JEFFERSON CITY — Gov. Mike Parson announced two judicial appointments on Friday, appointing one local graduate from Poplar Bluff High School.
Derek Spencer, an attorney born and raised in Poplar Bluff, currently serves as assistant prosecuting attorney in Cass County. He will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of the Honorable J. Michael Rumley.
Spencer received his Bachelor of Arts undergraduate degree in political science from the University of Mississippi and his law degree from the University of Missouri.
After obtaining his law degree, he has worked for multiple counties across the state.
“It was a tough process, there were a lot of qualified attorneys in Cass County,” Spencer said of the appointment during a phone interview on Friday. “It’s just a humbling opportunity to get to serve and especially at a young age.”
According to Spencer, he will handle a variety of cases including juvenile, probate and criminal cases.
Spencer says his main source of inspiration was his mother for his career path and success.
“I would like to thank my mother for one, she is an inspiration to me. I am blessed to have her and to be raised in Poplar Bluff,” Spencer said.
He also went on to describe how the community members of Poplar Bluff hold a special place in his heart.
“I really appreciate the people in Poplar Bluff,” Spencer said. “I think they have had good legislators and attorneys that have come out of that area; they also have been role models to me.”
Spencer’s mother, Julie Spencer, a local real estate agent says her son displayed interest in the law from a very early age.
“We are very proud of him,” she said during a phone interview.