Senior US District Judge Fernando Gaitan
Senior US District Judge Fernando Gaitan, 76
Judge Gaitan has been active in the field of justice for more than 45 years. He was appointed to the U.S. District court in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush. He was the first person of color nominated to this court, and during his tenure there he implemented the Courtroom to Community program, pairing judges and members of the legal community to meet with civic, service, and professional organizations throughout the community. He previously served as a judge for the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit Court, the Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District and as chief judge of the U.S. District Court. In 2014, he assumed the status of Senior U.S. District Judge. During his career, he has represented indigent clients and assisted in a juvenile delinquency program. He has participated in many community projects in the Kansas City metro area, including Science City at Union Station, the De La Salle Education Center and the KC Crime Commission's "Second Chance" Foundation.
