INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Gov. Eric Holcomb has appointed a northwestern Indiana judge to the state’s court of appeals.

Lake County Superior Court Judge Elizabeth F. Tavitas will replace Michael Barnes, who retired from the Indiana Court of Appeals in June after 18 years.

Tavitas was born in South Bend. Her bachelor’s and law degree are both from University of Notre Dame.

The 57-year-old was appointed to the bench in Lake County in 2006, where she primarily handled domestic relations and protection order cases. She also has handled civil commercial cases and tort law jury trials.

St. Joseph County Superior Court Judge Steven Hostetler and Fort Wayne attorney David Van Gilder were the other finalists.

Holcomb announced Tavitas’ appointment Thursday.