Former Limestone County Probate Judge Stan McDonald has been appointed to the state ethics commission by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth.

McDonald, who served as probate judge from 2011–2012, will replace Judge Jerry Fielding. His five-year appointment was unanimously confirmed by the State Senate, according to a press release.

His appointment becomes effective Sept. 1.

“When you combine Stan McDonald’s institutional knowledge of state government with his experience as a practicing attorney, it makes him an ideal candidate for the Alabama Ethics Commission,” Ainsworth said. “I know Stan to be a devoutly honest man with a strong moral compass, and I am confident he will be a guardian of the public trust.”

McDonald currently practices real estate law at Jacob Title, a Huntsville-based title and closing company. His appointment makes him the second attorney with Limestone ties to be appointed to the ethics commission. Athens attorney and developer John Plunk was appointed to the commission in May 2017.

About McDonald

McDonald was appointed as Limestone probate judge by then-Gov. Robert Bentley after the retirement of long-time Probate Judge Mike Davis. He declined to run for a full-term in 2012, citing “family issues.”

In addition to practicing law, McDonald has served in a number of state roles and on state boards. He served as deputy chief of staff and as state revenue commissioner during Gov. Guy Hunt’s administration. He’s also served as a member of the Alabama Industrial Development Board, Governor’s Juvenile Justice Task Force, Alabama Tax Reform Commission and the governor’s office for Rural Health Development.

McDonald was also appointed by former Gov. Fob James to serve as administrative law judge for the state’s Health Planning and Development Agency. Former State Attorney General Jeff Sessions appointed McDonald to serve as special assistant to the attorney general on behalf of the Alabama Department of Transportation.

McDonald’s late father, Albert, was a member of the state Senate and was also elected statewide as the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries.

Stan McDonald is married to Nancy McGlocklin McDonald. He has seven children and two stepchildren.