The Dallas County School Board hired a new lawyer to lead the school system.

Christmas Green-Williams is now the Dallas County School Board’s new attorney. She was hired in late April, and replaced former board attorney John E. Pilcher. Her current contract will end in November of 2016. Green-Williams currently works in the probate and juvenile arenas, and other areas. She said the position is a new avenue for her law practice.

“I’ve been trying to take my law practice in a different direction,” Green-Williams said. “I saw this position was open, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to try something different.”

Since starting, she’s been immersed in learning more about the school board and school board law. Green-Williams has had crash training in school board matters. Next month she’ll be attending a training session with the Alabama Association of School Boards.

Out of three final candidates, she was the one who stood out to the Dallas County board that elected her, Dallas County School Board Superintendent Don Willingham said.

“She has a young energetic mind,” he said. “She was a very positive person, and that goes along with the image of Dallas County Schools. She’s a very good fit for our system. I already enjoy working with her.”

It was important the board pick a candidate who was familiar with the city, Willingham said. He said it was great to have an individual who lived in Selma and who was familiar with the schools and community.

“Her personality is the personality of the county system,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the next year with her.”