President Biden has been nominating many judges to federal courts. These choices continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country – both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
February 2022:
February 25, 2022: President Biden Nominates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve as Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court
Today, President Biden will announce his intent to nominate Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Currently a judge on U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, Judge Jackson is one of the nation’s brightest legal minds. If confirmed, she will be the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
Since Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement, President Biden has conducted a rigorous process to identify his replacement. President Biden sought a candidate with exceptional credentials, unimpeachable character, and unwavering dedication to the rule of law. He also sought a nominee — much like Justice Breyer – who is wise, pragmatic, and has a deep understanding of the Constitution as an enduring charter of liberty. And the President sought an individual who understands the profound impact that the Supreme Court’s decisions have on the lives of the American people.
As the longtime Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, the President took seriously the Constitution’s requirement that he make this appointment “by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate,” seeking the advice of Senators in both parties. He studied the histories and case records of candidates, consulted legal experts, and met with candidates.
A former clerk for Justice Breyer, Judge Jackson has broad experience across the legal profession — as a federal appellate judge, a federal district court judge, a member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, an attorney in private practice, and as a federal public defender. Judge Jackson has been confined by the Senate with votes from Republican as well as Democrats three times.
Judge Jackson is an exceptionally qualified nominee as well as a historic nominee, and the Senate should move forward with a fair and timely hearing and confirmation.
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
Judge Jackson has devoted the majority of her career to serving the public — as a U.S. Sentencing Commission lawyer and commissioner; as a federal public defender; and as a federal judge. Judge Jackson currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. From 2013 to 2021, she served as a United States District Judge for the District of Columbia. She has been confirmed by the Senate on a bipartisan basis three times — twice as judge and one to serve on the U.S. Sentencing Commission.
Judge Jackson was born in Washington D.C., and grew up in Miami, Florida. Her parents attended segregated primary schools in the South, then attended Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Both started their careers as public school teachers and became leaders and administrators in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools. When Judge Jackson told her high school guidance counselor she wanted to attend Harvard, the guidance counselor warned that Judge Jackson should not set her sights “so high.” That didn’t stop Judge Jackson. She attended Harvard Law School, where she graduated cum laude, and was an editor of the Harvard Law Review.
After law school, Judge Jackson served in Justice Breyer’s chambers as a law clerk. Judge Jackson served as a federal public defender from 2005 to 2007, representing defendants on appeal who did not have the means to pay for a lawyer. If confirmed, she would be the first former federal public defender to serve on the Supreme Court.
Prior to serving as a judge, Judge Jackson followed in the footsteps of her mentor Justice Breyer by working on the U.S. Sentencing Commission – an important body, partisan by design, that President Biden fought to create as a member of the U.S. Senate. Her work there was focused on reducing unwarranted sentencing disparities and ensuring that federal sentences were just and appropriate.
Judge Jackson lives with her husband, Patrick, who serves as Chief of the Division of General Surgery at Georgetown University Hospital, and two daughters, in Washington, D.C.
April 2022:
THE VICE PRESIDENT: Good morning. Good morning. (Applause.) Good morning, America. (Laughs.) Have a seat, please.
President Joe Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, members of Congress, members of the Cabinet, members of our administration, and friends and fellow Americans: Today is, indeed a wonderful day — (applause) — as we gather to celebrate the confirmation of the next justice of the United States Supreme Court, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. (Applause.)
President George Washington once referred to America as a “great experiment” — a nation founded in the previously untested belief that the people — we, the people — could form a more perfect union. And that belief has pushed our nation forward for generations. And it is that belief that we reaffirmed yesterday — (applause) — through the confirmation of the first Black woman to the United States Supreme Court. (Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: Woah! It’s about time!
THE VICE PRESIDENT: And, Judge Jackson, you will inspire generations of leaders. They will watch your confirmation hearings and read your decisions.
In the years to come, the Court will answer fundamental questions about who we are and what kind of country we live in: Will we expand opportunity or restrict it? Will we strengthen the foundations of democracy, or let them crumble? Will we move forward or backward?
The young leaders of our nation will learn from the experience, the judgement, the wisdom that you, Judge Jackson, will apply in every case that comes before you. And they will see, for the first. time, four women sitting on that Court at one time. (Applause.)
So, as a point of personal privilege, I will share with you, Judge Jackson, that when I presided over the Senate Conformation vote yesterday, while I was sitting there, I drafted a note to my goddaughter. And I told her that I felt such a deep sense of pride and joy about what this moment means for our nation and for her future. And I will tell you, her braids are just a little longer than yours. (Laughter.)
But as I wrote to her, I told her what I know this would mean for her life and all that she has in terms of potential.
So, indeed, the road toward our more perfect union is not always straight, and it is not always smooth. But sometimes it leads to a day like today — (applause) — a day that reminds us what is possible — what is possible when progress is made and that journey — well, it will always be worth it.
So, let us not forget that, as we celebrate this day, we are also here in great part because of one President, Joe Biden — (applause) — and — (laughs) — and because of Joe Biden’s vision and leadership and commitment — a lifelong commitment — to building a better America.
And, of course, we are also here because of the voices and the support of so many others, many of whom are in this audience today.
And with that, it is now my extreme and great honor to introduce our President, Joe Biden. (Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: Thank you, Kamala. Thank you, thank you, thank you. The first really smart decision I made in this administration. (Laughter.)
My name is Joe Biden. Please, sit down. I’m Jill’s husband — (laughter) — and Naomi Biden’s grandfather.
And, folks, you know, yesterday — this is not only a sunny day. I mean this from the bottom of my heart: This is going to let so much shine — sun shine on so many young women, so many young Black women — (applause) — so many minorities, that it’s real. It’s real.
We’re going to look back — nothing to do with me — we’re going to look back and see this as a moment of real change in American history.
I was on the phone this morning, Jessie, with President Ramphosa of South Africa. And he was talking about — the time that I was so outspoken about what was going on and my meeting with Nelson Mandela here. And I said, “You know” — I said “I’m shortly going to go out,” look – — I’m looking out the window — “I’m going to go out in this what they call the South Lawn of the White House, and I’m going to introduce to the world — to the world –the first African American woman out of over 200 judges on the Supreme Court.” And he said to me — he said, “Keep it up.” (Laughter.) “Keep it up.” (Applause. We’re going to keep it up.
And, folks, yesterday we all witnessed a truly historic moment presided over by the Vice President. There are moments, if people go back in history, and they’re literally historic, consequential, fundamental shifts in American policy.
Today, we’re joined by the First Lady, the Second Gentleman, and members of the Cabinet, the Senate Majority Leader. Where — there you are, Chuck. The Senate Majority Leader. And so many who made this possible.
But — and today is a good day, a day that history is going to remember. And in the years to come, they’re going to be proud of what we did and which (inaudible) — Dick Durbin did as the chairman of the committee. (Applause.) I’m serious, Dick. I’m deadly earnest when I say that.
To turn to our children and grandchildren and say “I was there.” “I was there.” That — this is one of those moments, in my view.
My fellow Americans, today I’m honored to officially introduce you to the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, Ketanji Brown Jackson. (Applause.)
After more than 20 hours of questioning at her hearing and nearly 100 meetings — she made herself available to every single senator who wanted to speak to her and spoke for more than just a few minutes, answered their questions, in private as well as before the committee — we all saw the kind of justice she’ll be: Fair and impartial. Thoughtful. Careful. Precise. Precise. Brilliant. A brilliant legal mind with deep knowledge of the law. And a judicial temperament — which was equally important, in my view — that’s calm and in command. And a humility that allows so many Americans to see themselves in Ketanji Brown Jackson.
That brings a rare combination of expertise and qualifications to the Court. A federal judge who has served on the second most powerful court in America behind the Supreme Court. A former federal public defender with the — (applause) — with the ability to explain complicated issues in the law in ways everybody — all people — can understand. A new perspective.
When I made the commitment to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court, I could see this day. I literally could see this day, because I thought about it for a long, long time. As Jill and Naomi would tell you, I wasn’t going to run again. But when I decided to run, this was one of the first decisions I made. I could see it. I could see it as a day of hope, a day of promise, a day of progress; a day when once again, the moral arc of the universe, as Barack used to quote all the time, bends just a little more towards justice.
I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I knew the person I nominated would be put through a painful and difficult confirmation process. But I have to tell you, what Judge Jackson was put through was well beyond that. There was verbal abuse. The anger. The constant interruptions The most vile, baseless assertions and accusations.
In the face of it all, Judge Jackson showed the incredible character and integrity she possesses. (Applause.) Poise. Poise and composure. Patience and restraint. And yes, perseverance and even joy. (Applause.) Even joy.
Ketanji — or I can’t — I’m not going to be calling you that in public anymore. (Laughter.) Judge, you are the very definition of what we Irish refer to as dignity. You have enormous dignity. And it communicates to people. It’s contagious. And it matters. It matters a lot.
Maybe that’s not surprising if you looked to who sat behind her during those hearings — her husband Dr. Patrick Jackson and his family. (Applause.) Patrick, stand up, man. Stand up. (Applause.) Talia and Leila, stand up. (Applause.) I know it’s embarrassing the girls. I’m going to tell you what Talia said. I said to Talia, “It’s hard being the daughter or the son of a famous person.” I said, “Imagine what it’s like being President. And he said — she said. “She may be.” (Laughter and applause.) I couldn’t agree more. Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
And Ketajh, her brother, a former police officer and a veteran. Katajh, stand up, man. (Applause.) This a man who looks like he can still play, buddy. He’s got biceps about as big as my calves. (Laughter.) Thank you, bud. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
And, of course, her parents: Johnny and Ellery Brown. Johnny and Ellery, stand up. (Applause.) I tell you what — as I told Mom: Mom’s rule in my house. (Laughter.) No, you think I’m kidding. I’m not. My mom and my wife as well.
Look, people of deep faith, with a deep love of family and country — that’s what you represent; who know firsthand, Mom and Dad, the indignity of Jim Crow, the inhumanity of legal segregation, and you had to overcome so much in your lives.
You saw the strength of parents in the strength of their daughter that is just worth celebrating. I can’t get over, Mom and Dad — you know, I mean, what — what you did, and your faith, and never giving up any hope. And both that wonderful son you have and your daughter.
You know, and that strength lifted up millions of Americans who watched you, Judge Jackson, especially women and women of color who have had to run the gauntlet in their own lives. So many of my Cabinet members are women — women of color, women that represent every sector of the community. And it matters. And you stood top for them as well. They know it — everybody out there, every woman out there, everyone — (applause) — am I correct? Just like they have. Just like they have.
And same with the women members of Congress, as well, across the board.
Look, it’s a powerful thing when people can see themselves in others. Think about that. What’s the most powerful thing — I’ll bet every one of you can go back and think of a time in your life when there was a teacher, a family member, a neighbor — somebody — somebody who made you believe that you could be whatever you wanted to be. It’s a powerful, powerful, powerful notion.
And that’s one of the reasons I bellied so strongly the we needed a Court that looks like America. Not just the Supreme Court. (Applause.)
And that’s why I’m proud that Kamala Harris is our Vice President of the United States. (Applause.) A brilliant lawyer. The Attorney General of the State of California. Former member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Kamala was invaluable during this entire process. (Applause.)
And, Chuck, our Majority Leader, I want to thank you, pal. You did a masterful job in keeping the caucus together, getting this vote across the finish line in a timely and historic manner. Just watching it on television yesterday, watching when the vote was taken — and the Democratic side, they’re brave people — there was such enthusiasm, genuine. You can tell when it’s real. You can tell when it’s real. You did an incredible job, Chuck. Thank you so much. (Applause.)
Folks, because you’re able to sit down and don’t have to stand, I’m going to go on a little longer here and tell you — (laughter) — I want to say something about Dick Durbin again. Dick, I’m telling you, overseeing the hearing, how you executed the strategy by the hour, every day, to keep the committee together. And you have a very divided committee with some of the most conservative members of the Senate on that committee. It was especially difficult with an evenly divided Senate.
Dick, I served as chairman of that committee for a number of years before I had this job and the job of Vice President. As did all the Democrats, you did an outstanding — I think all the Democrats in the committee did and every Democrat in the Senate, all of whom voted for Judge Jackson.
And notwithstanding the harassment and attacks in the hearings, I always believed that a bipartisan vote was possible. And I hope I don’t get him in trouble — I mean it sincerely — but I want to thank three Republicans who voted for Judge Jackson. (Applause.) Senators Collins, who’s a woman of integrity. Senator Murkowski, the same way — in Alaska — and up for reelection. And Mitt Romney, whose dad stood up like he did. His dad stood up and made these decisions on civil rights.
They deserve enormous credit for setting aside partisanship and making a carefully considered judgement based on the Judge’s character, qualifications, and independence. And I truly admire the respect, diligence, and hard work they demonstrated in the course of the process.
As someone who has overseen, they tell me, more Supreme Court nominations than anyone who’s alive today, I believe that respect for the process is important. And that’s why it was so important to me to meet the constitutional requirement to seek the advice and the consent of the Senate. The advice beforehand and the consent.
Judge Jackson started the nominating process with an imper- — an impressive range of support: from the FOP to civil rights leaders; even Republican-appointed judges came forward.
In fact, Judge Jackson was introduced at the hearing by Judge Thomas Griffith, the distinguished retired judge appointed by George W. Bush.
She finished the hearing with among the highest levels of support of the American people of any nomination in recent memory. (Applause.)
So, soon. Judge Jackson will join the United States Supreme Court. And like every justice, the decisions she makes will impact on the lives of America for a lot longer, in many cases than any laws we all make. But the truth is: She’s already impacting the lives of so many Americans.
During the hearing, Dick spoke about a custodial worker who works the night shift at the Capitol. Her name is Verona Clemmons. Verona, where are you? Stand up, Verona. I want to (applause) — if you don’t mind.
She told him what this nomination meant to her. So he invited Ms. Clemmons to attend the hearing because she wanted to see, hear, and stand by Judge Jackson.
Thank you Verona. (Applause.) Thank you, thank you, thank you.
At her meeting with Judge Jackson, Senator Duckworth introduced her to 11-year-old — is it Vivian?
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Vivienne.
THE PRESIDENT: Vi-vinne?
AUDIENCE MEMBER: Vivienne.
THE PRESIDENT: Vivienne. I’m sorry, Vivienne. There — that’s her — that’s your sister. He’s point- — (laughter) – who was so inspired by the hearing that she wants to be a Supreme Court justice when she grows up. (Applause.) God love you. Stand up, honey. Am I going to embarrass you if I just ask you to stand up? Come on, stand. (Applause.)
There’s tens of thousands of Viviennes all through the United States. She met Judge Jackson and saw her future. Vivienne, you’re here today, and thank you for coming, honey. I know I embarrassed you by introducing you, but thank you.
People of every generation, of every race, of every background felt this moment, and they feel it now. They feel a sense of pride and hope, of belonging and believing, and knowing the promise of America includes everybody — all of us. And that’s the American experiment.
Justice Breyer talked about it when he came to the White House in January to announce his retirement from the Court. He used to technically work with me when I was on the Judiciary Committee, and that’s before he became a justice. He’s a man of great integrity. We’re going to miss Justice Breyer. He’s a patriot, an extraordinary public service [servant], and a great justice of the Supreme Court.
And, folks — (applause) — let me close with what I’ve long said: America is a nation that can be defined in a single word. I was in the foothi — foot- — excuse me, in the foothills of the Himalayas with Xi Jinping, traveling with him. (Inaudible) traveled 17,000 miles when I was Vice President at the time. I don’t know that for a fact.
And we were sitting alone. I had an interpreter and he had an interpreter. And he looked at me. In all seriousness, he said, “Can you define American for me?” And I said what many of you heard me say for a long time. I said. “Yes, I can, in one word: possibilities.” (Applause.) “Possibilities.” That, in America, everyone should be able to go as far as their hard work and God-given talent will take them. And possibilities. We’re the only ones. That’s why we’re viewed as the “ugly Americans”: We think anything is possible. (Laughter.)
And the idea that a young girl who was dissuaded from even thinking you should apply to Harvard Law School — “Don’t raise your hopes so high.” Well, I don’t know who told you that, but I’d like to go back and invite her to the Supreme Court so she can see the interior. (Laughter.)
Look, even Supreme Court of the United States of America.
Now, folks, it’s my honor — and it truly is an honor; I’ve been looking forward to it for a while — to introduce to you the next Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, the Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson. (Applause.)
JUDGE JACKSON: Thank you. Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you all. Thank you all, very much. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Mr. President. It is the greatest honor of my life to be here with you at this moment, standing before my wonderful family, many of my close friends, your distinguished staff and guests, and the American people.
Over these past few weeks, you’ve heard a lot from me and about me, so I hope to use this time primarily to do something that I have not had sufficient time to do, which is to extend my heartfelt thanks to the many, many people who have helped me as part of this incredible journey.
I have quite a few people to thank. And – and I’m sure you can imagine, in this moment, it is hard to find the words to express the depth of my gratitude.
First, as always, I have to give thanks to God for delivering me as promised — (applause) — and for sustaining me throughout this nomination and confirmation process. As I said at the outset, I have come this far by faith, and I know that I am truly blessed. To the many people who have lifted me up in prayer since the nomination, thank you. I am grateful.
Thank you, as well, Mr. President, for believing in me and honoring me with this extraordinary chance to serve our country.
Thank you also, Madam Vice President, for you wise counsel and steady guidance.
And thank you to the First Lady and the Second Gentleman for the care and warmth that you have shown me and my family.
I would also like to extend my thanks to each member of the Senate. You have fulfilled the important constitutional role of providing advice and consent under the leadership of Majority Leader Schumer. And I’m especially grateful for the work of the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, under Chairman Durbin’s skillful leadership. (Applause.)
As you may have heard, during the confirmation process, I had the distinct honor of having 95 personal meetings with 97 sitting senators. (Laughter.) And we had substantive and engaging conversations about my approach to judging and about the role of judges in the constitutional system we all love.
As a brief aside, I will not that these are subjects about which I care deeply. I have dedicated my career to public services because I love this country and our Constitution and the rights that make us free.
I also understand from my many years of practice as a legal advocate, as a trial judge, and as a judge on a court of appeals that part of the genius of the constitutional framework of the United States is its design, and that the framers entrusted the judicial branch with the crucial but limited role.
I’ve also spent the better part of the past decade hearing thousands of cases and writing hundreds of opinions. And in every instance, I have done my level best to stay in my lane and to reach a result that is consistent with my understanding of the law and with the obligation to rule independently without fear or favor.
I am humbled and honored to continue in this fashion as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, working with brilliant colleagues, supporting and defending the Constitution, and steadfastly upholding the rule law. (Applause.)
But today, at this podium, my mission is far more modest. I’m simply here to give my heartfelt thanks to the categories of folks who are largely responsible for me being here at this moment.
First, of course, there is my family. Mom and Dad, thank you for not only traveling back here on what seems like a mos– –moment’s notice, but for everything you’ve done and continue to do for me.
My brother, Ketajh, is here as well. You’ve always been an inspiration to me as a model of public serves and bravery, and I thank you for that.
I love you all very much. (Applause.)
To my in-laws, Pamala and Gardner Jackson, who are here today, and my sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, William and Dana, Gardie and Natalie: Thank you for your love and support.
To my daughters, Talia and Leila: I bet you never thought you’d get to skip school by spending a day at the White House. (Laughter.) This is all pretty exciting for me as well. But nothing has brought me greater joy than being your mother. I love you very much. (Applause.)
