County Judge Executive

The duties of County Judge/Executive are wide and varied, but his primary responsibility is the administration of county government.  The judge/executive’s responsibilities for the financial administration of county government have expanded substantially in recent years, to include preparation of the county budget, oversight of county funds, financial reports to the fiscal court and fiscal record keeping.

The Judge/Executive is required to assure the representation of the county on all board, commissions, special districts, and multi-county programs in which county participation is called for.

The Judge/Executive is required to assure the representation of the county on all board, commissions, special districts, and multi-county programs in which county participation is called for.

Jerry Gilliam was elected Christian County’s Judge Executive and took office January 2023.  Prior to that, he served as the 7th District Magistrate from 2018 thru 2022.  Judge Gilliam was born and raised in Christian County and went to Christian County High School where he served as FFA president. He attended college at Murray State University where he was a member of the MSU Rodeo Team and was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho.  He graduated from Murray State with a Bachelor and Masters Degree in Agriculture.  He later attended the University of Kentucky to study Educational Leadership.

After graduating from Murray State, Judge Gilliam came home to Christian County to begin the first Agri Technology Program in the state.  He later served as Division Chair of the Math, Science, and Technology Division and Dean of Community, Workforce, and Economic Development. In 2013 Jerry went back to work in the Agricultural Field as a Business Relationship Manager at AgQuest Financial.

Judge Gilliam has been recognized throughout his career for commitment and service to the region.  He was awarded Murray State University’s Outstanding Young Alumnus in Agriculture and Christian County Chamber’s Friend of Agriculture Award.  Gilliam received national recognition by being awarded the Alpha Gamma Rho’s Grand President Award in 2014.

Judge Gilliam is married to Hopkinsville Native, Julie Means Gilliam.  They have 5 children: Carson, Sarah Kate, Clara, Lia, and Isabel.