Wyoming State Bar Announced New Leadership
The state bar organization has appointed a new president and slate of officers for the 2026-2027 term.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in People
Alison Gee has assumed the presidency of the Wyoming State Bar, succeeding Craig Silva. The organization also confirmed the election of new officers to lead the association throughout the upcoming term.
Why it matters
These leadership changes ensure the continuity of governance for the state's legal professional organization. The appointments are guided by established bylaws to maintain regulatory and administrative oversight for lawyers across Wyoming.
The organization appointed a new president and three additional officers for the 2026-2027 term. Jennifer Kirk, who previously served five years as a judicial commissioner, is set to lead the organization in the following term.
The players
Alison Gee
She is a practicing attorney at Yonkee & Toner, LLP and serves as a municipal judge in Gillette.
Jennifer Kirk
She previously served five years as a Fifth Judicial District Commissioner and maintains a private practice in Basin.
Kevin Kessner
He is an attorney who has been affiliated with the Yonkee & Toner law firm since 2007.
Clayton Melinkovich
He is the Sublette County attorney currently serving his second term in that office.
Craig Silva
He is the outgoing president of the Wyoming State Bar.
The details
Alison Gee, a Gillette municipal judge and practitioner at Yonkee & Toner, LLP, took the helm of the Wyoming State Bar this month. Alongside her, Jennifer Kirk was elected president-elect, Kevin Kessner was named vice president, and Clayton Melinkovich was chosen as treasurer.
Timeline
Kevin Kessner joined the Yonkee & Toner law firm in 2007.
Jennifer Kirk returned to her hometown of Basin in 2019.
Jennifer Kirk opened her private law firm in spring 2026.
The Wyoming State Bar announced its new leadership team in September 2026.
Jennifer Kirk is scheduled to serve as president for the 2027-2028 term.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition represents a standard administrative rotation governed by the Wyoming State Bar bylaws. The appointment of these officers ensures the organization remains aligned with its established procedural framework for legal professional oversight.
These appointments impact the administrative oversight and professional standards maintained by the state's legal regulatory body. Attorneys and clients across the state can expect consistent governance as the new officers manage the bar association's 2026-2027 agenda.
The takeaway
The transition of the Wyoming State Bar leadership reflects the importance of rotation in professional governance. Members of the legal community may look to these new leaders for shifts in association priorities for the coming year.
What happens next
Jennifer Kirk is scheduled to transition into the role of president for the 2027-2028 term following her tenure as president-elect.
Further reading
For more information on legal leadership in the state, visit the Wyoming People section.