Patrick, thank you for everything you’ve done for me over these past 25 years of our marriage. You’ve done everything to support and encourage me. And it is you who’ve made this moment possible. (Applause.)
Your — your steadfast love gave me the courage to move in this direction. I don’t know that I believed you when you said that I could do this, but now I do. (Laughter and applause.) And for that, I am forever grateful.
In the family category, let me also briefly mention the huge extended family, both Patrick’s and my own, who are watching this from all over the country and the world. Thank you for supporting me. I hope to be able to connect with you personally in the coming weeks and months.
Moving on briefly to the second category of people that warrant special recognition: those who provided invaluable support to me professionally in the decades prior to my nomination, and the many, many friends I have been privileged to make throughout my life and career.
Now, I know that everyone who finds professional success thinks they have the best mentors, but I truly do. (Laughter.) I have three inspiring jurists for whom I had the privilege of clerking: Judge Patti Saris, Judge Bruce Selya, and, of course, Justice Stephen Breyer. Each of them is an exceptional public servant, and I could not have had better role models for thoughtfulness, integrity, honor, and principle, both by word and deed.
My clerkship with Justice Breyer, in particular, was an extraordinary gift and one for which I’ve only become more grateful with each passing year. Justice Breyer’s commitment to an independent, impartial judiciary is unflagging. And, for him, the rule of law is not nearly a duty, it is his passion. I am daunted by the prospect of having to follow in his footsteps. And I would count myself lucky, indeed, to be able to do so with even the smallest amount of his wisdom, grace, and joy.
The exceptional mentorship of the judges for him I clerked as proven especially significant for me during this past decade of my service as a federal judge. And, of course, that service itself has been a unique opportunity. For that, I must also thank President Obama, who put his faith in me by nominating me to my first judicial role on the federal district court. (Applause.)
This brings me to my colleagues and staff of the federal district court in Washington, D.C., and the D.C. Circuit: Thank you for everything. I am deeply grateful for your wisdom and your battle-tested friendship through the years.
I also want to extend a special thanks to all of my law clerks, many of whom are here today, who have carved out time and space to accompany me on this professional journey.
I’m especially grateful for Jennifer Gruda, who has been by my side since the outset of my time on the bench — (applause) — and has promised — has promised not to leave me as we take this last big step.
To the many other friends that I have had the great, good fortune to have made throughout these years — from my neighborhood growing up; from Miami Palmetto Senior High School, and especially the debate team; from my days at Harvard College, where I met my indefatigable and beloved roommates, Lisa Fairfax, Nina Coleman Simmons, and Antoinette Sequeria Coakley — they are truly my sisters.
To my time at Harvard Law School and the many professional experiences that I’ve been blessed to have since graduation: Thank you.
I have too many friends to name, but please know how much you’ve meant to me and how much I have appreciated the smiles, the hugs, and the many “atta girls” that have propelled me forward to this day.
Finally, I’d like to give special thanks to the White House staff and the special assistants who provided invaluable assistance in helping me to navigate the confirmation process.
My trusted sherpa, Senator Doug Jones, was an absolute godsend. (Applause.) He was an absolute godsend. He’s not only the best storyteller you’d ever want to meet, but also unbelievably popular on the Hill, which helped a lot. (Laughter.)
I’m also standing here today in no small part due to the hard work of the brilliant folks who interact with the legislature and other stakeholders on behalf of the White House, including Louisa Terrell, Reema Dodin, and Tona Boyd, Minyon Moore, Ben LaBolt, and Andrew Bates. (Applause.)
I am also particularly grateful for the awe-inspiring leadership of the White House Counsel Dana Remus. (Applause.) Of Paige Herwig. Where is Paige? (Applause.) And Ron Klein. (Applause.)
They led an extraordinarily talented team of White House staffers in the Herculean effort that was required to ensure that I was well prepared for the rigors of this process and in record time. Thank you all. (Applause.)
Thank you, as well, to the many, many kind-hearted people from all over this country and around the world who’ve reached out to me directly in recent weeks with messages of support.
I have spent years toiling away in the relative solitude of my chambers, with just my law clerks, in isolation. So, its been somewhat overwhelming, in a good way, to recently be flooded with thousands of notes and cards and photos expressing just how much this moment means to so many people.
The notes that I’ve received from children are particularly cute and especially meaningful because, more than anything, they speak directly to the hope and promise of America.
It has taken 232 years and 115 prior appointments for a Black woman to be selected to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. (Applause.)
But we’ve made it. (Applause.) We’ve made it, all of us. All of us.
And — and our children are telling me that they see now, more than ever, that, here in America, anything is possible. (Applause.)
They also tell me that I’m a role mode, which I take both as an opportunity and as a huge responsibility. I am feeling up to the task, primarily because I know that I am not alone. I am standing on the shoulders of my own role models, generations of Americans who never had anything close to this kind of opportunity but who got up every day and went to work believing in the promise of America, showing others through their determination and, yes, their perseverance that good — good things can be done in this country — from my grandparents on both sides who had only a grade-school education but instilled in my parents the importance of learning, to my parents who went to radically segregated schools growing up and were the first in their families to have a chance to go to college.
I am also ever buoyed by the leadership of generations past who helped to light the way: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Justice Thurgood Marshall, and my personal heroine, Judge Constance Baker Motley. (Applause.)
They, and so many others, did the heavy lifting that made this day possible. And for all of the talk of this historic nomination and now confirmation, I think of them as the true pathbreakers. I am just the very lucky first inheritor of the dream of liberty and justice for all. (Applause.)
To be sure, I have worked hard to get to this point in my career, and I have now achieved something far beyond anything my grandparents could’ve possibly ever imagined. But no one does this on their own. The path was cleared for me so that I might rise to this occasion.
And in the words of Dr. Maya Angelou, I do so now, while “bringing the gifts … my ancestors gave.” (Applause.) I – “I am the dream and the hope of the slave.” (Applause.)
So as I take on this new role, I strongly believe that this is a moment in which all Americans can take great pride.
We have come a long way toward perfecting our union.
In my family, it took just one generation to go from segregation to the Supreme Court of the United States. (Applause.)
And it is an honor — the honor of a lifetime — for me to have this chance to join the Court, to promote the rule of law at its highest level, and to do my part to carry our shared project of democracy and equal justice under law forward, into the future.
Thank you, again, Mr. President and members of the Senate for this incredible honor. (Applause.)
April 13, 2022: President Biden Names Sixteenth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing five new federal judicial nominee, all of who’re extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
For example, the slate includes:
A nominee who would be the first Asian American judge to ever serve on the Seventh Circuit.
A nominee who would be the first Hispanic judge to ever serve on the Ninth Circuit from Washington State.
A nominee who would be the first Hispanic woman to ever serve as a federal judge in the state of Illinois.
A nominee who would be the only judge of color currently serving on the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, and the second African American judge to ever serve on the District of Delaware.
This is President Biden’s sixteenth round of nominees for federal judicial positions and his fourth slate of nominations in 2022, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 90.
President Biden has spent decades committed to strengthening the federal bench, which is why he continues to move rapidly to fill judicial vacancies. And he has won confirmation of the most lower court judges for the first year of a presidency since the Kennedy Administration.
Circuit Court
Judge John Z. Lee: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Judge John Z. Lee has served as a District Court Judge for the Northern District of Illinois since 2012. From 1999 to 2012, Judge Lee was an associate and then a partner at Freeborn & Peters LLP in Chicago. From 1996 to 1999, Judge Lee was an associate at Grippo & Elden LLC, and from 1994 to 1996, he was an associate at Mayer Brown LLP. Mr. Lee served as a trial attorney in the Environmental and Natural Resources Division of the U.S. Department of Justice from 1992 to 1994.
Judge Lee received his A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard College in 1989, and his J.D. from Harvard Law School, cum laude, in 1992.
Judge Salvador Mendoza, Jr.: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Judge Salvador Mendoza, Jr. has served as a U.S. District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Washington since 2014. Judge Mendoza previously served as a Washington State Superior Court Judge from 2013 to 2014. From 1999 to 2013, Judge Mendoza was a solo practitioner then president of a small law firm in Eastern Washington, and also served as a judge pro tempore on various local courts. From 1998 to 1999, Judge Mendoza served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, and 1997 to 1998, he was an Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Washington State Attorney General.
Judge Mendoza received his J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law in 1997, and his B.A. from the University of Washington in 1994.
District Court
Judge Stephen Henley Locher: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Iowa
Judge Stephen Henley Locher has served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Iowa since 2021. Judge Locher was previously a partner at Belin McCormick, P.C., in Des Moines, Iowa from 2013 to 2021. From 2008 to 2013, Judge Locher was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa. From 2004 to 2008, Judge Locher was an associate at Goldberg Kohn in Chicago. Judge Locher served as a law clerk for Judge John R. Gibson on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit from 2003 to 2004.
Judge Locher received his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2003, and his B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, magna cum laude, in 2000.
Nancy L. Maldonado: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Nancy L. Maldonado is a partner at Miner, Barnhill & Galland, P.C. in Chicago, Illinois. Ms. Maldonado joined the firm as an associate in 2003 and was elevated to partner in 2010. Ms. Maldonado previously served as a law clerk for Judge Rubén Castillo on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois from 2001 to 2003.
Ms. Maldonado received her J.D. from Columbia Law School in 2001, and her A.B., cum laude, from Harvard College in 1997.
Gregory B. Williams: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Delaware
Gregory B. Williams is a partner in the Wilmington, Delaware office of Fox Rothschild LLP. He joined the firm in 1995 as an associate and was elevated to partner in 2003. Mr. Williams has served as a special master in complex civil cases for the District of Delaware since 2020. From 1986 to 1992, Mr. Williams served in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Mr. Williams received his J.D. from Villanova University School of Law in 1995 and both his B.A. and B.S. from Millersville University of Pennsylvania in 1990.
April 27, 2022: President Biden Names Seventeenth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing five new federal judicial nominees, all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
For example, if confirmed, Ana Reyes — who immigrated to the United States as a child – would be the first Hispanic woman to ever serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. She would also be the first openly LGBTQ person to ever serve on that court.
This is President Biden’s seventeenth round of nominees for federal judicial positions and his fifth slate of nominations in 2022, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 95.
President Biden has spent decades committed to strengthening the federal bench, which is why he continues to move rapidly to fill judicial vacancies. And he has won confirmation of the most lower court judges for the first year of a presidency since the Kennedy Administration.
Circuit Court
Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit
Judge Sarah A. L. Merriam has served as a U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Connecticut since 2021. Judge Merriam previously served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Connecticut from 2015 to 2021. She served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the District of Columbia from 2007 to 2015.
Judge Merriam worked on political campaigns in Connecticut from 2006 to 2007. She was an associate at the Connecticut-based law firm Cowdery, Ecker & Murphy from 2003 to 2006. Judge Merriam served as a law clerk for Judge Thomas Meskill on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2002 to 2003 and for Judge Alvin Thompson on the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut from 2000 to 2002.
Judge Merriam received her LL.M from Duke Law School in 2028, her J.D. from Yale Law School in 2000, and her B.A. from Georgetown University in 1993.
Lara E. Montecalvo: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
Lara E. Montecalvo is the Public Defender of Rhode Island, a role she has held since 2020. Ms. Montecalvo previously served as an assistant public defender in the Rhode Island Public Defender’s Office from 2004 to 2020. She held several roles in that office, including as Chief Appellate Division from 2014 to 2020, an appellate attorney from 2010 to 2014, and a trial attorney from 2004 to 2010. Ms. Montecalvo was a trial attorney from 2004 to 2010.
Ms. Montecalvo was a trial attorney in the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice from 2000 to 2004. Ms. Montecalvo received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Boston College Law School in 2000 and her B.A. from Swathmore College in 1996.
District Court
Judge Elizabeth Hanes: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
Judge Elizabeth Hanes has served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia since 2020. From 2016 to 2020, Judge Hanes was a civil litigator at Consumer Litigation Associates, P.C. in Newport News, Virginia. From 2009 to 2016, she was an Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Judge Hanes served as a law clerk for Judge Robert B. King on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit from 2008 to 2009 and for Judge Joseph R. Goodwin on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia from 2007 to 2008. Judge Hanes received her J.D., summa cum laude, from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2007, and her B.A., cum laude, for the University of Richmond in 2000.
Anne M. Nardacci: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York
Anne M. Nardacci is a partner at Boies Schiller Flexner LLP in Albany New York, where she worked since 2005. Prior to being elevated to partner in 2020, Ms. Nardacci was a counsel from 2012 to 2020 and an associate from 2005 to 2012. From 2002 to 2005, Ms. Nardacci was an associate at Skadden, Arts, Slate, Meagher & From LLP. Ms. Nardacci received her J.D., cum laude, from Cornell Law School in 2022 and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Georgetown University in 1998.
Ana C. Reyes: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Ana C. Reyes is a partner at Williams & Connolly LLP in Washington D.C., where she has worked since 2001. Prior to being elevated to partner in 2009, Ms. Reyes was an associate from 2001 to 2009. Ms. Reyes served as a law clerk for Judge Amalya Kearse on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2000 to 2001. Ms. Reyes received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 2000, her Masters in International Public Policy from the Johns Hopkins School of International Studies, with honors, in 2014, and her B.S. summa cum laude, from Transylvania University in 1996.
MAY 2022:
May 25: 2022: President Biden Names Eighteenth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing three new federal judicial nominees, all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
For example, if confirmed, Judge Doris Pryor would be the first judge of color to ever serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit from Indiana.
This is President Biden’s eighteenth round of nominees for federal judicial positions and his fifth slate of nominations in 2022, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 98.
President Biden has spent decades committed to strengthening the federal bench, which is why he continues to move rapidly to fill judicial vacancies. And he has won confirmation of the most lower court judges for the first year of a presidency since the Kennedy Administration.
U.S. Circuit Court
Rachel S. Bloomekatz: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Rachel S. Bloomekatz is a solo practitioner at Bloomekatz Law LLC, which she founded in Columbus, Ohio. From 2016 to 2019, Ms. Bloomekatz was a principal at Gupta Wessler PLLC. She was previously an associate at Jones Day LLC in Columbus, Ohio from 2013 to 2015. Ms. Bloomenkatz served as an Assistant Attorney General in The Office of the Attorney General in the Office of the Attorney General in Boston, Massachusetts from 2010 to 2011.
From 2011 to 2012, Ms. Bloomekatz served as a law clerk for Justice Stephen Breyer on the U.S. Supreme Court. From 2009 to 2010, she served as a law clerk for Chief Justice Margaret Marshall on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court. From 2008 to 2009, Ms. Bloomekatz served as a law clerk for Judge Guido Calabresi on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.
Ms. Bloomekatz received her J.D. from UCLA School of Law in 2008 and her A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard University in 2004.
Judge Florence Y. Pan: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
Judge Florence Y. Pan has served on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia since 2021. She previously served as an Associate Judge on the Superior Court for the District of Columbia from 2009 to 2021. From 1999 to 2009, Judge Pan served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, where she also served as Deputy Chief of the Appellate Division from 2007 to 2009.
From 1998 to 1999, she worked at the U.S. Department of Treasury, first as a Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Treasury, first as a Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary for Financial Markets in 1998 and then as a Senior Advisor to the Undersecretary for Domestic Finance in 1999.
Judge Pan worked for the U.S. Department of Justice from 1995 to 1998, during which time she was a Bristow Fellow in the Office of the Solicitor General from 1995 to 1996 and an attorney in the Appellate Section of the Criminal Division from 1996 to 1998. She served as a law clerk for Judge Ralph K. Winter on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 1994 to 1995, and for Judge Michael B. Mukasey on the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of New York from 1993 to 1994.
Judge Pan received her J.D. with distinction from Stanford Law School in 1993, and her B.A. and B.S., summa cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania in 1998.
Judge Doris L. Pryor: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Judge Doris L. Pryor has served as a U.S. Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Indiana since 2018. From 2006 to 2018, Judge Pryor served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana. She served as National Security Chief of Indiana.
She served as National Security Chief for the office from 2014 to 2018. From 2005 to 2006, Judge Pryor served as a Deputy Public Defender for the State of Arkansas Public Defender’s Commission. Judge Pryor served as a law clerk for Judge J. Holmes on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas from 2004 to 2005 and for Chief Judge Lavenski Smith on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit from 2003 to 2004.
Judge Pryor received her J.D. from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2003 and her B.S. from the University of Central Arkansas in 1999.
JUNE 2022:
June 15, 2022: President Biden Names Nineteenth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing seven new federal judicial nominees, all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
For example, if confirmed, this slate would include the first Latino to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the first woman of color to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, the first South Asian person to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the first openly LGBT federal district court judge in Puerto Rico.
This is President Biden’s nineteenth round of nominees for federal judicial positions and his sixth slate of nominations in 2022, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 105.
President Biden has spent decades committed to strengthening the federal bench, which is why he continues to move rapidly to fill judicial vacancies. And he has won confirmation of the most lower court judges for the first year of a presidency since the Kennedy Administration.
Circuit Court Press Bios
Roopali H. Desai: Candidate for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Roopali H. Desai is a partner at Coppersmith Brockleman where she has practiced since 2007. From 2006 to 2007, Ms. Desai was an associate at Lewis & Roca. She served as a law clerk for Chief Judge Mary Schroeder on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2005 to 2006. Ms. Desai received her J.D. in 2005, her M.P.H. in 2001, and her B.A. in 2000, all from the University of Arizona.
Judge Dana M. Douglas: Candidate for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
Dana M. Douglas has been a United States Magistrate Judge on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana since 2019. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Douglas was a partner at Liskow & Lewis, where she worked from 2001 to 2018. Judge Douglas served on the New Orleans Civil Service Commission from 2003 to 2013. She served as a law clerk for Judge Ivan L. R. Lemelle on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana from 2000 to 2001. Judge Douglas received her J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans School of Law in 2000 and her B.A. from Miami University of Ohio in 1997.
Bradley N. Garcia: Candidate for the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit
Bradley N. Garcia is a Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel, a role he has held since 2002. Prior to joining the Department of Justice, Mr. Garcia was a partner in the Supreme Court and Appellate Practice Group at O’Melveny and Myers LLP, where he worked from 2013 to 2022.
As an appellate litigator, Mr. Garcia represented clients in over 50 cases before federal and state appellate courts. He has argued 13 cases before federal and state appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court and the U.S. Courts of Appeals for the First, Third, Fourth, Ninth, Eleventh, and Federal Circuits.
He served as a law clerk for Justice Elena Kagan on the United States Supreme Court from 2012 to 2013 and for Judge Thomas Griffith on the United States Court from 2022 to 2013 for Judge Thomas Griffith on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 2011 to 2012. Mr. Garcia received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 2011 and his B.A. from Johns Hopkins University in 2008.
District Court Press Bios
Maria del R. Antongiorgi-Jordán: Candidate for the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico
Maria del R. Antongiorgi-Jordán has served as the Clerk of Court for the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico since 2019. From 2018 to 2019, she was the Chief Deputy Clerk for the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. Ms. Antongiorgi-Jordán was a partner at McConnell Valdés in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where she worked from 1995 to 2018. Ms. Antongiorgi-Jordán received her LL.M from Georgetown University Law Center in 1994, her J.D. from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico in 1992, and her B.A. from Seton Hill University in 1989.
