Smith County Judge Nathaniel Moran is proud of his East Texas roots. A native of Whitehouse and graduate of Whitehouse High School, he continued his education at the U. S. Military Academy and Texas Tech University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in Russian, an MBA, and his law degree. He is an attorney who has wide-ranging experience, including in the areas of business and commercial litigation and transaction work.

As county judge of Smith County, Judge Moran presides over the five-member commissioners court and handles a wide range of county matters. His responsibilities include acting as budget officer of the county, chairman of the Smith County Juvenile Board, presiding officer of the Smith County Commissioners Court, head of Emergency Management, and the Chief Administrative Officer for the departments overseen by the Commissioners Court.  Additionally, Judge Moran is the presiding judge over the constitutional county court, which has original judicial jurisdiction over probate, guardianship, and mental health case files in Smith County. 

Prior to Judge Moran's service to the county, he volunteered with a number of non-profit organizations including the Discovery Science Place, Whitehouse I.S.D. Education Foundation, Cancer Foundation for Life, Smith County Bar Association, and Boy Scouts of America Troop 370 (Green Acres).  Judge Moran previously served on the Tyler City Council from 2005-2009, representing District 5.  He and his wife, Kyna, are the proud parents of four children - Caleb, Victoria, Juliette, and Lincoln.  The Moran family are members of South Spring Baptist Church in Tyler, Texas.