OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Gov. Mary Fallin has appointed Michael DeBerry to a vacant district judgeship that serves McCurtain, Choctaw and Pushmataha Counties in far southeastern Oklahoma.

DeBerry was previously an associate district judge in McCurtain County. He replaces the late District Judge Willard Driesel.

DeBerry has served in various roles in the region, including assistant district attorney, municipal judge for the city of Idabel and an attorney in private practice.

DeBerry is a member at the Idabel Chamber of Commerce, VFW, Masons, American Legion and the Oklahoma Bar Foundation. He was also recognized in 2011 as an outstanding Oklahoma elected official for his work with child abuse prevention.

DeBerry received a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University and a law degree from the University of Oklahoma.