Jerry W. Blacksmith: Candidate for the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
Jerry W. Blackwell is a founding partner of Blackwell Burke, where he has worked since 2006. From 2000 to 2006, Mr. Blackwell was a partner at Blackwell Ibganugo in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Previously, Mr. Blackwell was a partner at Nilan Johnson Lewis from 1996 to 2000 and a partner at Robins Kaplan from 1987 to 1996. Mr. Blackwell relied his J.D. in 1987 and his B.S. in 1984, both from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Judge Gina R. Méndez-Miró Candidate for the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico
Judge Gina R. Méndez-Miró has served as a judge on the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals since 2016. From 2013 to 2016, Judge Méndez-Miró served as the Chief of Staff for the President of the Senate of Puerto Rico. She previously served in the Puerto Rico Office of Court Administration as the General Counsel and Director of the Legal Affairs Office from 2010 to 2012 and as the Director of Judicial Programs from 2008 to 2010.
From 2006 to 2008, Judge Méndez-Miró served as the Assistant Attorney General for Human Resources for the Puerto Rico Department of Justice. Judge Méndez-Miró received her J.D. from the University of Puerto Rico School of Law in 2001, her M.A. from Princeton University in 2000, and her B.A. magna cum laude, from the University of Puerto Rico in 1996.
Judge Camille L. Vélez-Rivé Candidate for the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico
Judge Camille L. Vélez-Rivé has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Puerto Rico since 2004. Previously, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico from 1998 to 2004. From 1994 to 1997, Judge Vélez-Rivé was an associate at Pietrantoni Méndez & Alvarez in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
She served as a law clerk for Justice Francisco Rebollo-López on the Supreme Court for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico from 1993 to 1994. Judge Vélez-Rivé received her J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Puerto Rico Law School in 1993 and her B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis in 1989.
June 15, 2022: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Julie D. Fisher, of Tennessee, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Cyprus.
Christopher T. Robinson, of Maryland, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Latvia.
Stephanie Sanders Sullivan, of Maryland, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Minister, to be Representative of the United States of America to the African Union, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
Radha Iyengar Plumb, of New York, to be a Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, vice Alan Ray Shaffer.
Bradley N. Garcia, of Maryland, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit, vice Judith W. Rogers, retiring.
Dana M. Douglas, of Louisiana, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fifth Circuit, vice James L. Dennis, retiring.
Roopali H. Desai, of Arizona, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, vice Andrew David Hurwitz, retiring.
Maria del R. Antongiorgi-Jordán, of Puerto Rico, to be United States District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico, vice Gustavo Antonio Gelpi, elevated.
Camille L. Vélez-Rivé, of Puerto Rico, to be United States District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico, vice Francisco Augusto Besosa, retired.
Gina R. Méndez-Miró, of Puerto Rico, to be United States District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico, vice Carmen Consuelo Cerezo, retired.
Jerry W. Blackwell, of Minnesota, to be United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota, vice Susan Richard Nelson, retired.
June 20, 2022: President Biden Names Twentieth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing two new federal judicial nominees, both of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
This is President Biden’s twentieth round of nominees for federal judicial positions and his seventh slate of nomination in 2022, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 107.
President Biden has spent decades committed to strengthening the federal bench, which is why he continues to move rapidly to fill judicial vacancies. And he has won confirmation of the most lower court judges for the first year of a presidency since the Kennedy Administration.
Circuit Court Press Bio
Justice Tamika Montgomery-Reeves: Candidate for the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Justice Tamika Renee Montgomery-Reeves has served as a Justice on the Delaware Supreme Court since 2019. Justice Montgomery-Reeves served as a Vice Chancellor on the Delaware Court of Chancery from 2015 to 2019. Prior to joining the bench, Justice Montgomery-Reeves was a partner at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati in Delaware, where she worked from 2011 to 2015.
From 2007 to 2011, Justice Montgomery-Reeves was an associate at Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP in New York. Justice Montgomery-Reeves served as a law clerk for Chancellor William B. Chandler III on the Delaware Court of Chancery from 2006 to 2007. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2006 and B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Mississippi in 2003.
District Court Press Bio
Judge Frances Kay Behm: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Judge Frances Kay Behm has served as a judge for the Genesee County Circuit and Probate Courts since 2009. Judge Behm was previously a solo practitioner from 2008 to 2009. From 1997 to 2008, Judge Behm was an associate at Winegarden, Haley, Lindholm & Robeson in Flint, Michigan and an associate at Braun Kendrick Finbeiner in Saginaw, Michigan from 1994 to 1997. Judge Behm received her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1994 and her B.A., summa cum laude, from Albion College in 1991.
June 29, 2022: President Biden Names Twentieth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing two new federal judicial nominees, both of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
This is President Biden’s twentieth round of nominees for federal judicial positions and his seventh slate of nominations in 2022, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 107.
President Biden has spent decades committed to strengthening the federal bench, which is why he continues to move rapidly to fill judicial vacancies. And he has won confirmation of the most lower court judges for the first year of a presidency since the Kennedy Administration.
Circuit Court Press Bio
Justice Tamika Montgomery-Reeves: Candidate for the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Justice Tamika Renee Montgomery-Reeves has served as a Justice on the Delaware Supreme Court since 2019. Justice Montgomery-Reeves served as a Vice Chancellor on the Delaware Court of Chancery from 2015 to 2019. Prior to joining the bench, Justice Montgomery-Reeves was a partner at Wilson Sonisini Goodrich & Rosati in Delaware, where she worked from 2011 to 2015.
From 2007 to 2011, Justice Montgomery-Reeves was an associate at Weil Gotshal & Manges LLP in New York. Justice Montgomery-Reeves served as a law clerk from 2006 to 2007. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2006 and B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Mississippi in 2003.
District Court Press Bio
Judge Frances Key Behm: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Judge Frances Kay Behm has served as a judge for the Genesee County Circuit and Probate Courts since 2009. Judge Behm was previously a solo practitioner from 2008 to 2009. From 1997 to 2008, Judge Behm was an associate at Winegarden, Haley, Lindholm, & Robertson in Flint, Michigan and an associate at Braun Kendrick Finbeiner in Saginaw, Michigan from 1994 to 1997.
Judge Behm received her J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1994 and her B.A., summa cum laude from Albion College in 1991.
JULY 2022:
July 12, 2022: President Biden Names Twenty-First Round Of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing five new federal judicial nominees, all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
For example, if confirmed, this slate would include:
The first Asian American judge to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
The first Asian American and second Latina judge to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
This is President Biden’s twenty-first round of nominees for federal positions and his eight slate of nominations in 2022, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 112.
President Biden has spent decades committed to strengthening the federal bench, which is why he continues to move rapidly to fill judicial vacancies. And he has won confirmation of the most lower court judges for the first year of a presidency since the Kennedy Administration.
Circuit Court Press Bio
Cindy K. Chung: Candidate for the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
Cindy K. Chung has served as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania since 2021. Ms. Chung served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania from 2014 to 2021.
From 2009 to 2014, Ms. Chung served as a trial attorney in the Criminal Section of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. From 2003 to 2009, she served as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office.
Ms. Chung served as a law clerk for Judge Myron Thompson on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Alabama from 2002 to 2003. She received her J.D. from Columbia Law School in 2022 and her B.A. from Yale University in 1997.
District Court Press Bios
Kelly B. Hodge: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Kelley B. Hodge is a partner at Fox Rothschild in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she has worked since 2020. Ms. Hodge was previously Of Counsel at Elliot Greenleaf in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania from 2016 to 2017 and 2018 to 2020. Ms. Hodge was the interim District Attorney for the City of Pennsylvania from 2007 to 2018.
From 2015 to 2016, she was the Title IX Coordinator and Executive Assistant to the President at the University of Virginia. From 2011 to 2015, she served as the Safe Schools Advocate under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
From 2004 to 2011, she worked in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. Ms. Hodge was a public defender in the Richmond, Virginia Public Defender’s Office from 1997 to 2003. Ms. Hodge received her J.D. from the University of Richmond School of Law in 1996 and B.A. from the University of Virginia in 1993.
John Frank Murphy: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
John Frank Murphy is a partner at Baker & Hostetler in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he has worked since 2007. Mr. Murphy has also been an Adjunct Professor at Rutgers Law School since 2014. Mr. Murphy served as a law clerk for Chief Judge Kimberly A. Moore on the United States Courts of Appeals for the Federal Circuit from 2008 to 2009.
Mr. Murphy received his J.D. cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 2007, and M.S. and Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology in 2002 and 2004, and his B.S., summa cum laude, from Cornell University in 1999.
Judge Mia Perez: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Judge Mia Roberts Perez has served as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas since her election in 2016. Judge Perez was previously in private practice at her own firm, Perez Law, from 2011 to 2016.
From 2010 to 2011, Judge Perez was an associate at Friedman Schuman in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was an Assistant Defender at the Defender Association Philadelphia from 2006 to 2010. Judge Perez received her J.D. from Temple University, Beasley School Law in 2006 and her B.A. from Tufts University in 2003.
Judge Kai Scott: Candidate for the United States Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Judge Kai Scott has served as a judge on the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas since her election in 2015. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Scott was the Trial Unit Chief for the Federal Community Defender Office in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania from 2010 to 2015.
Judge Scott was an Assistant Federal Defender from 2004 to 2010. From 1998 to 2004, Judge Scott was a Trial Attorney with the Defender Association of Philadelphia. Judge Scott served as a law clerk for Judge Donald Poorman of the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers Compensation from 1996 to 1998.
Judge Scott received her J.D. from the West Virginia University College of Law in 1995 and her B.A. from Hampton University in 1991.
July 13, 2022: President Biden Names Twenty-Second Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing six new federal judicial nominees, all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
For example, if confirmed, this slate would include:
The first Hispanic judge to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts
The first Hispanic judge to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York
The first openly LGBTQ Article III judge to serve in the state of Virginia.
This is President Biden’s twenty-second round of nominees for federal judicial positions and his ninth slate of nominations in 2022, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 118.
President Biden has spent decades committed to strengthening the federal bench, which is why he continues to move rapidly to fill judicial vacancies. And he has won confirmation of the most lower court judges for the first year of a presidency since the Kennedy Administration
District Court
Judge Margaret R. Guzman: Candidate for the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts
Judge Margaret R. Guzman has served as a judge on the Ayer District Court of in Middlesex County, Massachusetts since 2017. From 2009 to 2017, she served as a judge on the Massachusetts Trial Court. From 2005 to 2009, Judge Guzman was a solo practitioner. She previously served as a public defender for the Massachusetts Committee for Public Counsel Services from 1992 to 2005. Judge Guzman received her J.D. from Boston University School of Law in 1992 and her B.A. from Clark University, with honors, in 1989.
Kymberly Evanson: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington
Kymberly Evanson is a partner at Pacifica Law Group in Seattle, Washington, where she has worked since 2011. Ms. Evanson was an associate attorney at K&L Gates in Seattle, Washington from 2009 to 2011. She served as a law clerk for Judge Emmet Sullivan on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia from 2007 to 2008. Ms. Evanson received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2007 and her B.A. from Seattle University in 1999.
Jamal Whitehead: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington
Jamal Whitehead is a shareholder at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender in Seattle, Washington, where he has worked since 2016. From 2014 to 2016, Mr. Whitehead was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington. From 2010 to 2014, he was a Senior Trial Attorney in the Seattle Field Office of the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. From 2007 to 2010, Mr. Whitehead worked as an associate at Garvey Shubert Barer (now Foster Garvey) in Seattle, Washington. He received his J.D. from Seattle University School of Law in 2007 and his B.A. from the University of Washington in 2004.
Judge Robert Stewart Ballou: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia
Judge Robert Stewart Ballou has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Western District of Virginia since 2011. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Ballou was a partner at Johnson, Ayers, & Matthews in Roanoke, Virginia, where he worked from 1992 to 2011. From 1988 to 1991, Judge Ballou was an associate at Christian, Barton, Epps, Brent & Chappell in Richmond, Virginia. Judge Ballou served as a law clerk for Judge Peter Beer on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana from 1987 to 1988. Judge Ballou received his J.D. in 1987 and his B.A. in 1984, both from the University of Virginia.
Jamar K. Walker: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia
Jamar K. Walker has served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia since 2015. From 2012 to 2015, Mr. Walker was an associate at Covington & Burling in Washington, D.C. He served as a law clerk for Judge Raymond A. Jackson on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2011 to 2012. Mr. Walker received his B.A. from the University of Virginia in 2008 and his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2011.
Jorge Alberto Rodriguez: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York
Jorge Alberto Rodriguez has served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Office of the Attorney General of New York since 2014. Mr. Rodriguez was an associate at Deily & Glastetter in Albany from 2010 to 2014 and at Mahoney & Keane in New York City from 2005 to 2010. He received his J.D. in 2004 and B.A. in 2000, both from Vanderbilt University.
July 13, 2022: Nominations Sent to The Senate
Margaret R. Guzman, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts, vice Timothy S. Hillman, retired.
Kymbery Katheryn Evanson, of Washington, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Washington, vice Ricardo S. Martinez, retiring.
Jamal N. Whitehead, of Washington, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Washington, vice Richard A. Jones, retiring.
Robert Stewart Ballou, of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Virginia, vice James P. Jones, retired.
Jamar K. Walker, of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, vice Raymond A. Jackson, retired.
Jorge A. Rodriguez, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of New York, vice David M. Hurd, retiring.
July 14, 2022: President Biden Names Twenty-Third Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing the nominations of four new federal judicial nominees, his intent to nominate a fifth federal judicial nominee, and three nominees for local courts in the District of Columbia — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
For example, if confirmed, this slate would include:
The first Black woman to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
This is President Biden’s twenty-third round of nominees for federal judicial positions and his tenth slate of nominations in 2022, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 123.
President Biden has spent decades committed to strengthening the federal bench, which is why he continues to move rapidly to fill judicial vacancies. And he has won confirmation of the most lower court judges for the first year of a presidency since the Kennedy Administration.
District Court — Press Bios
Matthew L. Garcia: Candidate for the United States District Court for the District of New Mexico
Matthew L. Garcia has served in the Office of New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham as Chief of Staff from 2020 to 2022 and General Counsel from 2019 to 2020. From 2012 to 2018, he was a partner at Garcia Ives Nowara in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and from 2009 to 2012, he was a partner Bach & Garcia in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mr. Garcia had his own solo practice from 2008 to 2009.
From 2006-2008, Mr. Garcia was an associate at Freedman Boyd Danials Hollander, Goldberg & Ives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Mr. Garcia received his J.D. from the University of Mexico School of Law in 2005, an M.P.P. from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government in 2003, and a B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of New Mexico in 1999.
Lindsay C. Jenkins: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois – Intent to Nominate
Lindsay C. Jenkins is a partner at Cooley LLP in Chicago, Illinois, where she has worked since 2021. She previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois from 2006 to 2021. Ms. Jenkins was previously an associate at Jones Day from 2004 to 2006.
She served as a law clerk for Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr. on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio from 2002 to 2024. Ms. Jenkins received her J.D., summa cum laude, from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University, in 2002 and her B.A. from Miami University of Ohio in 1998.
Justice Adrienne C. Nelson: Candidate for the United States District Court for the District of Oregon
Justice Adrienne C. Nelson has served as an Associate Justice on the Oregon Supreme Court since 2018. From 2006 to 2018, Justice Nelson served as a trial judge on the Multnomah County Circuit Court. Justice Nelson worked as a senior attorney for Portland State University from 2004 to 2006, and she was in private practice at Bennett, Hartman, Morris & Kaplan from 2004 to 2006.
From 1996 to 1999, Justice Nelson was a public defender with Multnomah Defenders, Inc. Justice Nelson received her J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law at Austin in 1993 and her B.A. summa cum laude, from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1989.
Judge Andrew G. Schopler: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Southern District of California
Judge Andrew G. Schopler has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of California since 2016. From 2004 to 2016, Judge Schopler was an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
He worked at Rudolf and Maher in Chapel Hill, North Carolina from 1988 to 2004. He was a solo practitioner from 1997 to 1998. Judge Schopler received his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1997 and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Dartmouth College in 1994. He has served in the United States Army Reserves and California Army National Guard since 2014.
Judge James Edward Simmons Jr: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Southern District of California
Judge James Edward Simmons Jr. has been a judge on the California Superior Court since 2017. He is currently the California Superior Court since 2017. He is currently the Supervising Judge of the North County Branch of the San Diego Superior Court. From 2006 to 2017, he was a Deputy District Attorney in the San Diego District Attorney’s Office.
In 2005, Judge Simmons was a Deputy City Attorney in the San Diego City Attorney’s Office. Judge Simmons received his J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law in 2004 and B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley in 2001.
D.C. Superior Court
Laura Crane: Candidate for D.C. Superior Court
Laura Crane has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia since 2014. Before joining the United States Attorney’s Office Ms. Crane was a senior associate at WilmerHale in Washington, D.C. from 2013 to 2014 and a litigation associate at Cravath, Swaine, and Moore in New York City from 2010 to 2012.
She served as a law clerk for the Judge James E. Boasberg on the United States District Court for the District of Columbia from 2012 to 2013. Ms. Crane received her J.D., summa cum laude, from the Washington University School of Law om 2009 and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Duke University in 2003.
Veronica Sanchez: Candidate for the D.C. Superior Court
Veronica Sanchez is an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, a role she has held since 2009. Ms. Sanchez was a trial attorney in the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice from 2002 to 2009.
She served as a law clerk for Judge Melvin Burnett on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2001 to 2002 and for Judge Edward C. Reed on the United States District Court for the District of Nevada from 1999 to 2001. Ms. Sanchez received her J.D. from the UCLA School of Law in 1999 and her B.A. from Duke University in 1996.
July 29, 2022: President Biden Names Twenty-Fourth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing the nominations of eight new federal judicial nominees and his intent to nominate a ninth federal judicial nominee — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
For example, if confirmed, this slate would include:
The first openly LGBT judge to serve on the U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of California
The second Latina to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
The second AAPI woman – and the first Chinese American woman — to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
President Biden has spent decades committed to strengthening the federal bench, which is why he continues to move rapidly to fill judicial vacancies. And he has won confirmation of the most lower court judges for the first year of a presidency since the Kennedy Administration.
Circuit Court Announcements
Julie Rikelman: Candidate for United States Circuit Court for the First Circuit
Julie Rikelman is the United States litigation Director for the Center of Reproductive Rights, where she has worked since 2011. From 2006 to 2011, Ms. Rikelman held numerous positions at NBC Universal Inc., including Vice President of Litigation. She was previously a senior associate at Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett LLP in New York from 2004 to 2006 and an associate at Feldman & Orlansky in Anchorage, Alaska from 2001 to 2004. From 1999 to 2001, Ms. Rikelman was a Blackmun Fellow at the Center for Reproductive Rights. She served as a law clerk for Judge Morton Greenberg, on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit from 1998 to 1999 and for Justic Dana Fabe on the Alaska Supreme Court from 1997 to 1998.
Ms. Rikelman received her J.D. cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 1997 and her A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard College in 1993. Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Ms. Rikelman immigrated to the United States with her family in 1979.
Maria Araújo Kahn: Candidate for United States Circuit Court for the Second Circuit
Maria Araújo Kahn has served as an Associate Justice on the Connecticut Supreme Court since 2017. In 2017, Justice Khan served as a judge on the Connecticut Appellate Court. From 2006 to 2017, Justice Khan was a judge on the Connecticut Superior Court. Justice Kahn was previously an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Connecticut from 1997 to 2006. From 1993 to 1997, Justice Kahn was a staff attorney at the Connecticut Office of Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Disabilities, and from 1991 to 1993, she was a Deputy Assistant Public Defender in the Division of Public Defender Services. Justice Kahn served as a law clerk for Judge Peter Dorsey on the United States District Court for Connecticut from 1989 to 1991.
