Wyoming State Bar Elected New Leadership Team
The state bar installed Alison Gee as president to manage regulatory governance for the 2026-2027 term.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in People
The Wyoming State Bar has appointed Alison Gee as its new president, succeeding Craig Silva. The organization finalized its officer transition for the 2026-2027 term following elections governed by its bylaws.
Why it matters
Changes in state bar leadership affect regulatory oversight and professional standards for legal practices throughout Wyoming. These leadership transitions often signal shifts in policy priorities for attorneys operating across the state.
The Wyoming State Bar confirmed new leadership for the 2026-2027 term, including the election of Jennifer Kirk as president-elect, Kevin Kessner as vice president, and Clayton Melinkovich as treasurer.
The players
Alison Gee
An attorney at Yonkee & Toner, LLP, and a municipal judge in Gillette who now leads the Wyoming State Bar.
Jennifer Kirk
A private practitioner who previously served for five years as the Fifth Judicial District Commissioner.
Kevin Kessner
A veteran attorney at the Sheridan-based firm Yonkee & Toner who has been with the practice since 2007.
Clayton Melinkovich
The current Sublette County attorney serving his second term in office.
Craig Silva
The outgoing president of the Wyoming State Bar who has been succeeded by Alison Gee.
The details
The election process adhered to Article II, Section 1 and Article VI of the Wyoming State Bar bylaws. Alison Gee, who practices at Yonkee & Toner, LLP, and serves as a municipal judge in Gillette, assumes the presidency immediately. Her incoming executive team brings experience ranging from local municipal court roles to county attorney positions.
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 the spring of 2026.
The Wyoming State Bar announced its new leadership slate in September 2026.
Jennifer Kirk is scheduled to serve as president for the 2027-2028 term.
Market Landscape
Professional organizations in Wyoming operate under rigid governance structures that dictate the timing and process for leadership succession. These elections mirror the structured rotation found in many state-level regulatory and professional bodies.
Legal practitioners and business owners should monitor the incoming board's communications regarding changes to professional conduct standards or fee structures. Reviewing the updated board directory can help identify relevant points of contact for regulatory compliance questions.
The takeaway
The transition of the Wyoming State Bar leadership is now complete for the coming year. Operators should keep an eye on official communications for any potential policy shifts that could impact legal service providers in the state.
Further reading
For more on shifts in state-level professional leadership, see People.
