The Honorable JoAnn Jayne was confirmed Chief Justice on January 24, 2018.

Chief Justice Jayne is Tábąąhá, born for Kinyaa’áanii. She was born in Shiprock, N.M., and grew up in Tohatchi, N.M. She has a bachelor of science degree in agricultural industry from Arizona State University, a master of science degree in watershed management from University of Arizona and a juris doctor degree from the University of Montana School of Law.

Jayne served four consecutive terms in the Montana State House of Representatives where she served on the Appropriations Committee. She was also elected a state Justice Court judge in Lake County, Montana and has served as a judge in Blackfeet Tribal Court, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Court, and the Crow Tribal Court.