Michigan: Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to 26th and 30th Circuit Courts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 14, 2020

Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to 26th and 30th Circuit Courts

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today appointed Lisa K. McCormick to the 30th Circuit Court of Ingham County and Keith Edward Black to the 26th Circuit Court of Alpena County.

"Lisa and Keith have comprehensive backgrounds in the legal field and broad professional experiences, making them great choices to serve the residents of Ingham and Alpena counties," Whitmer said. "Both Lisa and Keith will uphold a model of fairness and integrity while performing their new duties on the bench."

Lisa K. McCormick is the director of the Michigan Office of Children's Ombudsman where she advocates for children within Michigan's child welfare system. Prior to her appointment, Ms. McCormick spent over 20 years as an assistant prosecuting attorney with the Ingham County Prosecutor's Office, 11 years as an assistant prosecutor, and in 2008 was promoted to chief assistant prosecuting attorney where she served until retirement in 2018. She founded Small Talk Children's Advocacy Center, which provides a comfortable, child friendly atmosphere where children receive coordinated services during the child abuse investigative process.

Ms. McCormick is the chair of the Michigan State Employees Charitable Campaign. She is also a member of the Michigan League for Public Policy Kids Count in Michigan Advisory Committee, the Michigan Court Improvement Program Statewide Task Force Tribal Court Relations Committee, and the Foster Care Review Board Advisory Committee. She earned her Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh. Ms. McCormick lives in Ingham County with her husband Joseph and has two adult children, Olivia and Ryan.

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"The opportunity to serve the citizens of Ingham County as a Circuit Court Judge ranks as the most humbling honor of my career." McCormick said. "I have devoted my time as a prosecutor and Children's Ombudsman to protecting children, prosecuting crime, and advocating for the rights of victims. My purpose will be to preside over a court in which fairness, objectivity, respect, and compassion will be the bedrock of honoring our legal system and the citizens of Ingham County."

The appointment was made to fill a partial term, which expires at twelve o'clock noon on January 1, 2021, after Judge Laura Baird stepped down. If McCormick wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Baird's unexpired term, expiring at twelve o'clock noon on January 1, 2025, she would be required to run for reelection in November of 2020.

Ms. McCormick will step down from her position as the director of the Michigan Office of Children's Ombudsman. Current Deputy Director Ryan Speidel will serve as the interim director.

Keith Edward "Ed" Black is the prosecuting attorney for Alpena County where he serves as the primary prosecutor for felony matters. Prior to his election as prosecuting attorney, Mr. Black served as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Montmorency County and as an associate with Wenzel, Bennet & Kowalski, P.C. and the Law Offices of Harris & Literski. He also served as a law clerk for the 26th Circuit Court and the 6th Circuit Court of Oakland County.

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Mr. Black is a JAG officer with the United States Army Reserve. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Alpena and he sits on the advisory board for the Children's Advocacy Center of Northeast Michigan, and the Alpena County Prevention Policy Board. Mr. Black earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Michigan State University College of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from Denison University. He lives in Alpena with his wife, Meaghan and their three children, Cooper, Andrew, and Emily.

"I believe serving the people of Alpena County means not just hearing, but actually listening to each individual. It means understanding that justice means different things to different people." Black said. "To be a good public servant you must care for the people you represent and genuinely want to do what is right, versus what is easy, and be willing to put in the time and effort to do just that."

The appointment was made to fill a partial term, which expires at noon on January 1, 2021, after Judge Michael G. Mack stepped down. If Black wishes to seek a full six-year term he would be required to run for reelection in November of 2020.

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

Filed Under: Government, State

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