gary, earned her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and her law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law. Jones will be sworn in as the judge of the Lake County Superior Court on a date to be determined.