Beckley, WV — Raleigh County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Dimlich has been named Judge of the Year by the West Virginia CASA Association and will be honored during the 2026 WV CASA Awards Gala on Saturday, February 7, at Stonewall Resort.
Judge Dimlich was nominated by CASA of New River for his leadership, fairness, and commitment to ensuring the best interests of children involved in the child welfare system. Known for his thoughtful approach on the bench, he is recognized for his understanding of the challenges facing children and families navigating the courts, as well as his consistent collaboration with CASA advocates.
Dr. Kristi Dumas, Director of CASA of New River, praised Dimlich’s steady, compassionate presence in the courtroom, saying he creates an environment where children are “seen, heard, and valued” through court‑appointed advocacy.
The annual gala will also honor recipients in several statewide categories, including Attorney of the Year, CPS Worker of the Year, CASA Advocate of the Year, and Partner of the Year. West Virginia CASA Executive Director Shanna Gray said the honorees represent the highest standards in child advocacy and highlighted Judge Dimlich’s role in shaping positive outcomes for children.
The WV CASA Awards Gala serves as the organization’s largest statewide fundraising and recognition event. WV CASA supports more than 5,500 children each year through local programs and trained volunteer advocates. Information on tickets, volunteering, or sponsorships is available at wvcasa.org



