Gov. Haley Barbour on Thursday tapped a south Mississippi assistant district attorney for promotion as 2007 begins.

Hal Kittrell will become district attorney for the 15th Circuit Court District in Pearl River, Jefferson Davis, Lamar, Lawrence and Marion counties Monday.

Kittrell will serve the final year of a four-year term started by his boss, Claiborne “Buddy” McDonald, who is retiring Sunday.

“Hal’s years of legal experience have been marked by a high degree of personal integrity and a total commitment to the law. I know he will be an asset to the people of the 15th Circuit Court District as he continues his dedicated service,” Barbour said in a news release.

Kittrell has served as assistant district attorney since 2000. He is a bar commissioner of the Mississippi Bar Association and is a member of the character and fitness committee for the Mississippi Board of Bar Admissions.

Kittrell earned a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the University of Mississippi.

McDonald said Wednesday that he will practice law in Picayune. He was elected in 1999 to be lead prosecutor. McDonald switched from Democrat to Republican before seeking re-election in 2003.

“While I do not believe in mandatory term limits and feel if an official wishes to place their name on the ballot and the voters wish to elect him or her they should have that right, I do feel there comes a time when others should have an opportunity to bring their talents and vision to public office,” McDonald said.

Mississippi voters in November 2007 will elect statewide officials, legislators and several regional officials such as district attorneys.