May 08, 2009

Governor Riley Appoints Finance Director James Allen Main to Court of Criminal Appeals

MONTGOMERY - Governor Bob Riley announced Thursday that he has appointed State Finance Director James Allen Main to a vacancy on the Court of Criminal Appeals. The appointment is effective May 15.

“Jim Main’s commitment to public service, his work ethic, his legal background, his character, the unique perspective he’s gained from a diverse background, all these things make him absolutely the best choice for this judgeship,” Governor Riley said. “He will serve the people of Alabama well from this position of trust.”

The Governor credited Main with transforming the state’s budget process with the adoption of SMART Governing. “With SMART Governing, Jim Main brought an unprecedented level of accountability and transparency to the state’s budget process. State government is more honest and open because of his work,” Governor Riley said. SMART (Specific, Measurable, Accountable, Responsive, Transparent) requires agencies to make spending plans, link plans to budget requests and measure results.

“I am truly honored that Governor Riley has entrusted me with the opportunity to serve as an appellate judge,” Main said. “I am looking forward to working with my fellow judges to continue the mission of this court. It has been a privilege for me to serve as Governor Riley’s Finance Director, and I am humbled to have been a part of his historic administration.”

The Court of Criminal Appeals is composed of five judges and hears all appeals of felony and misdemeanor cases, including violations of city ordinances and all post-conviction writs in criminal cases.

Main has served as State Finance Director since June 2004. Prior to that, he served as Senior Counsel to Governor Riley, Chief of Staff and Legal Advisor for Governor Fob James from 1997-1999, and as an attorney with law firms in Montgomery and Anniston.

Main is a member of the Alabama and Montgomery Bar Associations, a founding Fellow of the Alabama Law Foundation, and served as the Chairman of the Dean’s Counsel for the Auburn School of Pharmacy. From 1985-1987, he served as the President of the American Pharmaceutical Association.

Main received a degree in pharmacy from Auburn University and his law degree from the University of Alabama.

Assistant Finance Director Bill Newton will serve as Acting Finance Director when Main’s appointment to the court takes effect next week.