Gov. Robert Bentley on Monday announced the appointment of Charles R. “Chuck” Malone to Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Malone currently serves as Bentley’s chief of staff.

Justice Lyn Stuart, an Atmore native, had been on the short list for the position, which was vacated by Sue Bell Cobb. Cobb said she was resigning before her term was up to spend more time with her family.

“I am pleased to announce Judge Malone as the next Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Judge Malone brings a perfect blend of judicial and administrative expertise needed for this position,” Bentley said in a statement. “I am confident Judge Malone will serve the people of this state well.”

Malone was appointed chief of staff by Bentley in January 2011. He was previously the presiding circuit judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit in Tuscaloosa. Malone was an attorney in private practice in Tuscaloosa from 1981 to January 2001. He was elected circuit judge in November 2000 and took office in January 2001. He was elected presiding judge by judges of the circuit in 2003 and re-elected presiding judge in 2010.

“My entire career has prepared me with a solid foundation to serve as the chief justice and to uphold our state constitution and the constitution of the United States of America,” Malone said. “It has been an honor to serve in Gov. Bentley’s administration and I thank him for this opportunity to return to the bench.”