Judge Lavenski R. Smith of Little Rock, Arkansas, completed a seven-year term as chief judge of the Eighth Circuit on March 10, 2024.  As chief judge, Judge Smith also served as a member of the Judicial Conference of the United States.  Chief Justice Roberts appointed Chief Judge Smith as a member of the Executive Committee of the Judicial Conference and as chair of the Executive Committee.  Judge Smith was appointed as a United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit by President Bush in 2002.  He will continue as a judge in regular active service on the court of appeals.

    Judge Steven M. Colloton of Des Moines, Iowa, became chief judge of the circuit on March 11, 2024.  Judge Colloton was appointed as a United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit by President Bush in 2003.  Judge Colloton is a native of Iowa City and a graduate of Princeton University and Yale Law School.  During his tenure as a circuit judge, Judge Colloton has served on committees of the Judicial Conference of the United States, including as chair of the Advisory Committee on Appellate Rules and as a member of the Advisory Committee on Civil Rules.

    By statute, the chief judge of the circuit is the most senior circuit judge in regular active service who has served at least one year as a circuit judge, is under the age of 65, and has not served previously as chief judge.  28 U.S.C. § 45(a)(1).