Justice Kahn received her J.D. from Fordham Law School in 1989 and her B.A., cum laude, from New York University in 1986. Born in Benguela, Angola, Justice Kahn immigrated to the United States with her family in 1975.
District Court Announcements
Judge Daniel Calabretta: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
Daniel Calabretta has served as a judge on the Superior Court of Sacrament County, California since 2019. He previously served as a Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary in the Office of Governor Jerry Brown from 2013 to 2018 and as a Deputy Attorney General on the California Department of Justice from 2008 to 2013. Judge Calabretta was an associate at Munger, Tolles, and Olsen LLP from 2005 to 2008. Judge Calabretta served as a law clerk for Justice John Paul Stevens on the United States Supreme Court from 2004 to 2005 and for Judge William Fletcher on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2003 to 2004. Judge Calabretta received his J.D. from the University of Chicago Law School in 2003 and his B.A. from Princeton University in 2000.
Todd E. Edelman: Candidate for the District of the District of Columbia — Intent to Nominate
Todd E. Edelman has served as an Associate Judge on the Superior Court of the District of Columbia sine 2010. From 2008 to 2010, Judge Edelman was a Visiting Associate Professor of Law at the Georgetown University Law Center. Judge Edelman was Of Counsel at Bredhoff and Kaiser, PLLC from 2005 to 2008. From 1997 to 2005, Edelman was an attorney in various roles at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. Judge Edelman was an E. Barrett Prettyman Fellow in the Criminal Justice Clinic at Georgetown University Law Center from 1995 to 1997. He served as a law clerk for Judge William B. Bryant on the United States District Court of Columbia from 1994 to 1995. Edelman received his J.D., cum laude, from New York University School of Law in 1994 and his B.A., cum laude, from Yale University in 1990.
Jeffery P. Hopkins: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
Jeffery P. Hopkins is a judge on the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Ohio, where he has served since 1996. Judge Hopkins previously was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio from 1990 to 1993. Judge Hopkins was also an associate at Squire, Sanders & Dempsey LLP (Now Squire Patton Boggs LLP) from 1987 to 1990. He served as a law clerk for Judge Alan Norris on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixty Circuit from 1986 to 1987 and the Ohio Court of Appeals from 1985 to 1986. Judge Hopkins received his J.D. from The Ohio State University in 1985 and his A.B. from Bowdoin College in 1982.
Judge Rita F. Lin: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Northern District of California
Rita Lin has served as a judge on the Superior Court of San Francisco County California since 2018. She was previously an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of California from 2014 to 2018. Before that, Judge Lin was a partner at Morrison and Forester LLP, where she worked from 2004 to 2014. She served as a law clerk for Judge Sandra Lynch on the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit from 2003 to 2004. Judge Lin received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard College in 2000.
Araceli Martinez-Olguin: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Northern District of California
Araceli Martinez-Olguin is a supervising attorney at the National Immigration Law Center, where she has worked since 2018. She previously served as the managing attorney at the Immigrants’ Rights Project at Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto, California from 2017 to 2018 and as an attorney for the United States Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights from 2016 to 2017. Ms. Martinez-Olguin also worked at the American Civil Liberties Union and at Legal Aid at Work’s National Origin and Immigrant’s Rights Program. Ms. Martinez-Olguin also served as a law clerk for Judge David Briones on the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas from 2004 to 2006. She received her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law in 2004 and her A.B. from Princeton University in 1999.
AUGUST 2022:
August 1, 2022: Nominations Sent to the Senate
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Maria Araujo Kahn, of Connecticut, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit, vice Jose A. Cabranes, retiring.
Julie Rifleman, of Massachusetts, to be United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit, vice Sandra L. Lynch, retiring.
Myong J. Joun, of Massachusetts, to be United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit, vice George A O’Toole, Jr. retired.
Julia E. Kobick, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts, vice William G. Young, retired.
Jeffrey Paul Hopkins, of Ohio, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Ohio, vice Timothy S. Black, retired.
Araceli Martínez-Olguín, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California, Jeffery S. White, retired.
Rita F. Lin, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California, vice Edward Milton Chen, retired.
Daniel J. Calabretta, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of California, vice John A. Mendez, retired.
Casey T. Arrowood, of Tennessee, to be United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Tennessee for the term of four years, vice J. Douglas Overbey, resigned.
Henry C. Leventis, of Tennessee, to be United States Attorney for the term of four years, vice Donald Q. Cochran, Jr., resigned.
Kevin G. Ritz, of Tennessee, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee for the term of four years, vice D. Michael Dunavant, resigned.
William R. Hart, of New Hampshire, to be United States Marshal for the District of New Hampshire, for the term of four years, vice Nick Willard, term expiring.
August 9, 2022: President Biden Names Twenty-Fifth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate two federal judicial nominees — both of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country – both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
For example, if confirmed, this slate would include:
The second woman of color to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
The first person of color to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit from Kansas
This is President Biden’s twenty-fifth round of nominees for federal judicial positions and his twelfth slate of nominations in 2022, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 134.
President Biden has spent decades committed to strengthening the federal bench, which is why he continues to move rapidly to fill judicial vacancies. And he has won confirmation of the most lower court judges for the year of a presidency since the Kennedy Administration.
United States Circuit Court Announcements
DeAndrea Benjamin: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
DeAndra Benjamin has served as a judge on South Carolina’s Fifth Judicial since 2011. Previously, Judge Benjamin was a partner at the Gist Law Firm, where she worked from 2001 to 2011. She also served as municipal court judge from 2004 to 2011.
From 1999 to 2001, Judge Benjamin was an Assistant Attorney General in the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, and from 1998 to 1999, she was an Assistant Solicitor in the Juvenile and Family Court Division of the Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Judge Benjamin served as a law clerk for Judge L. Casey Manning on South Carolina’s Fifth Judicial Circuit from 1997 to 1998.
Judge Benjamin received her J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1997 and her B.A. from Winthrop University in 1994.
Jabari Wamble: Nominee for the United States Circuit Court for the Tenth Circuit
Jabari Wamble has been an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas since 2011. From 2007 to 2011, Mr. Wamble was an Assistant Attorney General. He was also an Assistant District Attorney for the Johnson County Kansas District Attorney’s Office from 2006 to 2007.
Mr. Wamble received his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2006 and his B.A. from the University of Kansas in 2022.
SEPTEMBER 2022:
September 2, 2022: President Biden Names Twenty-Sixth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing the nominations of eight new federal judicial nominees of eight new federal judicial nominees and his intent to nominate nine federal judicial nominees — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
For example, if confirmed, this slate would include:
The first women of color to serve on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington and the first Black women to serve on a United States District Court in the state of Washington.
The first South Asian judge to serve on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.
The second Hispanic man to serve on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York.
The only LGBT Article III judge actively serving on the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
This President Biden’s twenty-sixty round of nominees for federal judicial positions and is thirteenth slate of nominations in 2022, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 143.
President Biden has spend decades committed to strengthening the federal bench, which is why he continues to move rapidly to fill judicial vacancies. And he has won confirmation of the most lower court judges for the first year of a presidency since the Kennedy Administration.
United States Circuit Court Announcements
Anthony Johnstone: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Anthony Johnstone is the Helen & David Mason Professor of Law and an affiliated professor of public administration at the University of Montana.s Blewett School of Law, where he has taught since 2011. Mr. Johnstone has also worked as a solo practitioner at Johnstone PLLC since 2015. He previously served as the Solicitor for the State of Montana from 2008 to 2011. From 2004 to 2008, Mr. Johnstone served as an Assistant Attorney General at the Montana Department of Justice. From 2000 to 2003, he was a litigation associate at Cravath, Swaine and Moore LLP in New York. He served as a law clerk for Judge Sidney R. Thomas on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Montana from 1999 to 2000. Mr. Johnstone received his J.D., with honors, from the University of Chicago in 1999 and his B.A. from Yale University in 1995.
United States District Court Announcements
Charnelle Marie Bjelkengren: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington – Intent to Nominate
Charnelle Marie Bjelkengren has served as a judge on the Washington State Superior Court since 2019. Judge Bjelkengren previously served as an administrative law judge for Washington State’s Office of Administrative Hearings from 2013 to 2019. From 2001 to 2003 and from 2004 to 2013, she served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. Judge Bjelkengren received her J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2000 and her B.A. fro, Mankato State University (now Minnesota State University), cum laude, in 1997.
Gordon Gallagher: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Colorado
Gorden Gallagher has served as a part-time United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Colorado in Grand Junction since 2012. Judge Gallagher has also had his own solo practice since 2000, focused on criminal defense work in state courts. He previously served as Deputy District Attorney for the Mesa County, Colorado District Attorney’s Office from 1997 to 2000. From 1996 to 1997, Judge Gallagher was an associate at Underhill and Underhill P.C. in Greenwood Village, Colorado. Judge Gallagher received his J.D. from the University of Denver College of Law in 1996 and his B.A. from Macalester College in 1991.
Jonathan J.C. Grey: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Johnathan J.C. Grey has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan since 2021. Judge Grey previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio from 2016 to 2021 and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan from 2012 to 2016. From 2011 to 2012 and 2007 to 2009, he was an associate at Seyfath Shaw LLP in Chicago, Illinois. Judge Grey served as a law clerk for Judge Damon J. Keith on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit from 2010 to 2011 and Judge W. Louis Sands on the United States District Court of the Middle District of Georgia from 2009 to 2010. Judge Grey received his J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2007 and B.S. from Morehouse College in 2004.
Colleen Lawless: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois
Colleen Lawless has served as an Associate Judge for the Seventh Circuit in Sangamon County, Illinois since 2019. Judge Lawless was previously a shareholder at Londrigan, Potter & Randle P.C. in Springfield, Illinois from 2009 to 2019. Judge Lawless received her J.D. from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2009 and her B.A. from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2005.
Orelia Merchant: Nominee for United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
Orelia Merchant has served as Chief Deputy Attorney General for State Counsel in the New York State Attorney General’s Office since 2019. Ms. Merchant previously served in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York as an Executive Assistant United States Attorney from 2016 to 2019 and as an Assistant United States Attorney from 2002 to 2016. From 1988 to 2002, Ms. Merchant served as an Assistant Regional Counsel for the United States Environmental Protection Agency. From 2000 to 2001, she was detailed to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana as a Special Assistant United States Attorney. Ms. Merchant received her J.D. from Tulane University Law School in 1998, her M.A. in Marine Science from the College of William and Mary in 1995, and her B.S. from Dillard University in 1992.
P. Casey Pitts: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of California
P. Casey Pitts is a partner at Alshulter Berzon LLP in San Francisco, California, where he has worked since 2009 to 2017. He served as a law clerk for Judge Stephen Reinhardt on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2008 to 2009. Mr. Pitts received his J.D. from Yale Law School in 2008 and his B.A. from Yale University in 2003.
Ramon Reyes: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
Ramon Reyes has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York since 2006. Judge Reyes previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York from 1998 to 2006. From 1995 to 1988, he was a litigation associate at O’Melveny & Meyers LLP in New York. He served as a law clerk for Judge David G. Trager on the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York from 1994 to 1995. In 1993, Judge Reyes was a legislative attorney for the New York City Council. Judge Reyes received his LL.M. from New York University School of Law in 1993, his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School in 1992, and his B.S. from Cornell University in 1988.
Arun Subramanian: Nominee for United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
Arun Subramanian is a partner at Susman Godfrey LLP in New York, where he has worked since 2007. Me. Subramanian served as a law clerk for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court of the United States from 2006 to 2007, Judge Gerard E. Lynch on the United States District Court of New York from 2005 to 2006, and Judge Dennis Jacobs on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2004 to 2005. Mr. Subramanian received his J.D. from Columbia Law School in 2004 and his B.A. from Case Western Reserve University in 2001.
September 6, 2022: Nominations Sent to the Senate
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Jabari Brooks Wamble, of Kansas, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit, vice Mary Beck Briscoe, retired.
DeAndrea Gist Benjamin, of South Carolina, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit, vice Henry F. Floyd, retired.
Terry J. Burgin, of North Carolina, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of North Carolina for the term of four years, vice Gregory Allyn Forest, resigned.
Glenn M. McNeill, Jr., of North Carolina, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina for the term of four years, vice Michael Blaine East.
Catrina A. Thompson, of North Carolina, to be United States Marshal for the Middle District of North Carolina for the term of four years, vice Steven L. Gladden, term expired.
Michael Purnell, of Mississippi, to be United States Marshal for the Northern District of Mississippi for the term of four years, vice Daniel R. McKittrick, term expired.
Dale L. Bell, of Mississippi, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Mississippi for the term of four years, vice Mark B. Shepherd.
Todd Gee, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi for the term of four years, vice D. Michael Hurst, Jr., term expired.
Colleen R. Lawless, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of Illinois, vice Sue E. Myerscough, retiring.
Gorden P. Gallagher, of Colorado, to be United States District Judge for the District of Colorado, vice William Joseph Martinez, retiring.
P. Casey Pitts, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California, vice Lucy Hadrian Koh, elevated.
Arun Subamanian, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, vice Alison J. Nathan, elevated.
Jonathan James Canada Grey, of Michigan, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, vice Denise Page Hood, retired.
Anthony Devos Johnstone, of Montana, to be United States Circuit Court Judge for the Ninth Circuit, vice Sidney R. Thomas, retiring.
Ramon Ernesto Reyes, Jr. of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, vice Kiyo A Matsumoto, retired.
Orelia Eleta Merchant, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, vice Kiyo A. Matsumoto, retired.
Karen Sasahara, of Massachusetts, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the State of Kuwait.
Arthur W. Brown, of Pennsylvania, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Ecuador.
September 19, 2022: Nominations Sent to the Senate
B. Bix Aliu, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Montenegro.
Martina Anna Tkadlec Strong, of Texas, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the United Arab Emirates.
Joseph Lee Falk, of Florida, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace for a term of four years, vice George E. Moose, term expired.
Roger Israel Zakheim, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Board of Directors the United States Institute of Peace for a term of four years, vice Jeremy A. Rabkin, term expired.
Kathleen Cunningham Matthews, of Maryland, to be a Member of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board for a term expiring January 1, 2025. (New Position)
Jeffrey Gedmin, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board for a term expiring January 1, 2025. (New Position)
Lindsay C. Jenkins, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, vice John Z. Lee elevated.
Charnelle Bjelkengren, of Washington, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington, vice Salvador Mendoza, Jr., elevated.
OCTOBER 2022
October 14, 2022: President Biden Makes Twenty-Seventh Judicial Nominations Announcement and Announces New Nominees to Serve as U.S. Attorneys and U.S. Marshals
The President is announcing his intent to nominate one new federal judicial nominee who is extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
This is President Biden’s twenty-seventh round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 144.
President Biden has spent decades committed to strengthening the federal bench, which is why he continues to move rapidly to full judicial vacancies. And he has won confirmation of the most lower court judges for the first year of a presidency since the Kennedy Administration.
President Biden is also announcing his intent to nominate three new nominees to serve as U.S. Attorneys and three new nominees to serve as U.S. Marshals. These are officials who will be indispensable to upholding the rule of law as top federal law enforcement officials.
These individuals were chosen for their devotion to enforcing the law, their professionalism, their experience and credentials, their dedication to pursuing equal justice for all, and their commitment to the independence of the Department of Justice.
The President has proposed a budget that would significantly increase funding for law enforcement as part of a comprehensive approach to tackling the rising crime rate this administration inherited last year.
The President has also launched a comprehensive effort to take on the uptick in gun crime that has been taking place since 2020 — putting more cops on the beat, supporting community prevention programs, and cracking down on illegal gun trafficking. Conforming U.S. Attorneys as the chief federal law enforcement officers in their district is important for these efforts.
The President has now announced 63 nominees to serve as U.S. Attorneys and 20 nominees to serve as U.S. Marshals.
United States District Court Announcement
Scott Colom: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Mississippi
Scott Colom has served as the District Attorney for the 16th Judicial District of Mississippi since 2016. Mr. Colom practiced law at the Colom Law Firm LLC from 2011 to 2016. While working in private practice, Mr. Colom served in several part-time roles, including as the City Prosecutor for Columbus, Mississippi from 2013 to 2016; as a Municipal Court Judge in Aberdeen, Mississippi from 2012 to 2013; and as an Interim Justice Court Judges for Lowndes County Mississippi from 2011 to 2012.
From 2009 to 2011, as a Skadden Fellow, he was a staff lawyer at the Mississippi Center for Justice. Mr. Colom received his J.D. cum laude, from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 2009 and his B.A. from Milsaps College in 2005.
United States District Court Announcement
Jamie E. Esparza: Candidate for the United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas
Jamie E. Esparza served as the District Attorney for the 34th Judicial District of Texas from 1993 to 2020. Mr. Esparza previously served as an Assistant County Attorney in the El Paso County Attorney’s Office in 1992 and was the First Assistant Public Defender for the El Paso County Public Defender’s Office from 1998 to 1991.
Mr. Esparza served as an Assistant District Attorney for the 34th Judicial District of Texas in 1987 and as an Assistant District Attorney in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Houston, Texas from 1983 to 1987. Mr. Esparza received his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 1983 and a B.B.A from the University of Texas at Austin in 1979.
Alamdar S. Hamdani: Candidate for United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
Alamdar S. Hamdani has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas since 2014. He previously served as Deputy Chief of the Counterterrorism Section of the National Security Division at the Department of Justice from 2012 to 2014 and as a trial attorney in the Counterterrorism Section from 2010 to 2012.
From 2008 to 2012, Mr. Hamdani was an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Kentucky. Mr. Hamdani was a founding partner of Hamdani & Simon LLP from 2005 to 2008; an associate at Winstead Sechrest & Minick PC from 2001 to 2005; and an associate at Dow, Cogburn & Friedman PC from 1999 to 2001. Mr. Hamdani received his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 1999 and his B.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin in 1993.
Leigha Simonton: Candidate for United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas
Leigha Simonton has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas since 2005. From 2003 to 2005, Ms. Simonton was an associate at Haynes & Booth, LLP. She served as a law clerk for Judge Patrick E. Higginbotham on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit from 2002 to 2003 and Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn on the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas from 2001 to 2002. Ms. Simonton received her J.D. from Yale Law School in 2001 and her B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin in 1997.
United States Marshal Announcements
Michael D. Black: Candidate for United States Marshal for the Southern District of Ohio
Michael D. Black has been the Director of Protective Services for OhioHealth Corporation since 2021. Previously he was Deputy Director and Director of Investigations and Security at the Ohio Lottery Commission from 2019 to 2021, and he was Senior Manager for Global Physical Security and Safety Operations in the Global Security Office at Symantec from 2018 to 2019.
