Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has made four appointments to the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 10 th Judicial Circuit, based in Bartow.
The new appointments are Robert Peddy and Mattie Hardin Tondreault, both of Lakeland. Peddy is owner of the Law Offices of Peddy, P.A. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Emory University and his law degree from Stetson University. Peddy was appointed for a term ending July 1, 2028, according to a news release.
Tondreault, a former assistant state attorney, is a partner at Hardin & Ball, P.A. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University and her law degree from Mercer University. She was appointed for a term ending July 1, 2028.
DeSantis reappointed Krista Mahalak of Winter Haven and Lydia Zbrzeznj of Bartow.
Mahalak is a shareholder at Peterson & Myers, P.A. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Bethany College and her law degree from the University of Nebraska. She was reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2027.
Zbrzeznj is a managing member of Southern Atlantic Law Group, PLLC. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary and her law degree from Florida Coastal School of Law. Zbrzeznj was reappointed for a term ending July 1, 2028.
The commission interviews applicants for judicial openings and recommends finalists to the governor’s office.