Gov. Charlie Crist Monday appointed Heather K. O’Brien, of Kissimmee, to judge in Osceola County Court.

O’Brien, 33, has been an assistant county attorney with Osceola County since 2007. Previously, she was a staff attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court from 2005 to 2007. From 2004 to 2005, she served as an assistant public defender in the Office of the Public Defender for the Ninth Circuit. She also was a judicial clerk for the Colorado Supreme Court from 2003 to 2004.

O’Brien earned a bachelor’s degree from Colorado College in Colorado Springs and a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center.

O’Brien will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Ronald A. Legendre.

“Heather’s dedication, discipline and desire to serve the people of her community will make her an excellent judge,” Crist stated in a press release. “She will apply the knowledge and skills gained through her experience in both trial and appellate courts to serve with empathy, honesty and fairness.”