Mr. Black previously served in the Ohio State Highway Patrol from 1989 to 2018, retiring as an Assistant Superintendent a Lieutenant Colonel of Operations. Mr. Black held various other roles with the Ohio State Highway Patrol including Major and Commander of the Office of Criminal Investigations from 2012 to 2017; Captain and Columbus District Commander from 2011 to 2012; Staff Lieutenant from 2004 to 2008; Lieutenant from 1999 to 2004; Sergeant from 1998 to 1999; Academy Sergeant from 1994 to 1998; and Trooper from 1989 to 1995. Mr. Black is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
Stephen Eberle: Candidate for United States Marshal for the Western District of Pennsylvania
Stephen Eberle has been a Regional Director for Secure Community Network since 2021. He previously served with the Pennsylvania State Police from 1995 to 2021, retiring as Major and Area I Commander. Mr. Eberle held various other roles with the Pennsylvania State Police including as Major and Director of the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations from 2017 to 2018; Captain and Commanding Officer of Troop A from 2013 to 2017; Lieutenant and Western Section Commander of the Internal Affairs Division from 2011 to 2013; Sergeant from 2007 to 2011; Corporal from 2004 to 2007; and Trooper from 1995 to 2004. Mr. Eberle received his B.S. from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
Justin Martinez: Candidate for United States Marshal of the District of Utah
Justin Martinez has served as the Sheriff of Summit County, Utah, since 2015. From 2005 to 2015, he was a Captain with the Summit County Sheriff’s Department. Mr. Martinez previously served as a Police Officer in the Draper City Police Department from 2003 to 2005 and a Sergeant in the Utah Transit Authority Police Department from 2001 to 2003. From 1999 to 2001 he served as a Corrections Officer in the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office and a Police Officer in the Sandy City Police Department from 1996 to 1998. Mr. Martinez received his M.B.A. from the University of Utah in 2017 and his B.S. from Utah Valley University in 2010. He us a veteran of the United States Coast Guard.
DECEMBER 2022:
December 21: President Biden Names Twenty-Eighth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate six individuals to serve as federal judges — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s twenty-eight round of nominee for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 150. President Biden has spent decades committed to strengthening the federal bench, which is why he continues to move rapidly to fill judicial vacancies. And he has done confirmation of the most lower court judges for the first year of a presidency since the Kennedy Administration.
United States District Court Announcement
Judge Matthew P. Brookman: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana
Matthew P. Brookman has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Indiana since 2016. Previously, Judge Brookman served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana from 2002 to 2016, and as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri from 1999 to 2002. He worked as an associate at the law firm from Herzog, Crebs & McGhee, LLP from 1997 to 1999, as a state court prosecutor in Jefferson County, Missouri from 1994 to 1997, and as an associate for Brown & James in St. Louis, Missouri from the Washington University School of Law in 1993 and his B.A. from DePauw University in 1990.
Michael E. Farbiraz: Candidate for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
Michael E. Farbiarz has served as the General Counsel of the Port of Authority of New York and New Jersey since 2016. From 2014 to 2016, Mr. Farbiarz was a Senior Fellow at New York University School of Law. Mr. Fabiraz served as an assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York from 2004 to 2014, including as Co-Chief of the Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit from 2010 to 2024. Mr. Farbiarz was an associate at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York from 2001 to 2004. He served as a law clerk for Judge José A. Cabranes on the U.S. Circuit Court for the Southern District of New York from 2000 to 2001 and for Chief Judge Michael B. Mukasey on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York from 1999 to 2000. Mr. Farbiarz received his J.D. from Yale Law School in 1999 and his A.B. From Harvard University in 1995.
Judge Marian Gaston: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Southern District of California
Marian Gaston has served as a judge on the Superior Court of California in San Diego since 2015. From 1996 to 2015, Judge Gaston served as a Deputy Public Defender in the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office. Judge Gaston received her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law in 1996 and her B.A. from Emory University in 1993.
Judge Wesley Hsu: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Central District of California
Wesley Hu has served as a judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court since 2017. Judge Hu served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California from 2000 to 2017, including as Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney for, 2000 to 2017, including as Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney from 2015 to 2017 and the Chief of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crimes Section from 2008 to 2015. Judge Hu was an associate at Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher LLP from 1997 to 2000. He served as a law clerk for Judge Mariana R. Pfaelzer on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California from 1996 to 1997. Judge Hu received his J.D. from Yale Law School in 1996 and his B.A. from Yale University in 1993.
Judge Robert Kirsch: Candidate for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
Robert Kirsch has served as a judge on the New Jersey Superior Court for Union County since 2010. Previously Judge Kirsch was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey from 1997 to 2010 and served as a trial attorney in the Civil Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. from 1993 to 1997. Judge Kirsch entered the Department of Justice through the Attorney General’s Honors Program in 1993. He served as a law clerk for Judge William Zloch on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida from 1991 to 1993. Judge Kirsch received his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 1991 and his B.A. from Emory University in 1998.
Mónica Ramírez Almadani: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Central District of California
Mónica Ramírez Almadani has been the President and CEO of Public Counsel, the largest pro bono public interest law firm in the nation, since 2021. She previously worked as a Visiting Assistant Clinical Professor of Law at the University of California, Irving School of Law from 2019 to 2021, as a Special Counsel at Covington & Burling LLP from 2017 to 2019, and as a Special Assistant Attorney General in the California Attorney General’s Office from 2015 to 2017. From 2009 to 2015, Ms Ramírez Almadani held various positions at the U.S. Department of Justice, including Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California from 2012 to 2015; Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General from 2011 to 2012; and Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division from 2009 to 2011. From 2005 to 2009, she was a Staff Attorney and Equal Justice Works Fellow at the American Civil Liberties Union. From 2004 to 2005, she served as a law clerk for Judge Warren J. Ferguson on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Ms Ramírez Almadani received her J.D. from Stanford Law School in 2004 and her A.B. from Harvard University in 2001.
JANUARY 2023:
January 3, 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Nancy G. Abudu, of Georgia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit, vice Beverly Baldwin Martin, retired.
Jennifer M. Adams of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Services, Class of Career Minister, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Cabo Verde.
B. Bix. Aliu, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Services, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Montenegro.
DeAndra Gist Benjamin, of South Carolina, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit, vice Henry F. Floyd, retired.
Andrew G. Biggs, of Oregon, to be a Member of the Social Security Advisory Board for a term expiring September 30, 2024, vice Lanhee J. Chen, term expired.
Rachel Bloomekatz, of Ohio, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixty Circuit, vice R. Guy Cole, Jr., retiring.
Matthew P. Brookman, of Indiana, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Indiana, vice Richard L. Young, retiring.
Arthur W. Brown, of Pennsylvania, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Ecuador.
Daniel J. Calabretta of California, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of California, vice John A. Mendez, retired.
David Michael Capozzi, of Maryland, to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term of five years. (New Position)
Tiffany M. Cartwright, of Washington, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Washington, vice Benjamin Hale Settle, retired.
Anjali Charturvedi, of Maryland, to be General Counsel, Department of Veterans Affairs, vice Richard A. Sauber.
Ravi Chaudhary, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, vice Richard A. Sauber.
Nusrat Jahan Choudhury, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, vice Joseph Frank Bianco, elevated.
Cindy K. Chung, of Pennsylvania, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit, vice D. Brooks Smith, retired.
Jessica G.K. Clarke, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, vice Colleen McMahon, retired.
Anthony Rosario Cocscia, of New Jersey, to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term of five years. (Reappointment)
David Crane, of New Jersey, to be Under Secretary of Energy, vice Mark Wesley Menezes, resigned.
Rebecca F. Dye, of North Carolina, to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner for a term expiring June 30, 2025. (Reappointment.)
Ana A. Escrogima, of New York, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Sultanate of Oman.
Joseph Lee Falk, of Florida, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace for a term of four years, vice George E. Moose, term expired.
Michael Fabiarz, of New Jersey, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey, vice Noel Lawrence Hillman, retired.
Kathleen A. FitzGibbon, of New York, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Niger.
Robert Wiliam Forden, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Eric M. Garcetti, of California, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of India.
Matthew L. Garcia, of New Mexico, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Mexico, vice Judith C. Herrera, retired.
Bradley N. Garcia, of Maryland, to be United States Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit, vie Judith W. Rogers, retiring.
Karla Ann Gilbride, of Maryland, to be General Counsel of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for a term of four years, vice Sharon Fast Gustafson.
Nikolas Guertin, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Navy, vice James F. Geurts.
Geeta Rao Gupta, of Virginia, to be Ambassador at Large for Global Women’s Issues, vice Kelley Eckels, Currie.
Margaret R. Guzman, of Massachusetts, to be United States Ditstrict Judge for the District of Massachusetts, vice Timothy S. Hillman, retired.
Cathy Ann Harris, of Maryland, to be Chairman of the Merit Systems Protection Board, vice Susan Tsui Grundmann.
Rosemarie Hildago, of the District of Columbia, to be Director of the Violence Against Women Office, Department of Justice, vice Susan B. Carbon.
Dale E. Ho, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, vice Katherine B Forrest, resigned.
Lindsay C. Jenkins, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, vice John Z. Lee, elevated.
Anthony Devos Johnstone, of Montana, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, vice Sidney R. Thomas, retiring.
Maria Araujo Khan, of Connecticut, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Second Circuit, vice Jose A. Cabranes, retiring.
Kenly Kıya Kato, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California, vice Beverly Reid O’Connell, deceased.
Ronald T. Keohane, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice James N, Stewart.
Eric W. Kneedler, of Pennsylvania, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Rwanda.
Christopher Koos, of Illinois, to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term of five years, vice Thomas C. Carper, term expired.
Kalpana Kotagal, of Ohio, to be a Member of the Equal Opportunity Commission for a term expiring July 2027, vice Janet Dhillon, term expiring.
Demetrios L. Kouzoukas, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund that the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund for a term of four years, vice Charles P. Blahhous, III, term expired.
Demetrios L. Kouzoukas, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Supplementary Medical Insurance Trust Fund for a term of four years, vice Charles P. Blahous III, term expired.
Demetrios L. Kouzoukas, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund for a term of four years, vice Charles P. Blahous III, term expired.
Samuel E. Latham, of Delaware, to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term of five years, vice Albert DiClemente, term expired.
Yael Lempert, of New York, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister – Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Sharon Beth Lewis, of Oregon, to be a Member of the Social Security Advisory Board for a term expiring September 30, 2028, vice Alan L. Cohen, term expired.
Mark W. Libby, of Massachusetts, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Daniel B. Maffei, of New York, to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner for a term expiring June 30, 2027. (Reappointment)
Jean Elizabeth Manes, of Florida, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Columbia.
Lester Martinez-Lopez, of Florida, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Thomas McCaffery.
Araceli Martínez-Olguín, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California, vice Jeffery S. White, retired.
Ervin Jose Massinga, of Washington, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Natasha C. Merle, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, vice an additional position in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 133(b)(1).
Richard Mills, Jr., of Georgia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Matthew D. Murray, of Maryland, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, for the rank of Ambassador during his tenure of service as United States Senior Official for the Asia-Pacific Economic Corporation (APEC).
Vivek Hallegere Murthy, of Florida, to be Representative of the United States on the Executive Board of the World Health Organization, vice Brett P. Giroir.
Gina R. Méndez-Miró, of Purerto Rico, to be United States District Judge for the District of Puerto Rico, vice Carmen Consuelo Cerezo, retired.
Adrienne C. Nelson, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon, vice Michael W. Mosman, retired.
Patricia Hart Neuman, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Hospital Insurance Trust Fund for a term of four years, vice Robert D. Reischauer, term expired.
Patricia Hart Neuman, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Federal Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund and the Federal Disability Insurance Trust Fund for a term of four years, vice Robert D. Reischauer, term expired.
Roger F. Nyhus, of Washington, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Barbados, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
Brendan Owens, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Lucian Niemeyer.
Radha Iyengar Plumb, of New York, to be a Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, vice Alan Ray Shaffer.
Javier Ramirez, of Illinois, to be Federal Mediation and Conciliation Director, vice Richard Giacolone.
Michael Alan Ratney, of Massachusetts, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Ana C. Reyes, of the District of Columbia, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia, vice Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, retiring.
Elizabeth H. Richard, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Minister, to be Coordinator for Counterterrorism, with the rank and status of Ambassador at Large, vice Nathan Alexander Sales.
Julie Rikeman, of Massachusetts, to be United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit, vice Sandra L. Lynch, retiring.
Elizabeth Rood, of Pennsylvania, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Turkmenistan.
Karen Sasahara, of Massachusetts, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to the State of Kuwait.
Dorothy Camille Shea, of North Carolina, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be the Deputy Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and the Deputy Representative of the United States of America in the Security Council of the United Nations.
Dorothy Camille Shea, of North Carolina, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations, during her tenure of service as Deputy Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations.
Colleen Joy Shogan, of Pennsylvania, to be Archivist of the United States, vice David Ferriero.
Calvin Smyre, of Georgia, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
Gigi B. Sohn, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Federal Communications for a term of five years from July 1, 2021, vice Ajit Varadaraj Pai, term expired.
Amy Lefkowitz Solomon, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Attorney General, vice Karol Virginia Mason.
Martina Anna Tkadlec Strong, of Texas, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the United Arab Emirates.
Stephanie Sanders Sullivan, of Maryland, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Minister of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Minister, to be Representative of the United States of America to the African Union, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
Dilawa Syed, of California, to be Deputy Administer of the Small Business Administration, vice Althea Coetzee.
Stephanie Syptak-Ramnath, of Texas, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Minister, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Peru.
Joel Matthew Szabat, of Maryland, to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term of five years, vice Derek Tai-Ching Kan, resigned.
Robert G. Taub, of New York, to be a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission for a term expiring October 14, 2028. (Reappointment)
Laura Taylor-Kale, of California, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense. (New Position)
Pamala M. Tremont, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Zimbabwe.
Hernán D. Vera, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California, vice Margaret M. Morrow, retired.
Richard R. Verma, of Maryland, to be Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, vice Brian P. McKeon, resigned.
Jamar K. Walker, of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Virginia, vice Raymond A. Jackson, retired.
Phillip A. Washington, of Illinois, to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration for the term of five years, vice Stephen M. Dickson, resigned.
Donna Ann Welton, of New York, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
Daniel I. Werfel, of the District of Columbia, to be Commissioner of the Internal Revenue for the term expiring November 12, 2027, vice Charles P. Rettig, term expired.
Jamal N. Whitehead, of Washington, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Washington, vice Richard A. Jones, retiring.
Robin Lee Weissmann, of Pennsylvania, to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term of five years, vice Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, term expired.
Ann Marie Yastishock, of Pennsylvania, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Solomon Islands and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States to the Republic of Vanuatu.
Hugo Yue-Ho Yon, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Maldives.
Roger Israel Zakheim, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace for a term of four years, vice Jeremy A. Rabkin, term expired.
January 18, 2023: President Biden Names Twenty-Ninth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate four individuals to serve as federal judges — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s twenty-ninth round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 154.
President Biden has spent decades committed to strengthening the federal bench, which is why he continues to move rapidly to fill judicial vacancies. And he has won confirmation of the most lower court judges for the first year of a presidency since the Kennedy Administration.
United States Circuit Court Announcement
Michael A. Delaney: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
Michael A. Delaney has been a Director and Shareholder at McLane Middleton, P.A., in Manchester, New Hampshire since 2013. Mr. Delaney served as Attorney General of New Hampshire from 2009 to 2013 and as Legal Counsel to the Governor of New Hampshire from 2006 to 2009. Previously, Mr. Delaney served in the New Hampshire Department of Justice in several roles from 1999 to 2006. Previously, Mr. Delaney served in the New Hampshire Department of Justice in several roles from 1999 to 2006, including Deputy Attorney General from 2004 to 2006, Senior Assistant Attorney General from 2002 to 2004, Assistant Attorney General from 2000 to 2002, and as a staff attorney from 1999 to 2000. From 1994 to 1999, Delaney was an associate at Wiggin & Nourie, P.A. in Manchester, New Hampshire. He received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 1994, and his B.A. from College of the Holy Cross in 1991.
United States District Court Announcements
Judge Amanda Brailsford: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Idaho
Judge Amanda Brailsford has served as a judge on the Idaho Court of Appeals since 2019. She previously was a founding partner at Anderson Banducci PLLC in Boise, Idaho from 2013 to 2017. Judge Brailsford also worked at Holland & Hart LLP as an associate from 1994 to 2002, and as a partner from 2003 to 2013. She served as a law clerk for Judge Thomas G. Nelson on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 1993 to 1995. Judge Brailsford received her J.D. from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1993, and her B.A. from the University of Idaho in 1989.
Judge Jeffery Cummings: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Judge Jeffrey Cummings has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Illinois since 2019. Judge Cummings was previously co-managing partner at Miner, Barnhill & Galland, P.C., where he worked from 1989 to 2019. Judge Cummings served as a law clerk for Judge Ann Claire Williams on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois from 1987 to 1989. He received his J.D. from the University Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, cum laude, in 1987, and his B.A., with high honors, from Michigan State University in 1984.
Judge LaShonda A. Hunt: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Judge LaShonda A. Hunt has served as a United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Northern District of Illinois since 2017. Hunt previously served as General Counsel for the Illinois Department of Central Management Services in 2016 and as Chief Legal Counsel for the Illinois Department of Corrections from 2015 to 2016. Prior to that, she served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois from 2003 to 2005 and then again from 2010 to 2015. Judge Hunt was Assistant General Counsel at Exelon Company from 2007 to 2009 and Regulatory Outreach Manager at Com Ed, a subsidiary of Exelon, from 2009 to 2010. She also worked as a schools project director for the Just The Beginning Foundation from 2006 to 2007, a staff attorney for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit from 1998 to 2001, and an associate at Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal LLP from 1995 to 1998. Judge Hunt served as a law clerk for Judge William J. Hibbler on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois from 2001 to 2003. She received her J.D. from the University of Michigan in 1995, and her B.S. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1992.
January 23, 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Gerald H. Acker, of Michigan, to be a Commissioner on the part of the United States on the International Joint Commission, United States and Canada, vice Jane L. Corwin, resigned.
Danté Quintin Allen, of California, to be Commissioner of the Rehabilitation Services Administration, Department of Education, vice Mark Schultz.
Elizabeth Allen, of New York, to be Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy, vice Irwin Steve Goldstein.
Monica Ramerez Almadani, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California, vice John A. Kronstadt, retired.
Craig J. Anderson, of Montana, to be United States Marshal for the District of Montana for the term of four years, vice Rodney D. Ostermiller, retired.
Alvin Brown, of Florida, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2026, vice Robert L. Sumwalt III, term expired.
Kate E. Brubacher, of Kansas, to be United States Attorney for the District of Kansas for the term of four years, vice Stephen R. McAllister, resigned.
Almo J. Carter, of the District of Columbia, to be a Commissioner of the United States Parole Commission for a term of six years, vice J. Patricia Wilson Smoot, term expired.
Scott Winston Colom, of Mississippi, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Mississippi, vice Michael P. Mills, retired.
Laura Daniel-Davis, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Interior, vice Joseph Balash, resigned.
Stacy Lynn Dean, of the District of Columbia, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, vice Kevin W. Concannon.
Stephen K. Eberle, of Pennsylvania, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Pennsylvania for the term of four years, vice Michael D. Baughman.
Todd E. Edelman, of the District of Columbia, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia, vice Florence Y. Pan, elevated.
Kymberly Katheryn Evanson, of Washington, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Washington, vice Ricardo S. Martinez, retiring.
Gordon P. Gallagher, of Colorado, to be United States District Judge of the District of Colorado, vice William Joseph Martinez, retiring.
Marian F. Gaston, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of California, vice William Q. Hayes, retired.
Jeffrey Gedmin, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board for a term expiring January 1, 2025. (New Position)
Todd Gee, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi for the term of four years, vice D. Michael Hurst, Jr., term expired.
Michelle Mai Selesky Guida, of Virginia, to be a Member of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board for a term expiring January 1, 2027 (New Position)
Joseph Goffman, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, vice William L. Wehrum.
L. Felice Gorordo, of Florida, to be United States Alternate Executive Director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for a term of two years, vice Erik Bethel, resigned.
