CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch announced today that he will nominate Superior Court Judge Gary Hicks of Manchester to serve as an Associate Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court at Wednesday's Governor and Council Meeting. The Executive Council must confirm the nomination.

"As a Superior Court Judge and throughout his career, Gary Hicks has more than proven his qualifications. He has shown an in-depth knowledge of the law and keen intellect, brought a fair and balanced approach and an abiding concern for protecting the rights of New Hampshire citizens to the courtroom, and demonstrated a deep commitment to the people of New Hampshire. It is a pleasure to nominate him to serve as an Associate Justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court," Gov. Lynch said.

Gov. Lynch selected Judge Hicks from candidates recommended by the Judicial Selection Commission. Gov. Lynch created the Judicial Selection Commission to ensure the most comprehensive searches possible for potential judicial candidates.

"Judge Hicks possesses distinguished legal talents that will serve the people of the State of New Hampshire well. Because of his talents as both an arbitrator and mediator, Judge Hicks was in great demand by attorneys of all persuasions in contested cases. His well-known reputation as an impartial and fair-minded individual allowed him to resolve a large number of difficult and contested cases. He is highly intelligent and articulate and has an excellent understanding of the role of an appellate judge. He displays a deep and abiding respect for our New Hampshire Constitution," Jill Blackmer and Philip Waystack, the chairs of the Commission, said in recommending Judge Hicks to Gov. Lynch.

Judge Hicks, 52, has served as an Associate Justice of the New Hampshire Superior Court since October 2001. Hicks began his law career in 1978 at Wiggin & Nourie, after spending the summer of 1977 as a clerk to Supreme Court Justice Frank Kenison. From 1996 to his confirmation to the Court, he served as a member of the New Hampshire Judicial Council.

A native of West Stewartstown, Hicks received a bachelor ' s degree in mathematics in 1975 from Bucknell University and received his law degree in 1978 from Boston University, where he was managing editor of the Boston University Law Review.