BOSTON — Governor Maura T. Healey signed an Executive Order reestablishing the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and a code of conduct for members and judicial nominees. 

 

She also appointed a historically diverse, talented cohort of Commissioners who will be responsible for advising the Governor on nominating and appointing judicial officers in coordination with the Governor's Council. Representing all regions of the state, the Commissioners bring a wealth of experience in the private and public sectors, in big firms and solo firms. 

 

"Judicial officers play a critical role in shaping the lives of Massachusetts residents. Our goal is to ensure that those serving on our courts are committed to justice and equality, and that they are representative of the vibrant, diverse communities they serve," said Governor Healey. "We're proud to be appointing this experienced, dedicated group to the Judicial Nominating Commission, who I know I can count on to advise me on nominating the best judges to serve the people of Massachusetts." 

 

The Executive Order directs the JNC to perform its due diligence to ensure that judicial candidates hold the qualities necessary to serve on the state's courts, including integrity, a strong work ethic, clear judgement, and a commitment to equality and impartiality. Commissioners are also instructed to work to ensure that judicial candidates represent the diversity of the communities they serve, including geography, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability and economic status. 

 

"It's an honor to serve as Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission alongside Vice-Chairs Kathy Henry and Mark Fleming and work to install judicial officers who will uphold the law with intellect, integrity, sound judgment, and a strong work ethic to support the people of this Commonwealth," said Chair Abim Thomas. "I'd like to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their unwavering commitment to justice and equity in our courts." 

 

Judicial Nominating Commission – Commissioners:  

 

Abim Thomas, Fidelity Investments (Chair) 

 

Kathleen C. Henry, Eastern Bank (Vice-Chair) 

 

Mark Fleming, WilmerHale (Vice-Chair) 

 

Gavin Alexander, Jackson Lewis P.C. 

 

Kristen Bonavita, Law Office of Kristen Farrell Bonavita 

 

Gerry D'Ambrosio, D'Ambrosio LLP 

 

Ruth Deras, Law Office of Ruth Deras 

 

Laura Gal, Greater Boston Legal Services 

 

Stephen Hall, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP 

 

Nancy Hathaway, Committee for Public Counsel Services 

 

Peggy Ho, Commonwealth Financial Network 

 

Kristin Knuuttila, Knuuttila Law 

 

Francis (Jay) Lynch, Lynch & Lynch 

 

Mikaela McDermott, Catholic Social Services 

 

The Honorable David A. Mills (ret.) 

 

Daniel Mulhern, Nutter McLennen & Fish LLP 

 

Lynette Paczkowski, Bowditch & Dewey, LLP 

 

The Honorable John M. Payne Jr. (ret.) 

 

Sheriece Perry, Massachusetts Trial Courts – Court Service Centers 

 

Tatum Pritchard, Disability Law Center 

 

John P. Pucci, Bulkley Richardson and Gelinas, LLP 

 

Wendy Quinn, Hassett & Donnelly, P.C. 

 

Elizabeth Rodriguez-Ross, Committee for Public Counsel Services 

 

Mark W. Shaughnessy, Boyle Shaughnessy Law 

 

Dolores Thibault-Muñoz, NewVue Communities 

 

Linda Thompson, Thompson & Thompson PC 

 

Natashia Tidwell, Mintz