Solomon Jeffrey Greene, of the District Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing, and Urban Development, vice Seth Daniel Appleton, resigned.
Jonathan James Canada Grey, of Michigan, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, vice Denise Page Hood, retired.
Jeffrey R. Gural, of New York, to be Chairperson of the Public Buildings Reform Board for a term of six years. (New Position)
Rebecca Lee Haffajee, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services, vice Richard G. Frank.
Deirdre Hamilton, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the National Mediation Board for a term expiring July 1, 2025 (Reappointment)
William R. Hart, of New Hampshire, to be Untied States Marshal for the District of New Hampshire for the term of four years, vice Nick Willard, term expired.
Wesley L. Hsu, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California, vice Virginia A. Phillips, retired.
Joshua David Jacobs, of Washington, to be Under Secretary for Benefits of the Department of Veterans Affairs, vice Paul R. Lawrence.
Kenneth M. Jarin, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board for a term expiring January 1, 2027. (New Position)
Kenneth M. Jarin, of Pennsylvania, to be Chair of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board. (New Position)
Barbara George Johnson, of New Jersey, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation for a term expiring February 4, 2026, vice Maria E. Rengifo-Ruess, term expired.
Jennifer L. Johnson, of New York, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Federated States of Micronesia.
Myong J. Joun, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts, vice George A. O’Toole, Jr., retired.
Janet Keller, of California, to be a Member of the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy for a term expiring July 1, 2023, vice Elizabeth F. Bagley, term expired.
Janet Keller, of California, to be Member of the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy for a term expiring July 1, 2026. (Reappointment)
Cynthia Kierscht, of Minnesota, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Djibouti.
Julia E. Kobik, of Massachusetts, to be United States Judge for the District of Massachusetts, vice William G. Young, retired.
David J. Kostelancik, of Illinois, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Albania.
Patrice H. Kunesh, of Minnesota, to be Commissioner of the Administration for Native Americans, Department of Health and Human Services, vice Jean Carol Hovland.
Kathryn Rose Lang, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Social Security Advisory Board for a term expiring September 30, 2026, vice Henry J. Aaron, term expired.
Colleen R. Lawless, of Illinois, to be the United States District Judge for the Central District of Illinois, vice Sue E. Myerscough, retiring.
Rita F. Lin, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California, vice Edward Milton Chen, retired.
Jessica Looman, of Minnesota, to be Administrator of the Wage and Hour Division, Department of Labor, vice Cheryl Marie Stanton.
Jeffery Matthew Marootian, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Energy (Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy), vice Daniel Simmons.
Justin L. Martinez, of Utah, to be United States Marshal for the District of Utah for the term of four years, vice Matthew D. Harris, resigned.
Moshe Z. Marvit, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission for a term expiring August 30, 2028, vice Arthur R. Traynor III, term expired.
Kathleen Cunningham Matthews, of Maryland, to be a Member of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board for a term expiring January 1, 2027. (New Position)
Orelia Elta Merchant, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, vice William Francis Kuntz, II, retired.
Roy W. Minter, Jr., of Georgia, to be United States Marshall for the Southern District of Georgia for the term of four years, vice David L. Lyons, term expired.
Monde Muyangwa of Maryland, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the African Development Foundation for a term expiring September 2027, vice Linda I. Etim, term expired.
Brent Neumann, of Illinois, to be a Deputy Under Secretary of the Treasury, vice Ramin Toloui.
Adrienne Jennings Noti, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Frederick Howard Weisberg, retired.
Leopoldo Martinez Nucete, of Virginia, to be United States Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank for a term of three years, vie Eliot Pedrosa.
Mary Catherine Phee, of Illinois, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the African Development Foundation for a term expiring September 27, 2026, vice Linda Thomas-Greenfield, resigned.
P. Casey Pitts, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California, vice Lucy Haeran Koh, elevated.
Linda A. Puchala, of Maryland, to be a Member of the National Mediation Board for a term expiring July 1, 2024. (Reappointment)
Linda A. Puchala, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Mediation Board for a term expiring July 1, 2027, (Reappointment)
Michael Purnell, of Mississippi, to be United States Marshal for the Northern District of Mississippi for the term of four years, vice Daniel R. McKittrick, term expired.
Ismail J. Ramsey, of California, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of California, for the term of four years, vice David L. Anderson, resigned.
Ramon Ernest Reyes, Jr., of New York, to be United States District Judge for the District of New York, vice Kiyo A. Matsumoto, retired.
Jose Javier Rodriguez, of Florida, to be an Assistant Secretary of Labor, vice John P. Pallasch.
Margo Schlanger, of Michigan, to be an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture, vice Joe Leonard Jr.
Andrew G. Shopper, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of California, vice Larry Burns, retired.
Elizabeth Shortino, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund for a term of two years, vice Margrethe Lundsager, resigned.
James Edwards Simmons Jr., of California, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of California, vice Anthony J. Battaglia, retired.
Samuel H. Slater, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for a term expiring November 22, 2023, vice William Shaw McDermott, term expired.
Samuel H. Slater, of Massachusetts, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority for a term expiring November 22, 2029. (Reappointment)
Jay T. Snyder, of New York, to be a Member of the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy for a term expiring July 1, 2026 (Reappointment.)
Jay T. Snyder, of New York, to be a Member of the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy for a term expiring July 1, 2023, vice Lyndon L. Olson, Jr., term expired.
Jill E. Steinberg, of Georgia, to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia for the term of four years, Bobby L. Christine, resigned.
Arun Subramanian, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, vice Alison J. Nathan, elevated.
LaWanda Amaker Toney of Maryland, to be Assistant Secretary for Communications and Outreach, Department of Education, vice Peter Cunningham.
Julie Turner, of Maryland, to be Special Envoy on North Korean Human Rights Issues, with the rank of Ambassador.
David Uejio, of California, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, vice Anna Maria Farias.
David M, Uhlmann, of Michigan, to be an Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, vice Susan Parker Bodine.
Richard L.A. Weiner, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, vice J. Steven Dowd.
Glenna Laureen Wright-Gallo, of Nevada, to be Assistant Secretary for the Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education, vice Johnny Collett, resigned.
Janet Louise Yellen, of California, to be United States Governor of the Inter-American Development bank for a term of five years; United States Governor of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for a term of five years; and United States Governor of the International Monetary Fund for a term of five years, vice Steven T. Mnuchin.
Janet Louise Yellen, of California, to be United States Governor of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, vice Steven T. Mnuchin.
January 31, 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Amanda K. Brailsford, of Idaho, to be United States District Judge for the District of Idaho, vice B. Lynn Winmill, retired.
Jeffery Irving Cummings, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, vice an additional position in accordance with 28 U.S.C. 133(b)(1)
Michael Arthur Delenay, of New Hampshire, to be United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit, vice Jeffery R. Howard, retired.
LaShonda A. Hunt, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, vice Charles R. Norgle, Sr., retired.
FEBRUARY 2023:
February 1, 2023: President Biden Announces One New Nominee to Server as U.S. Attorney, One to Serve as U.S. Marshal
The President is announcing his intent to nominate one new nominee to serve as U.S. Attorney and one new nominee to serve as U.S. Marshal. These are official who will be indispensable to upholding the rule of law as top federal law enforcement officials.
These individuals were chosen for their devotion to enforcing the law, their professionalism, their experience and credentials, their dedication to pursuing equal justice for all, and their commitment to the independence of the Department of Justice.
The President has proposed a budget that would significantly increase funding for law enforcement as part of a comprehensive approach to tackling the rising crime rate this administration inherited.
The President also launched a comprehensive effort to take on the uptick in gun crime that has been taking place since 2020 — putting more cops on the beat, supporting community prevention programs, and cracking down on the illegal gun trafficking. Confirming U.S. Attorneys as the chief federal law enforcement officers in their district is important for these efforts.
The President has now announced 68 nominees to serve as U.S. Attorneys and 22 nominees to serve as U.S. Marshals.
United States Attorney Announcement
Damian Diggs: Candidate for United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas
Damian Diggs has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas since 2018. Mr. Diggs previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia from 2012 to 2018.
From 2007 to 2012, Mr. Diggs served as a staff attorney in the Office of Civil Rights at the U.S. Department of Education, and from 2005 to 2007 he was an associate at Hogan & Hartson LLP.
Mr. Diggs served a law clerk for the senior judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals from 2004 to 2005. He served as a law clerk to Judge Rhonda Reid Winston of the Superior Court for the District of Columbia from 2003 to 2005.
He served as a law clerk to Judge Rhonda Reid Winston of the Superior Court for the District of Columbia from 2003 to 2004. Mr. Diggs received his J.D., cum laude, from the American University Washington College of Law in 2003 and his B.S. from Towson University in 1998.
United States Marshal Announcement
Shannon Saylor: Candidate for United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia
Shannon Saylor has served as the Acting United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia since 2021. Mr. Saylor previously served as the Chief Deputy United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2020 to 2021 and Assistant Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal from 2019 to 2020.
He joined the U.S. Marshals Service for the Eastern District of Virginia as a Deputy in 2005. From 2001 to 2005, Mr. Saylor served as a police officer with the Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Police Department in Savannah, Georgia. Mr. Saylor received his B.A. from Thiel College in 1998. He is a. veteran of the United States Army.
February 14, 2023: Statement from President Joe Biden on 100th Judicial Confirmation
As a former chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, strengthening the federal judiciary with extraordinarily qualified judges who are devoted to our Constitution and the rule of law has been among my proudest work in office.
I’m especially proud that the nominees that I have put forward — and the Senate has confirmed — represent the diversity that is one of our best assets as a nation, and that our shared work has broken so many barriers in just 2 years.
Yesterday, for example, the Senate confirmed Cindy Chung to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit; in addition to previously serving as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania, she will be the first AA and NHPI judge to serve on this circuit court. Today, the Senate confirmed Judge Gina Mendez-Miro, who currently serves on the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals, to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico; she will be the first openly LGBTQI+ judge to serve on that court.
We have made important progress in ensuring that the federal judiciary not only looks more like the nation as a whole, but also includes judges from professional backgrounds that have been historically underrepresented on the bench. To that end, I have appointed more federal circuit judges with experience as public defenders than all prior presidents combined. Seventy-six percent of the Article III Judges confirmed during my Administration have been women, and 68% have been people of color. I was proud to nominate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, and I am also proud to have confirmed 12 Black women to serve on federal circuit courts — more than all other Presidents combined.
Since long before the inauguration, I directed my team to make judicial confirmations a leading priority of this administration, and they acted quickly to begin consultations with Senators from both parties about how we could be as productive as possible. And we certainly have been productive.
This is a profound moment, and I want to thank Leader Schumer, Chair Durbin, and Senators on both sides of the aisle for working in good faith to reach this milestone for our country.
February 22, 2023: President Biden Names Thirtieth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate two individuals to federal district courts and one individual to the United States Court of Federal Claims — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s thirtieth round of nominees for federal judiciary positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 157.
United States District Court Announcements
Judge Kato Crews: Candidate for the United States District Court for the District of Colorado
Judge Kato Crews has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Colorado since 2018. Judge Crews was previously a founding partner of Hoffman Crews Nies Waggener & Foster LLP from 2013 to 2018, and a founding partner of Mastin Hoffman & Crews LLC from 2011 to 2013. Judge Crews was an associate at Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons LLP from 2001 to 2008 and a partner from 2008 to 2010. From 2000 to 2001, he was a staff attorney at the National Labor Relations Board in Denver, Colorado. Judge Crews received his J.D. from the University of Arizona in 2000, and his B.A. from the University of Northern Colorado in 1997.
Jabari Wamble: Candidate for the United States District Court for the District of Kansas
Jabari Wamble has been as Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas since 2011. From 2007 to 2011, Mr. Wamble was an Assistant Attorney General. He was also an Assistant District Attorney for the Johnson County, Kansas District Attorney’s Office from 2006 to 2007. Mr. Wamble received his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2006 and his B.S. from the University of Kansas in 2002.
United States Court of Federal Claims Announcement
Molly Silfen: Candidate for the United States Court of Federal Claims
Molly Silfen has served as an Associate Solicitor in the United States Patent and Trademark Office since 2013. From 2021 to January 2023. she was detailed to serve as a counsel on the Intellectual Property Subcommittee of the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary. Ms. Silfen previously served as an appellate attorney in the Appellate Section of the Civil Division at the United States Department of Justice from 2015 to 2016. Ms. Silfen was an associate at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett, and Dunner LLP from 2006 to 2008 and again from 2010 to 2013. She served as a law clerk to Judge Alan D. Lourie on the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit from 2008 to 2010. Ms. Silfen received her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 2006 and her B.S. from Yale University in 2002.
February 27, 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
S. Kato Crews. of Colorado, to be United States District Judge for the District of Colorado, vice Raymond P. Moore, retiring.
Vernelle Trim FitzPatrick, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Gabonese Republic.
William W. Pop, of Missouri, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Uganda.
Molly R. Silfen, of the District of Columbia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims for a term of fifteen years, vice Susan G. Braden, term expired.
Jabari Brooks Wamble, of Kansas, to be United States District Judge for the District of Kansas, vice Julie A. Robinson, retired.
MARCH 2023:
March 20, 2023: President Biden Names Thirty-First Round of Judicial Nominees and Announces New Nominees to Serve as U.S. Attorney
The President is announcing his intent to nominate four individuals to federal district courts and two individuals to the District of Columbia Superior Court — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s thirty-first round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 161.
The President is also announcing his intent to nominate two individuals to serve as U.S. Attorneys. These are officials who will be indispensable to upholding the rule of law as top federal law enforcement officials.
These individuals were chosen for their devotion to enforcing the law, their professionalism, their experience and credentials, their dedication to pursuing equal justice for all, and their commitment to the independence of the Department of Justice.
United States District Court Announcement
Jeremy C. Daniel: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Jeremy C. Daniel has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois since 2014. Mr. Daniel was previously an associate at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP in Chicago, Illinois from 2007 to 2013. He served as a law clerk for Judge Virginia M. Kendall on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois from 2013 to 2014. Mr. Daniel received his J.D. from Loyola University Chicago School of Law in 2007 and his B.S. from Illinois Wesleyan University in 2000. He is a. veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
Judge Brendan Abell Hurson: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland
Judge Brendan Abell Hurson has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Maryland since 2022. Previously Judge Hurson served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender and Senior Litigation Counsel in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Maryland from 2007 to 2017 and again from 2018 to 2022. He also served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Virgin Islands from 2017 to 2018 and worked as an associate at Schulman, Hershfield, and Gilden, P.A. in Baltimore, Maryland from 2006 to 2007. From 2005 to 2006, Judge Hurson served as a law clerk for Judge Margaret B. Seymour on the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. He received his J.D., with honors, from University of Maryland School of Law in 2005 and his B.A. from Providence College, cum laude, in 2000.
Judge Matthew J. Maddox: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland
Matthew J. Maddox has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Maryland since 2022. Previously, he served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland from 2015 to 2022. From 2012 to 2014, Judge Maddox worked as a litigation associate at Holland & Knight LLP. He served as a law clerk for Judge Andre M. Davis on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit from 2014 to 2015 and for Judge Gerald Bruce Lee on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2011 to 2012. Judge Maddox received his J.D. from Yale Law School in 2011 and his B.A. from Morgan State University in 1999.
Darrel James Papillion: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
Darrel James Papillion has been a partner at Walters, Papillion, Thomas, Cullens, LLC in Baton Rouge, Louisiana since 2009. He was previously a partner at Moore, Walters, Thompson, Thomas, Papillion & Cullens, A.P.L.C. from 2001 to 2009. From 1999 to 2001, he was an associate at Moore, Walters & Thompson, A.P.L.C. and from 1995 to 1999, he was an Associate Justice Catherine D. Kimball of the Louisiana Supreme Court from 1994 to 1995. He received his J.D. from the Paul M. Herbert Law Center at Louisiana State University in 1994 and his B.A. from Louisiana State University and A&M College in 1990.
District of Columbia Superior Court Announcements
Judge Tanya Jones Bosier: Nominee for the District of Columbia Superior Court
Judge Tanya Jones Boiser has served as Magistrate Judge on the District of Columbia Superior Court since 2017. Previously, Judge Jones Bosier served as Assistant General Counsel for the District of Columbia Courts from 2015 to 2017 and as an Assistant General Counsel for the District of Columbia Department of Human Services from 2014 to 2015. Prior to that, Judge Jones Boiser served as an Assistant Attorney General in the District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General from 2001 to 2014. She served as a law clerk for Judge Zoe A. Bush of the District of Columbia Superior Court from 2000 to 2001. Judge Jones Bosier received her J.D. from American University Washington College of Law in 2000, and her B.A. from Syracuse University, cum laude, in 1995.
Danny Lam Nguyen: Nominee for the District of Columbia Superior Court
Danny Lam Nguyen is an Associate General Counsel at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he has worked since 2021. Previously, he served as a Trial Attorney in the Criminal Division of the Department of Justice from 2018 to 2021. Mr. Nguyen also served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia from 2013 to 2018, and he was detailed to serve in the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice as a Trial Attorney from 2007 to 2018. Mr. Nguyen was an associate, senior associate, and counsel at WilmerHale from 2006 to 2009 and 2011 to 2013. Mr. Nguyen served as a law clerk for Judge Reggie B. Walton on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia from 2009 to 2011. He received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2006, his M.Ed. from University of California, Los Angeles in 2003, and his B.A. from University of California Los Angeles in 2001.
United States Attorney Announcements
Tara McGrath: Nominee for the United States Attorney for the Southern District of California
Tara McGrath served as the civilian Litigation Attorney Advisor for the United States Marine Corps in the Pacific region from 2019 to 2022. Previously, Ms. McGrath served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California from 2008 to 2019, where she was Principal Deputy Chief of the General Crimes Section in 2015, and a Deputy Chief in the General Crimes Section from 2012 to 2014. She was also detailed to serve as a Trial Attorney in the Office of Enforcement Operations of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. from 2015 to 2018. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. McGrath served as a judge advocate while on active duty in the United States Marine Corps fro, 2001 to 2005 and worked for the Coastal Conservation League from 2005 to 2007. She received her J.D. from University of Michigan Law School in 2001 and her B.A. from Boston College, cum laude, in 1995.
Eric G. Olshan: Nominee for United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania
Eric G. Olshan has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania since 2017. He is currently the Chief of the Economic/Cyber/National Security Crimes Section. From 2007 to 2017, Mr. Olshan served in the Public Integrity Section of the Criminal Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., first as a Trial Attorney from 2007 to 2014 and then as Deputy Chief from 2013 to 2017. Mr. Olshan entered the Department of Justice through the Attorney General’s Honors Program. He served as a clerk for Judge Richard C. Tallman of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2006 to 2007. Mr. Olshan received his J.D. from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in 2006 and his B.S. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2003.
March 21 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
James J. Blanchard, of Michigan, to be a Member of the United States Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy for a term expiring July 1, 2025, vice Anne Terman Wender, term expired.
Tanya Monique Jones Bosier, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Gerald Fisher, retired.
Fara Damelin, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Federal Communications Commission (New Position)
Jeremy C. Daniel, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, vice Gary Scott Feinerman, resigned.
Joel Ehrenderich, of New York, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Palau.
Brendan Abell Hurson, of Maryland, to be United States District Judge for the District of Maryland, vice George Jarrod Hazel, resigned.
Matthew James Maddox, of Maryland, to be United States District Judge for the District of Maryland, vice Paul William Grimm, retired.
