Topeka ? Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Monday appointed Peggy Carr Kittel to replace Stephen Six as a state district judge in Douglas County.

“Peggy brings over 25 years of legal experience to this position and has served as a dedicated public servant for the majority of her career,” Sebelius said.

“During that time she has proven to be a respected leader within the legal community. I am confident Peggy will serve the citizens of the 7th District with fairness and integrity,” Sebelius added.

Kittel replaces Six, whom Sebelius appointed state attorney general in January after a sex scandal caused the resignation of Paul Morrison.

Since 2001, Kittel, of Lawrence, has served as judge pro tem in Douglas County District Court. As judge pro tem, Kittel has overseen juvenile offender proceedings, criminal appearances and enforcement of child support and parenting time orders.

Prior to her service as judge pro tem, Kittel was the assistant district attorney in Douglas County for six years and assistant district attorney in Wyandotte County for six years.

Kittel also worked in private practice and for the Lawrence law firm, Allen, Cooley & Allen, now known as Gilliland & Hayes.

A graduate of the Kansas University law school, Kittel also received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Kansas.

Kittel and her husband Rick have one son, Jim, 13.

Kittel was selected from three nominees. The other two were Trevor C. Wohlford, executive director and chief legal counsel for the State Board of Tax Appeals; and Justice B. King, managing partner of the Topeka law firm of Fisher, Patterson, Sayler & Smith.