Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander.  She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator.  She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.  

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Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Michigan Court of Appeals  

LANSING, Mich. -  Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Judges Kristina Robinson Garrett and Noah P. Hood to the Michigan Court of Appeals District 1 and Sima Patel to the Michigan Court of Appeals District 2.  

"Appointing three skilled, highly-qualified Michiganders to the second highest court in our great state is an honor," said  Governor Whitmer . "Judge Garrett, Judge Hood, and soon to be Judge Patel each bring an essential perspective and impressive record of experience to the bench. I applaud them for stepping up to serve the public on the Michigan Court of Appeals."  

Michigan Court of Appeals - District 1  

Kristina Robinson Garrett  currently serves as a Judge with the 36th District Court of Detroit, appointed by Governor Whitmer in 2019. In her role, she serves as a judge for various specialty courts including the Street Outreach Court Detroit, Mental Health Treatment Court, Drug Treatment Court, and Veterans Treatment Court. Judge Garrett also presides over traffic cases involving misdemeanor citations, city ordinance violations, and civil infractions. Before her appointment to the bench, Judge Garrett served as general counsel for the Wayne County Sheriff's Office.  

Judge Garrett earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan. She currently serves as a member of the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, Judicial Education Board, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  Judge Garrett lives in Detroit with her husband, Judge Austin W. Garrett of the 36th District Court.   

"I am truly grateful to Governor Whitmer for this opportunity to further serve the citizens of the State of Michigan," said  Judge Garrett . "I will continue to uphold my commitment to listen, learn, and ensure that our state's legal system is fair and accessible in the pursuit of justice."  

This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which expires at twelve o'clock noon on January 1, 2023, after the retirement of Judge Cynthia Stephens effective March 31, 2022. If Judge Garrett wishes to seek a full six-year term, she would be required to run for reelection in November 2022.  

Noah P. Hood  currently serves as a Judge with the 3rd Judicial Circuit of Michigan where he presides over felony cases and the Veterans Treatment Court. Prior to his appointment to the bench by Governor Whitmer in 2019, Judge Hood served as an assistant U.S. attorney and received the U.S. Treasury Department's FinCEN Director's Law Enforcement Award for effective use of Bank Secrecy Act data in safeguarding the financial system. He also received a certificate of appreciation from the United States Secret Service Director for his superior efforts and contributions to the Secret Service's law enforcement responsibilities. Judge Hood previously worked as a litigation associate at Miller, Canfield, Paddock and Stone and was recognized by Michigan Community Legal Resources for his pro bono work in Detroit.  

Judge Hood earned his Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School and Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Yale College. He currently serves a member of the State Council for Interstate Adult Offender Supervision, the Association of Black Judges, and the 3rd Circuit Court Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Noah lives in Detroit with his wife, Meheret. They are expecting the birth of their first child in March.  

"I am grateful for this appointment and the opportunity to continue to serve our community more broadly and with a longer lasting impact," said  Judge Hood . "In recent years, we have seen the role that courts serve as both a barometer and a bulwark for fairness, equality, and the rule of law. I hope to safeguard these ideals as long as I serve."  

This appointment is made to fill a partial term, which expires at twelve o'clock noon on January 1, 2023, after the passing of Judge Karen Fort Hood. If Judge Noah Hood wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Karen Fort Hood's term, expiring January 1, 2027, he would be required to run for reelection in November of 2022.  

Michigan Court of Appeals - District 2  

Sima G. Patel  currently serves as a senior appellate attorney at Fieger Law. In this role, Patel represents victims in complex plaintiffs' personal injury and civil rights appellate litigation before the Michigan Supreme Court, Michigan Court of Appeals, and the Federal 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. Prior to joining Fieger Law, Patel served as a clerk for the Michigan Supreme Court and taught as an adjunct professor at Northwestern Michigan College.   

Patel earned her Juris Doctor degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Colorado. She is a member of the Michigan Association for Justice, South Asian Bar Association, and Women Lawyers' Association of Michigan. Sima is a long-time resident of Royal Oak.   

"How the law is interpreted has a profound impact on every Michigander's life and is a weighty responsibility," said  Patel . "I am humbled and honored that Governor Whitmer has entrusted me with this work, and I look forward to serving the people of Michigan."  

This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which expires at twelve o'clock noon on January 1, 2023, after the passing of Judge Jonathan Tukel. If Ms. Patel wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Tukel's term, expiring January 1, 2027, she would be required to run for reelection in November of 2022.  

Judicial appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Balancing a rewarding career with the ability to have a high-quality lifestyle is important. In Michigan, you can have both. If you’re interested in a career that allows you to make a difference, check out the state of Michigan career portal for a list of current openings in state government.

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