Kara C. McDonald, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Lithuania.
Tara K. McGrath, of California, to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of California, for the term of four years, vice Robert S. Brewer Jr., resigned.
Danny Lam Hoan Nguyen, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Fern Flanagan Saddler, retired.
Eric G. Olshan, of Pennsylvania, to be United States Attorney for the Western District of Pennsylvania for the term of four years, vice Cindy K. Chung, resigned.
Darrel James Papillion, of Louisiana, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, vice Carl J. Barbier, retired.
John Joseph Sullivan, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States Institute of Peace for a term of four years, vice Stephen J. Hadley, term expired.
Loren E. Sweatt, of Virginia, to be Member of the National Mediation Board for a term expiring July 1, 2023, vice Gerald W. Fauth, term expired.
Loren E. Sweatt, of Virginia, to be a Member of the National Mediation Board for a term expiring July 1, 2026. (Reappointment)
APRIL 2023:
April 14, 2023: President Biden Names Thirty-Second Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate two federal judicial nominees — both of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
If confirmed, this slate would include:
The first Hispanic woman to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and the only active Hispanic judge on the Fifth Circuit
The fourth Hispanic woman to serve on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
United States Circuit Court Announcements
Judge Ana de Alba: Candidate for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Judge Ana de Alba has served as a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of California since 2022. Previously, she served as a judge on the Superior Court of California in Fresno County from 2018 to 2022. Judge de Alba was a partner at Lang, Richert & Patch from 2013 to 2018. She was an associate at the firm from 2007 to 2013. Judge de Alba received her J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law in 2007 and her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley in 2002.
Judge Irma Ramirez has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Texas since 2002. Previously, Judge Ramirez served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas from 1994 to 2002. Prior to that, she was an associate at Locke, Purnell Rain Harrell, PC from 1991 to 1995. Judge Ramirez received her J.D. from the Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1991 and her B.A. from West Texas State University in 1986.
April 17, 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Ana de Alba, of California, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, vice Paul J. Watford, resigning.
Lisa Peterson, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Burundi.
Irma Carrillo Ramirez, of Texas, to be United States Judge for the Fifth Circuit, vice Gregg Jeffery Costa, resigned.
MAY 2023:
May 3, 2023: President Biden Names Thirty-Third Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate four federal judicial nominees — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
If confirmed, this slate would include:
The first South Asian woman to serve on United States District Court for the District of Columbia and the only AAPI woman judge on that court.
A woman who would be the first federal judge of East Asian descent in Michigan.
This will be President Biden’s thirty-third round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 167.
United States District Court Announcements
Loren L. AliKhan: Candidate for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Judge Loren L. AliKhan has served as a judge on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals since 2022. Previously, Judge AliKhan served as Solicitor General for the District of Columbia from 2018 to 2022, and as Deputy Solicitor General from 2018 to 2022, and as Deputy Solicitor General from 2013 to 2017. From 2010 to 2013, Judge AliKhan worked in the Supreme Court and Appellate Practice Group at O’Melveny & Myers LLP in Washington, D.C. She served as a Bristow Fellow in the Office of the Solicitor General at the U.S. Department of Justice from 2008 to 2009. Judge AliKhan served as a law clerk for Judge Thomas L. Ambro on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit from 2007 to 2008 and for Judge Louis H. Pollak on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania from 2006 to 2007. She received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center in 2006 and her B.A., summa cum laude, from Bard College at Simon’s Rock in 2003.
Susan K. DeClercq: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Susan K. DeClercq has been Director and Counsel of Special Investigations at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan since 2022. Ms. DeClercq previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan from 2004 to 2022, where she had several leadership roles, including including serving as the Chief of the Civil Division. Ms DeClercq worked for Scadden, Arps, Slate, and Meagher & Flom in Washington D.C. as a litigation associate from 2001 to 2004. From 1999 to 2001, she served as a law clerk for Judge Avern Cohn on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Ms. DeClercq received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Wayne State University School of Law in 1999 and her B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1995.
Julia K. Munley: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
Judge Julia K. Munley has served as a judge on the Court of Common Pleas of Lackawanna County in Pennsylvania’s 45th Judicial District since 2016. Previously, Judge Munley worked as a trial attorney and partner at Munley Law in Scranton, Pennsylvania from 2001 to 2016. Prior to that, she was an associate at Mazzoni & Karam Law Offices in Scranton, P.A. from 1995 to 2001 and at Masterson, Braunfeld, Maguire & Brown from 1993 to 1995. Judge Munley served as a law clerk to Judge Stephen J. McEwen one the Pennsylvania Superior Court from 1992 to 1993. She received her J.D. from the Dickinson School of Law in 1992 and her B.A. from Marywood University in 1987.
Vernon D. Oliver: Candidate for the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut
Judge Vernon D. Oliver has served as a judge on the Connecticut Superior Court since 2009. Judge Oliver has also served as the Administrative Judge for the Middlesex Judicial District since 2020. Previously Judge Oliver served as an Assistant Attorney General in the Connecticut Office of the Attorney General from 2004 to 2009. From 1999 to 2004, he served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice. He was also an associate at Montstream & May LLP in Glastonbury, Connecticut from 1988 to 1999. Judge Oliver received his J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1997 and his B.A. from the University of Connecticut in 1994.
May 4, 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Loren L. AkiKhan, of the District of Columbia, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia, vice Amy Berman Jackson, retired.
Susan Kim DeClerq, of Michigan, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, vice Stephanie Dawkins Davis, elevated.
Julia Katherine Munley, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, vice Robert David Mariani, retired.
Vernon D. Oliver, of Connecticut, to be United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut, vice Stefan R. Underhill, retired.
May 30, 2023: Nominations and Withdrawals Sent to the Senate
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Cara L. Abercrombie, of Virginia, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice Kevin Fahey.
Brendan Carr, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission for a term of five years from July 1, 2023. (Reappointment)
Anna M. Gomez, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission for a term of five years from July 1, 2021, vice Ajit Varadaraj Pai, term expired.
Dennis B. Hankins, of Minnesota, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Haiti.
James C. O’Brian, of Nebraska, to be an Assistant Secretary of State (European and Eurasian Affairs), vice Karen Erika Donfried, resigned
Geoffrey Adam Starks, of Kansas, to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission for a term of five years from July 1, 2022 (Reappointment)
WITHDRAWALS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Ann Elizabeth Carlson, of California, to be Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, vice Steven Scott Cliff, which was sent to the Senate on March 27, 2023.
Michael Arthur Delaney, of New Hampshire, to be United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit, vice Jeffery Howard, retired, which was sent to the Senate on January 31, 2023.
Jabari Brooks Wamble, of Kansas, to be United States District Judge for the District of Kansas, vice Julue A. Robinson, retired, which was sent to the Senate on February 27, 2023.
JUNE 2023
June 8, 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Michael Colin Casey, of Kentucky, to be Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, vice William R. Evanina.
Jerry Edwards Jr., of Louisiana, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana, vice Michael Joseph Juneau, retired.
Philip S. Hadji, of the District of Columbia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims for a term of fifteen years, vice Lydia Kay Griggsby, elevated.
Brandon S. Long, of Louisiana, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Louisiana, vice Martin L.C. Feldman, deceased.
Rebecca C. Lutzko, of Ohio, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio for the term of four years, vice Justin E. Herdman, resigned.
Kenechukwu Onyemaechi Okocha, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Willam Ward Nooter, retired.
June 28, 2023: President Biden Names Thirty-Fifth Round of Judicial Nominees and One New Nominee to Serve as U.S. Attorney
The President is announcing his intent to nominate four individuals to federal district courts, two individuals to the Court of International Trade, and three individual to the District of Columbia Superior Court — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s thirty-fifth round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal nominees to 176.
The President is also announcing his intent to nominate one individual to serve as U.S. Attorney. This is an official who will be indispensable to upholding the rule of law as a top federal enforcement officer.
This candidate was chosen for her devotion to enforcing the law, professionalism, experience and credentials, dedication to pursuing equal justice for all, and commitment to the independence of the Department of Justice.
The President has now announced 72 nominees to serve as U.S. Attorneys.
Margaret Garnett: Candidate for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
Margaret Garnett served as the Deputy United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York from 2021 until May 2023, and presently serves as the Special Counsel to the United States Attorney in that same district. Previously, Ms. Garnett was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York from 2005 to 2017, which included service as Chief of Appeals from 2016 to 2017 and Chief of the Violent Crimes/Violent & Organized Crime Unit from 2011 to 2014. From 2018 to 2021, Ms. Garnett was Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation, and from 2017 to 2018, she served as Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice in the New York State Attorney General’s Office. Ms. Garnett was an associate at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz L.L.P. from 2000 to 2004. She served as a law clerk for Judge Gerard E. Lynch on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York from 2004 to 2005. Ms Garnett received her J.D. from Columbia Law School in 2020, her M.A. and M. Phil. from Yale University in 1995 and 1997, and her B.A. from University of Notre Dame in 1992.
Judge Jennifer L. Hall: Candidate for the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
Judge Jennifer L. Hall has served as a United States Magistrate Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware since 2019. Previously Judge Hall served as an Assistant Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware from 2011 to 2015 and served as Chief of the office’s Civil Division from 2015 to 2019. Before that, Judge Hall was an associate at Fish & Richardson P.C. from 2008 to 2011. Judge Hall served as a law clerk for Judge Kent A. Jordan on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit from 2006 to 2007. She received her J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2006, her Ph.D. and M. Phil in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University in 2003 and 2000, and her B.S. from the University of Minnesota in 1997.
Brandy R. McMillion: Candidate for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Brandy R. McMillion has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan since 2015. Ms. McMillion has served as the Chief of the office’s General Crimes Unit since 2022. Previously, Ms. McMillion was a senior litigation associate at Bryan Cave L.L.P. from 2012 to 2015, an associate at Perkins Coie L.L.P. from 2006 to 2007. She received her J.D. from George Washington University Law School in 2006 and her B.S.E. and her M.S.E. from the University of Michigan in 2001 and 2002.
Judge Karoline Mehalchick: Candidate for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
Judge Karoline Mehalchick is the Chief United States Magistrate Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, where she has served since 2013. Previously, Judge Mehalchick was a partner at Oliver, Price & Rhodes from 2008 to 2013. She was an associate at the firm from 2002 to 2007. Judge Mehalchick served as a law clerk for Judge Trish Corbett on the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas from 2001 to 2002. She received her J.D. from Tulane Law School in 2001 and her B.A. from Pennsylvania State University in 1998.
United States Court of International Trade Announcements
Lisa Wang: Candidate for the U.S. Court of International Trade
Lisa Wang has served as the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Enforcement and Compliance in the U.S. Department of Commerce since 2022. Previously, Ms. Wang was a partner at Picard, Kentz and Rowe L.L.P. from 2016 to 2021. Ms. Wang was also a Senior Attorney in the Office of the Chief Counsel for Trade Enforcement and Compliance in the U.S. Department of Commerce from 2014 to 2016, and an Assistant General Counsel in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative from 2012 to 2014. Before that, she was the Senior Import Administration Officer for the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China, from 2009 to 2012 and an associate with Dewey and LeBouf L.L.P. from 2006 to 2009. Ms. Wang received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2006 and her B.S. from Cornell University in 2002.
Joseph A. Laroski: Candidate for the U.S. Court of International Trade
Joseph Laroski has been a partner at Schagrin Associates since 2021. Mr. Laroski served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Negotiations and Director of Policy at the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, from 2017 to 2021 and before that was an Attorney-Advisor for the U.S. International Trade Commission from 2016 to 2017. From 2008 to 2012, Mr, Laroski was an associate general counsel at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. He has also previously been a counsel at King and Spalding, L.L.P from 2012 to 2016, an associate at Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. from 2006 to 2008, an associate at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher L.L.P. from 2004 to 2006, and an associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom L.L.P. from 1999 to 2004. Mr. Laroski served as a law clerk for Judge Dominick L. DiCarlo on the U.S. Court of International Trade from 1998 to 1999. He received his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 1997, his L.L.M from Georgetown University Law Center in 1998, and his B.S.F.S. from Georgetown’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Services in 1993.
United States Attorney Announcement
April Perry: Candidate for U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois
April Perry is Senior Counsel, Global Investigations and Fraud and Abuse Prevention, at GE HealthCare. Prior to GE Healthcare, Ms. Perry was the General Counsel for Ubiety Technologies from 2019 to 2022. From 2017 to 2019, Ms. Perry served as the Chief Deputy State’s Attorney and Chief Ethics Officer for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. Ms. Perry previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois from 2004 to 2016. She held numerous leadership positions in that office, including as Supervisory Litigation Counsel from 2011 to 2016, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator from 2010 to 2016, and as a Deputy Chief in Narcotics and Gangs from 2010 to 2011. Ms. Perry served as a law clerk for Judge Joel M. Flaum on U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit from 2003 to 2004. She received her J.D. magna cum laude, in 2003 and her B.S., magna cum laude, in 2000, both from Northwestern University.
District of Columbia Superior Court Announcements
Special Master Katherine E. Oler: Candidate for the District of Columbia Superior Court.
Special Master Katherine E. Oler has served as a court-appointed Special Master of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims since 2017. Previously, Special Master Oler served as an Air Force Judge Advocate from 1996 to 2017, retiring from active duty as the Air Force’s Chief Prosecutor and Chief Government Appellate Counsel at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland from 2014 to 2017, Staff Advocate at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in Texas from 2012 to 2014, and Deputy Chief Trial Judge of the Air Force from 2008 to 2011. Special Master Oler received her J.D. from Boston University School of Law in 1996 and her B.A. from Wellesley College in 1993.
Judge Judith E. Pipe: Candidate for the District of Columbia Superior Court
Judge Judith E. Pipe has served as a Magistrate Judge for the District of Columbia Superior Court since 2020. Previously, Judge Pipe served as a staff attorney and a supervising attorney with the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia from 2007 to 2019. She received her J.D. from the Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law, magna cum laude, in 2003.
Charles J. Willoughby Jr.: Candidate for the District of Columbia Superior Court
Charles J. Willoughby Jr. has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia since 2014. He has held multiple leadership roles in that office, and was appointed as a Deputy Chief in the Major Crimes Section of the Superior Court Division on 2023. Previously, Mr. Willoughby was an associate attorney at Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer P.A. from 2013 to 2014 and an Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division of the Virgin Islands Department of Justice from 2009 to 2013. He received a J.D. from Howard University School of Law in 2007, a B.A. from Belmont University in 2002, and a B.A. from Morehouse College in 2000.
June 28, 2023: President Biden Names Thirty-Fifth Round Of Judicial Nominees and One New Nominee to Serve as U.S. Attorney
The President is announcing his intent to nominate four individuals to federal district courts, two individuals to the Court of International Trade, and three individuals to the District of Columbia Superior Court — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s thirty-fifth round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 176.
The President is also announcing this intent to nominate one individual to serve as U.S. Attorney. This is an official who will be indispensable to upholding the rule of law as a top federal law enforcement official/
This candidate was chosen for her devotion to enforcing the law, professionalism, experience and credentials, dedication to pursuing equal justice for all, and commitment to the independence of the Department of Justice.
The President has now announced 72 nominees to serve as U.S. Attorneys.
United States District Court Announcements
Margaret Garnett: Candidate for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
Margaret Garnett served as the Deputy United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York from 2021 until May 2023, and presently serves as the Special Counsel to the United States Attorney in that same district.
Previously, Ms. Garnett was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York from 2005 to 2017, which included service as Chief of Appeals from 2016 to 2017. and Chief of the Violent Crimes/Violent & Organized Crime Unit from 2011 to 2014. From 2018 to 2021, Ms. Garnett was Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation, and from 2017 to 2018, she served as Executive Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice in the New York Attorney General’s Office.
Ms. Garnett was an associate at Wachtell, Lipton, Rozen & Katz L.L.P. From 2000 to 2004. She served as a law clerk for Judge Gerard E. Lynch on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York from 2004 to 2005. Ms. Garnett received her J.D. from Columbia Law School in 2000, her M.A. and M. Phil. from Yale University in 1994 and 1997, and her B.A. from the University of Notre Dame in 1992.
Judge Jennifer L. Hall: Candidate for the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
Judge Jennifer L. Hall has served as a United States Magistrate Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware since 2019. Previously, Judge Hall served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware from 2011 to 2015 and served as Chief of the office’s Civil Division from 2015 to 2019.
Before that, Judge Hall was an associate at Fish & Richardson P.C. from 2008 to 2011. Judge Hall served as a law clerk for Kent A. Jordan on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit from 2007 to 2008 and Judge Sharon Prost on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit from 2006 to 2007. She received her J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2006, her Ph.D. and M. Phil in Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry from Yale University in 2003 and 2000, and her B.S. from the University of Minnesota in 1997.
Brandy R. McMillion: Candidate for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Brandy R. McMillion has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan since 2015. Ms. McMillion has served as the Chief of the office’s General Crimes Unit since 2022. Previously, Ms. McMillion was a senior litigator associate at Bryan Cave L.L.P. from 2007 to 2012, and an associate at Pepper Hamilton L.L.P. from 2006 to 2007. She received her J.D. from George Washington University Law School in 2006 and her B.S.E. and her M.S.E. from the University of Michigan in 2001 and 2002.
Judge Karoline Mehalchick: Candidate for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
Judge Karoline Mehlachick is the Chief United States Magistrate Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, where she has served since 2013. Previously, Judge Melachick was a partner at Oliver, Price & Rhodes, from 2008 to 2013. She was an associate at the firm from 2002 to 2007. Judge Melachick served as a law clerk for Judge Trish Corbett on the Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas from 2001 to 2002. She received her J.D. from Tulane Law School in 2001 and her B.A. from Pennsylvania State University.
United States Court of International Trade Announcements
Lisa Wang: Candidate for the U.S. Court of International Trade
Lisa Wang has served as the Assistant Secretary for Enforcement and Compliance the U.S. Department of Commerce since 2022. Previously, Ms. Wang was a partner at Picard, Kentz, and Rowe L.L.P. from 2016 to 2021. Ms. Wang was also a Senior Attorney in the Office of the Chief of Counsel for Trade Enforcement and Compliance in the U.S. Department of Commerce from 2014 to 2016, and an Assistant General Counsel in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative from 2012 to 2014.
Before that, she was the Senior Import Administration Officer for the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China, from 2009 to 2012 and an associate with Dewey and LeBoeuf L.L.P. from 2006 to 2009. Ms. Wang received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2006 and her B.S. from Cornell University in 2002.
Joseph A. Laroski: Candidate for the U.S. Court of International Trade
Joseph Laroski has been a partner at Schagrin Associates since 2021. Mr. Laroski served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy and Negotiations and Director of Policy at the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, from 2017 to 2021 and before that was an Attorney-Advisor for the U.S. International Trade Commission from 2016 to 2017.
From 2008 to 2012, Mr. Laroski was an associate general counsel at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. He has also previously been a counsel at King and Spalding L.L.P. from 2012 to 2016, an associate at Willkie, Farr & Gallagher L.L.P. from 2004 to 2006, and an associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & From L.L.P from 1999 to 2004.
Mr. Laroski served as a law clerk for Judge Dominick L. DiCarlo on the U.S. Court of International Trade from 1998 to 1999. He received his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law in 1997, his L.L.M from Georgetown University Law Center in 1998, and his B.S.F.S. from Georgetown’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service in 1993.
