Welcome John Rochester

Beginning February 1, John E. Rochester assumed the role as Interim Executive Director at the Alabama Humanities Foundation. Recently retired as the Presiding Circuit Judge for Alabama's 40th Judicial Circuit, Judge Rochester resides in Ashland.

For many years Judge Rochester has had an affinity for the humanities. He recently led the restoration of the Clay County Courthouse and is known for making the humanities a part of his alternative sentencing program.

Judge Rochester has participated as a speaker for AHF, the Alabama Press Association, the Alabama Circuit Judge’s Association and has spoken at seminars at the Harvard and Yale law schools. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees of the Southeastern Council of Foundations.

Judge Rochester received a bachelor's degree from Auburn, a J.D. from Samford University and a Master of Laws from the New York University School of Law. He is the former Chair of the State Health Coordinating Council and the Clay County Healthcare Authority.

Among his current activities, Judge Rochester serves as:

• Trustee, Southeastern Council of Foundations
• Board of Directors, Voices of Alabama’s Children
• President, Martha Christian White Foundation
• President, Justice Hugo L. Black Memorial