KINGMAN — Supreme Court Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch appointed on Thursday Judge Richard Weiss as the new presiding judge of Mohave County Superior Court.

Judge Weiss will replace Judge Randolph A. Bartlett, who has served in that position for the past five years. Bartlett resigned as presiding judge effective Jan. 31, according to a press release issued by Arizona Supreme Court.

“In selecting (Bartlett’s) replacement, many members of the bench, bar and public spoke highly of Judge Weiss’ experience, said Chief Justice Berch. “I look forward to continued strong leadership of the Mohave County Superior Court under Judge Weiss’ direction,” Berch said.

Weiss served as the presiding juvenile judge from December 2004 until his appointment as associate presiding judge of Mohave County in February 2005.

Prior to becoming a judge, Weiss worked as a private attorney for 15 years. He was appointed as a domestic relations commissioner and pro tem judge in July 1998.

In 2005, Weiss was appointed to Division Six in Mohave Superior Court and elected to that position in 2006, the press release said.

Weiss will now serve in the capacity of Mohave County’s presiding judge to complete Bartlett’s unexpired term until Jan. 31, 2012.