WARREN — The 11th District Court of Appeals has selected Judges Robert J. Patton and Eugene A. Lucci to serve in key leadership roles for 2025, effective Jan. 1.

Judge Robert J. Patton will take on the role of presiding judge, tasked with leading court sessions, conducting judicial meetings and representing the court at Ohio Courts of Appeals Association executive sessions.

Patton, who joined the appellate bench in June 2023, brings more than two decades of experience as a state and federal prosecutor.

His previous roles include supervisory assistant U.S. attorney for the violent crimes unit and senior litigation counsel for tax matters in Cleveland. Additionally, Patton served over 10 years as president of Willowick City Council, where he managed city operations and budgeting.

Judge Eugene A. Lucci has been appointed administrative judge, responsible for overseeing court operations, including case management, judicial assignments and personnel matters.

He also will handle administrative reporting and serve as the court’s liaison for media relations.

Lucci has an extensive judicial background, joining the appellate court in February 2023 following a 22-year tenure as a Lake County Common Pleas judge.

The 11th District covers Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake, Portage and Trumbull counties.