by Lindy Z. Kerr, Esq.

The State Board recently welcomed Elizabeth Gobeil as its newest director of the three-member Appellate Division. She was appointed by Governor Deal to replace Judge Warren Massey, whose four year term as Director ended in January. The appointment was newsworthy enough to be reported on the front page of the AJC over the weekend.

Before accepting her new role Judge Gobeil was senior counsel for UCB, a pharmaceutical company. She has also worked as senior counsel for Solvay, which is another pharmaceutical company, and as hiring partner at the Atlanta law office of Thompson Hine. She has been practicing law for 15 years. Judge Massey will move to the Hearing Division where he will hear cases in Augusta.

Judge Farrow and Judge Thompson will retain their respective positions as Director and Chairman. By law, Judge Gobeil is chosen to represent employers’ interests and Judge Farrow will continue to represent employees’ interests. The Appellate Division not only hears appeals from the Administrative Law Judge level but also promulgates Board Rules and sets policy.