ARIZONA NEWS

Gov. Hobbs appoints 7 judges to Maricopa County Superior Court

Apr 3, 2023, 10:27 AM

(Wikimedia Photo)...

(Wikimedia Photo)

PHOENIX – Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs named seven judges to Maricopa County Superior Court to fill vacancies created by retirements, a promotion and voter rejection.

The appointments of Michelle Carson, Marischa H. Gilla, Melody G. Harmon, Amy M. Kalman, Steven W. McCarthy, Colleen O’Donnell-Smith and Melissa M. Zabor were announced Friday.

“On top of their impressive legal experience and qualifications, each of these appointees has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service and to the rule of law,” Hobbs said in a press release.

“I am confident they will be excellent additions to the bench and will serve the state well,” she said.

Nearly all the judges serve as commissioners of the Maricopa County Superior Court.

Carson has served as a commissioner of Maricopa County Superior Court since 2018. She also worked as senior attorney for the Maricopa County Public Defender and was in private practice.

Gilla has served as a commissioner of Maricopa County Superior since 2020. She also worked in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office from 2006 to 2019, including as deputy in the Capital Litigation Bureau.

Harmon has served as a commissioner of Maricopa County Superior Court  since 2018. She also worked as a Maricopa County public defender and has experience in probate and juvenile departments.

Kalman has been a commissioner for the Maricopa County Superior Court since 2018 and oversees treatment courts, including mental health probation. Previously, she served in the county’s public defender office.

McCarthy has served as a Maricopa County Superior Court commissioner since 2019. He has experience overseeing DUI probation court and previously worked in the county public defender’s office for over 10 years.

O’Donnell-Smith has served in the Arizona Attorney General’s Office since 1999, where she had stints as unit chief counsel for the Protective Services Section.

Zabor has served as a commissioner of the Maricopa County Superior Court since 2017 and is assigned to the criminal division.

The appointees replace Judges Laura M. Reckart, Kathleen Mead and Janice Crawford, who retired; Daniel J. Kiley, who was named to Division One of the Arizona Court of Appeals; and Rusty D. Crandell, Stephen M. Hopkins and Howard D. Sukenic, who were not retained by Maricopa County voters in the 2022 midterm election.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Two Valley freeway ramps will be closed for the next two months....

Kevin Stone

2 Valley on-ramps closing for 2 months as part of freeway improvement projects

A couple of metro Phoenix freeway ramps are closing for the next two months as part of ongoing improvement projects.

25 minutes ago

Honeywell Aerospace...

Collin Huguley and Jeff Gifford/Phoenix Business Journal

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace to go its own way amid company split

Phoenix-based Honeywell Aerospace Technologies is going to become a separate entity now that Honeywell International Inc. plans to follow through with a major shake-up.

1 hour ago

fatal shooting southeast Phoenix one man dead...

Payne Moses

Police investigating fatal shooting that left 1 man dead in southeast Phoenix

Phoenix police are investigating a fatal shooting in southeast Phoenix on Friday that left one man dead. The incident is being viewed as an act of self-defense.

9 hours ago

Phoenix woman hit killed by car West Phoenix...

Payne Moses

Woman dead after hit by car while crossing street in west Phoenix

An adult woman was struck and killed by a car on Friday while crossing a street in west Phoenix, authorities said.

10 hours ago

I17 Bumble Bee bridge ADOT construction Feb. 10-12 overnight...

Payne Moses

I-17 overnight closures next week to remove old Bumble Bee bridge

The southbound Interstate 17 will be closed overnight from Monday to Wednesday due to scheduled reconstruction of the Bumble Bee bridge.

11 hours ago

asthma GSK Arizona AG Kris Mayes sues for exploiting drug maker...

Payne Moses

Arizona AG accuses asthma drug maker of scheming to avoid Medicaid rebates

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Thursday sued drug producer GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) for harm done to asthma patients by discontinuing a long-time product.

13 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Asset Preservation Wealth & Tax

How to optimize the most money in 2024 tax returns

As tax season begins, getting your financials in order is important to maximize your tax return.

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to start your retirement planning early and avoid costly mistakes

Retirement planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, you can avoid costly pitfalls.

...

Fiesta Bowl Foundation

Join us for the 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade

The 52nd annual Vrbo Fiesta Bowl Parade presented by Lerner & Rowe returns on Saturday, December 28, at 10 a.m.

Gov. Hobbs appoints 7 judges to Maricopa County Superior Court