The Honorable Jason E. Ashford is the State Court Judge for Houston County, Georgia, where he was elected in November, 2010.  As State Court Judge, he presides over civil and criminal jury trials and is a vocal advocate for mediation, court technology and docket efficiency. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Ashford was a prosecutor for over a decade.  He was the District Attorney and Chief Assistant District Attorney in Houston County, where he was responsible for prosecuting serious violent felonies and homicides. He was an adjunct professor for almost 17 years for Middle Georgia State University specializing in Computer Law and taught Government Contracting for several years at Georgia College and State University. He currently teaches business law at Mercer University.  He is the author of many articles in academic and practitioner publications, and travels regularly to speak on issues of ethics and technology.

Prior to becoming a prosecutor, Judge Ashford was an active duty officer in the U.S. Air Force, and served as Comptroller and Support Flight Commander for the 5th Combat Communications Group at Robins Air Force Base. While in the 5th, he was responsible for group logistics, civil engineering, supply, equipment issue, and transportation. After serving as an active duty officer, he then joined the Georgia Air National Guard, where he was the Commander of the 116th Security Forces Squadron for the 116th Air Control Wing, heading a 60-person unit.

Judge Ashford holds a Bachelor of Science in economics and a Juris Doctorate, both from Florida State University. He is a former President of the Warner Robins Optimist Club, the Houston County Bar Association, and the Warner Robins Rotary Club, and is active in many community and philanthropic organizations.