United States Attorney Announcement
April Perry: Candidate for U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois
April Perry is a Senior Counsel, Global Investigations and Fraud and Abuse Prevention, at GE HealthCare. Prior to GE HealthCare, Ms. Perry was the General Counsel for Ubiety Technologies from 2019 to 2022. From 2017 to 2019, Ms. Perry served as the Chief Deputy State’s Attorney and Chief Ethics Officer for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Ms. Perry previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois from 2004 to 2016. She held numerous leadership positions in that office, including as Supervisory Litigation Counsel from 2011 to 2016, Project Safe Childhood Coordinator from 2010 to 2016, Civil Rights and Hate Crimes Coordinator from 2010 to 2016, and as a Deputy Chief in Narcotics and Gangs from 2010 to 2011.
Ms Perry served as a law clerk for Judge Joel M. Flaum on U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit from 2003 to 2004. She received her J.D., magna cum laude, in 2003 and her B.S., magna cum laude, in 2000, both from Northwestern University.
District of Columbia Superior Court Announcements
Special Master Katherine E. Oler: Candidate for the District of Columbia Superior Court
Special Master Katherine E. Oler has served as a court-appointed Special Master of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims since 2017. Previously, Special Master Oler served as an Air Force Judge Advocate from 1996 to 2017, retiring from active duty as a colonel.
Among other assignments, she served as the Air Force’s Chief Prosecutor and Chief Government Appellate Counsel at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland from 2014 to 2017, Staff Judge Advocate at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph in Texas from 2012 to 2014, and Deputy Chief trial Judge of the Air Force from 2008 to 2011. Special Master Oler received her J.D. from Boston University School of Law in 1996 and her B.A. from Wellesley College in 1993.
Judge Judith E. Pipe: Candidate for the District of Columbia Superior Court
Judge Judith E. Pipe has served as a Magistrate Judge for the District of Columbia Superior Court since 2020. Previously, Judge Pipe served as a staff attorney and a supervising attorney with the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia from 2007 to 2019. She received her J.D. from the Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law, magna cum laude, in 2007 and her B.A. from American University, cum laude, in 2003.
Charles J. Willoughby Jr.: Candidate for the District of Columbia Superior Court
Charles J. Willoughby Jr. has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia since 2014. He has held multiple leadership roles in that office, and was appointed as a Deputy Chief in the Major Crimes Section of the Superior Court Division in 2023. Previously, Mr. Willoughby was an associate attorney at Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. from 2013 to 2014 and an Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division of the Virgin Islands Department of Justice from 2009 to 2013. He received a J.D. from Howard University School of Law in 2007, a B.A. from Belmont University in 2002 and a B.A. from Morehouse College in 2000.
JULY 2023:
Carl Huse wrote recently in the New York Times that President Biden and Senate Democrats “have transformed the Senate into a judicial confirmation factory.”
Indeed, President Biden has now seen 136 federal judges confirmed — more judicial confirmations than Presidents Trump, Obama, and George W. Bush up to this point in their presidencies. He’s done it against a backdrop of a closely divided Senate. The President also recently hit 100 district court confirmations.
But it’s not just about the numbers.
Michael Tomasky wrote last week in the New Republic “More meaningful than the number is the type, as two-thirds of those nominees are women and two-thirds are people of color. Many are from plainly progressive backgrounds in the law. In just the last mont or so, these judges are among those confirmed:
Nusrat Choudhury, the first Muslim American woman (and first Bangladeshi woman) to be named to the federal bench; a civil rights lawyer with the ACLU
Natasha Merle, an African American woman out of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund
Dale Ho, an Asian American voting rights attorney
Casey Pitts, an openly LGBTQ labor lawyer
Hernán Vera, a Latino former staff attorney at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund
The success to date is no accident.
Jennifer Bendery wrote over the weekend in HuffPost, that “Joe Biden, a former longtime chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, made judicial nomination a top priority before he was even sworn in as president.” And since being sworn in, the President, Leader Schumer, and Chairman Durbin have moved swiftly to conform a historic number of highly-qualified, civil rights attorneys and public defenders. Just look that the last three weeks.
“Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) lined up and confirmed six of Biden’s most trailblazing judicial nominees to date, some of whom are certainly contenders for future Supreme Court seats. All are civil rights attorneys. All have been priorities for progressive judicial advocacy groups. All are relatively young, meaning they likely have decades ahead of them in their lifetime appointments. And all bring badly needed diversity to the federal bench.”
President Biden promised the American people he would make upholding the rule of law with deeply qualified judicial nominees who represent the diversity of our nation a core priority. Fulfilling that pledge is one of his proudest confirmations that has surpassed the last three presidencies while shattering all previous records when it comes to making the federal bench look like America.
The President is determined to keep driving forward with more barrier-breaking nominees.
July 11, 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Laura Dove, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation for a term expiring November 17, 2029 (Reappointment)
Laura Dove, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation for a term expiring November 17, 2023, vice Pauline R. Maier, term expired.
Andrew N. Ferguson, of Virginia, to be a Federal Trade Commissioner for the term of seven years from September 26, 2023. (Reappointment)
Andrew N. Ferguson, of Virginia, to be a Federal Trade Commissioner for the unexpired term of seven years from September 26, 2016, vice Noah Joshua Phillips.
Jamie Fly, of Virginia, to be a Member of the International Broadcasting Advisory Board for a term expiring January 1, 2027 (New Position)
Melissa Holyoke, of Utah, to be a Federal Trade Commissioner for the unexpired term of seven years from September 26, 2018, vice Christine S. Wilson, resigned.
Henry J. Kerner, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Merit Systems Protection Board for the term of seven years expiring March 1, 2030, vice Tristan Lynn Leavitt, term expired.
Amanda Wood Laihow, of Maine, to be a Member of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission for a term expiring April 27, 2029. (Reappointment)
Bradford Pentony Wilson, of New Jersey, to be a Member of the Board of Trustees of the James Madison Memorial Fellowship for a term expiring September 27, 2026, vice Catherine Allgor, term expired.
Joseph Albert Laroski, Jr., of Maryland, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade, vice Timothy C. Stanceu, retired.
Jennifer L. Hall, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the District of Delaware, vice Richard G. Andrews, retiring.
Katherine E. Oler, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice John M. Campbell, retired.
Judith E. Pipe, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Michael L. Rankin, retired.
Brandy R. McMillion, of Michigan, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, vice Gershwin A. Drain, retired.
Charles J. Wolloughby, Jr., of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, William M. Jackson, retired.
Lisa W. Wang, of the District of Columbia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade, vice Leo Maury Gordon, retired.
April M. Perry, of Illinois, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District if Illinois for the term of four years, vice John R. Lausch Jr., resigned.
Karoline Mehalichick, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, vice John E. Jones III, retired.
Margaret M. Garnett, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, vice Vincent L. Briccetti, retired.
July 27, 2023: President Biden Names Thirty-Sixth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate two individuals to federal circuit courts and two individuals to federal district court — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
If confirmed, this slate would include the first Hispanic person to serve on the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.
This will be President Biden’s thirty-sixth round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 180.
United States Circuit Court Announcements
Judge Joshua P. Kolar: Nominee for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Joshua Kolar has been a United States Magistrate Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana since 2019. Judge Kolar also serves as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He has served in the U.S Navy Reserve since 2009 and was on active duty in Afghanistan from 2014 to 2015. Previously Judge Kolar served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana from 2007 to 2018. He was the National Security lead in that office from 2015 to 2018. Judge Kolar was an associate at Mayer Brown L.L.P. from 2006 to 2007 and 2003 to 2005. He served as a law clerk for Judge Wayne R. Andersen on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois from 2005 to 2006. Judge Kolar received his J.D. in 2003 and his B.A. in 1999, both from Northwestern University.
Richard E. N. Federico: Nominee for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
Rich Federico joined the Federal Public Defender for the District of Kansas in Topeka in 2017. He has served as the Senior Litigator since 2020 and previously served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender from 2018 to 2020 and as a Research and Writing Specialist from 2017 to 2018. Mr. Federico also serves as a Captain in the United States Navy Reserve, Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He has been a Military Judge for the Navy Reserve Trial Judiciary since 2019, and he served as an Appellate Defense Counsel from 2015 to 2019. Mr. Federico was an Assistant Federal Public Defender for the District of Oregon in Portland from 2015 to 2017. Before that, Mr. Federico served on active duty in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps as a prosecutor from 2002 to 2008 and as a defense counsel from 2008 to 2015. In his last duty station on active duty, he served as Officer in Charge of two defense offices. He received his L.L.M., highest distinction, from Georgetown University Law Center in 2012, his J.D. from the University of Kansas School of Law in 2002, and his B.A.J. from Indiana University.
United States District Court Announcements
Judge Jeffery Bryan: Nominee for the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
Jeffrey Bryan has served as a judge on the Minnesota Court of Appeals since 2019. From 2013 to 2019, he was a judge in the Second Judicial District in Saint Paul. Judge Bryan previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney from 2007 to 2013 and was an associate at Robins, Kaplan, Miller, & Ciresi L.L.P. from 2003 to 2007. Judge Bryan served as a law clerk for Judge Paul A. Magnuson on the U.S. District Court of the District of Minnesota from 2002 to 2003. Judge Bryan received his J.D. from Yale Law School in 2002 and his B.A., summa cum laude, from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998.
Judge Eumi K. Lee: Nominee for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
Eumu Lee served as a judge on the Superior Court of California in Alameda County since 2018. Previously, Judge Lee was a Clinical Professor of Law at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly the University of California, Hastings College of the Law) from 2005 to 2018. From 2002 to 2005, she was an associate at Keker & Van Nest L.L.P. From 2000 to 2001, she was an associate at Thelen, Reid & Priest L.L.P. Judge Lee served as a law clerk for Judge Jerome Turner on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee from 1999 to 2000. Judge Lee received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center, cum laude, in 1999 and her B.A. from Pomona College in 1994.
July 27, 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Jeffrey M. Bryan, of Minnesota, to be United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota, vice John R. Tunheim, retiring.
Richard E.N. Federico, of Kansas, to be the United States Circuit Judge for the Tenth Circuit, vice Mary Beck Briscoe, retired.
Joshua Paul Kolar, of Indiana, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit, vice Michael S. Kanne, deceased.
Eumi K. Lee, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California, vice William H. Orrick, III, retired.
AUGUST 2023
August 30, 2023: President Biden Names Thirty-Seventh Round of Judicial Nominees and Announces One New Nominee to Serve as U.S. Marshal
The President is announcing his intent to nominate four individuals to federal district courts — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s thirty-seventh round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 184.
The President is also announcing his intent to nominate one individual to serve as U.S. Marshal. This official will be indispensable to upholding the rule of law and was chosen for his devotion to enforcing the law, his professionalism, his experience and credentials, and his dedication to pursuing equal justice for all.
The President has now announced 23 nominees to serve as U.S. Marshals.
Colleen Holland: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Western District of New York
Colleen Holland has served as special counsel to Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford, Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, since 2021, and as a career law clerk to Judge Wolford since 2018. Ms. Holland previously served as a law clerk for Judge Wolford form 2014 to 2016 and for Judge Michael A. Telesca on the same court from 2017 to 2018. Previously, Ms. Holland was an associate in private practice at Boylan Code L.L.P. from 2016 to 2017; LeClairRyan, P.C., from 2012 to 2014; and Nixon Peabody L.L.P. from 2010 to 2012. Ms. Holland received her J.D., summa cum laude, from Cornell Law School in 2010, and her joint B.A. and B.S. from the University of Rochester in 2006.
Judge John A. Kazen: Nominee for the United Stats District Court for the Southern District of Texas
John A. Kazen has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Texas since 2018. Previously, Judge Kazen was a partner at the law firm he established, Kazen, Meurer & Pérez, L.L.P., from 1997 to 2018. Before that, he was a civil litigator at Kemp, Smith, Duncan & Hammond, P.C. from 1991 to 1997. Judge Kazen served as a law clerk for Judge Robert Parker on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas from 1990 to 1991. He received his J.D. from the University of Houston Law Center in 1990 and his B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin in 1987.
Micah W. J. Smith: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii
Micah W. J. Smith has served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii since 2018. He is currently Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division and Criminal Civil Rights Coordinator in that office. He has also been the office’s Chief of Appeals and Legal Strategy since 2022. Previously, Mr. Smith served a an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York from 2012 to 2018. From 2008 to 2012, he was an associate and counsel at O’Melveny & Meyers L.L.P. in Washington, D.C. Mr. Smith served as a law clerk for Justice David H. Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court from 2007 to 2008 and Judge Guido Calabresi on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2006 to 2007. Mr. Smith received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 2006 and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania in 2003.
Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands
Ramona Manglona has served as the Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands since 2011. From 2003 to 2011, Chief Judge Manglona served as an Associate Judge of the Commonwealth of the Norther Mariana Islands (CNMI) Superior Court. From 2004 to 2008, she also served as Justice Pro Tempore on the Guam Supreme Court. Chief Judge Manglona was previously the Deputy Attorney General in 2002 and then the Attorney General of the CNMI from 2002 to 2003. As an Assistant Attorney General in the CNMI Office of the Attorney General from 1998 to 2002, she served as a prosecutor and then a civil litigator. Chief Judge Manglona served as a law clerk to the CNMI Superior Court from 1997 to 1998. She received her J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1996 and her B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1990.
United States Marshal Announcements
David Barnett has served as a Counterintelligence Supervisory Special Agent in the Albuquerque, New Mexico, Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) since 2018. Previously Mr. Barnett was a Special Agent in the Washington, D.C. Field Office of the FBI. Prior to becoming an FBI Special Agent in 2006, he was an FBI Intelligence Analyst and support staff in the National Capital Region from 1990 to 2006. Mr Barnett received his B.A. from the University of Phoenix in 2002.
SEPTEMBER 2023
September 5, 2023: President Biden Announces Key Nominees
Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as key leaders in his Administration:
Courtney Diesel O’Donnell, Nominee for United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, with the rank of Ambassador
David Huitema, Nominee for Director of the Office of Government Ethics
Christopher Charles Fonzone, Nominee for Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Legal Counsel, Department of Justice
Erik Woodhouse, Nominee for Head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination with the rank of Ambassador
Paul Herdman, Nominee for Member of the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation
Janice Miriam Hellreich, Nominee for Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Stuart Alan Levey, Nominee for Member of the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation
Courtney Diesel O’Donnell, Nominee for United States Permanent Representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, with the rank of Ambassador
Courtney Diesel O’Donnell currently serves in the Biden-Harris Administration in the Office of the Vice President as a Senior Advisor and the Acting Chief of Staff for Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, working on a range of national and global issues including gender equity and efforts to counter anti-Semitism.
She has extensive experience in global partnership development, public affairs, and strategic communications, having served in senior roles in two presidential administrations, nonprofit and philanthropic organizations, national political campaigns, and the private sector.
Previously, O’Donnell was the Director of Global Partnerships at Airbnb, where she established programs and alliances to encourage sustainable tourism, support economic empowerment through partnerships, and promote female entrepreneurship around the world.
In the Obama-Biden Administration, she served as Communications Director to Dr. Jill Biden, driving forward key initiatives including raising awareness and support for America’s military families at home and abroad and promoting community colleges, and access to higher education.
O’Donnell was appointed by President Biden to the President’s Commission on White House Fellows in 2021. She has served on the Advisory Board of the McCourt School of Public Service at Georgetown University and the Thomson Reuters Foundation. O’Donnell received a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University and holds a Certificate in Global Leadership and Public Policy for the 21st Century from the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education Program.
David Huitema, Nominee for Director of the Office of Government Ethics
David Huitema has served as both the Assistant Legal Advisor for Ethics and Financial Disclosures as well as the Department of State’s Alternate Designated Agency Ethics Official (ADAEO) since 2016. The Alternate DAEO manages the Department of State’s Ethics Program on a day-to-day basis.
Previously, Huitema served as an attorney-adviser advising the Bureau of Human Resources, the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, the Bureau of Human Resources, the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs, the Bureau of Energy Resources, and the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs.
Huitema has also provided legal advice on internet and international telecommunications issues, presidential permits for transboundary pipelines, policy towards Cuba, and Foreign Service personnel matters. He joined the Legal Advisor in 2006 after several years in private practice and a clerkship on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit.
Huitema holds his J.D. from Stanford Law School, an M.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, and a B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Christopher Charles Fonzone, Nominee for Assistant Attorney General of the Office of Legal Counsel, Department of Justice
Chris Fonzone is the General Counsel of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), serving as ODNI’s chief legal officer and providing advice and counsel to the Director of National Intelligence and other senior leaders on the full range of issues affecting the Intelligence Community.
Prior to the Biden-Harris Administration, Fonzone was a partner in Sidley Austin’s Washington D.C. office. During the Obama-Biden Administration, Fonzone served as Deputy Assistant and Deputy Council to President Obama and Legal Advisor to the National Security Council.
Previously, he also served as a Member of the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, Special Counsel to the General Counsel at the Department of Defense, and also served at the Department of Justice in the Office of Legal Counsel and on the Civil Appellate staff.
He also clerked for Justice Stephen Breyer of the United States Supreme Court and Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson III of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Fonzone attended Cornell University and Harvard Law School.
Erik Woodhouse, Nominee for Head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination, with the rank of Ambassador
Eric Woodhouse currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Counter Threat Finance and Sanctions in the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs at the State Department. In that position, he oversees the Office of Sanctions Policy and Implementation and the Office of Global Sanctions and Threat Finance.
Woodhouse has previously served as Senior Advisor to the Under Secretary for International Affairs at the Treasury Department and as an attorney-adviser with the Office of the Legal Adviser at the State Department.
Apart from his government service, Woodhouse has worked as an attorney, most recently advising clients on compliance with U.S. sanctions and anti-money laundering rules and regulations. Earlier in his career, he was a clerk for a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and a researcher at the Program on Energy & Sustainable Development at Stanford University.
Raised in Atlanta, Woodhouse received his B.A. from Emory University and J.D. from Stanford Law School. He speaks Spanish.
Paul Herdman, Nominee for Member of the Board of Trustees of the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation
Paul Herdman has been President and CEO of Rodel of Delaware since 2004. He is a founding member of the state’s Vision Coalition, one of the nation’s longest standing public-private partnerships working to transform Delaware’s public schools to world-class status.
He also serves as Chair of Strategic Planning for Delaware’s Workforce Development Board and has served on a range of local boards, including the Warehouse (a community center designed by and for young people), The Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League, and Delaware’s State Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to his current role, Herdman served as a senior manager at New American Schools, and through the Center for Reinventing Public Education, consulted with, and wrote for, the Brookings Institute and RAND.
He assisted the Secretary of Education for two governors in Massachusetts during the wholesale redesign of the state’s policies on standards, choice, and finance that contributed to the state’s nationally recognized academic performance.
Herdman began his career as a teacher, co-founding an Outward Bound school-within-a-school in New York City which connected hundreds of young people to service and the natural world and informed the creation of Expeditionary Learning, a national model.
Internationally, Herdman helped coordinate several benchmarking trips to high performing school systems in Europe, Asia, and North America, and recently, spent several months on loan to the Organization for Economic Corporation and Development (OECD), studying how young people in five countries transition to work in this rapidly changing world.
Herdman holds a B.A. in Biology from University of Delaware, as well as his masters and doctoral degrees in Education Administration and Planning from Harvard University. He and his wife, Dana, live in Wilmington and have three grown children.
Janice Miriam Hellreich, Nominee for Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
Janice Miriam Hellreich is Chair of the Executive Compensation Committee and Member of the Corporate Governance Committee and has served on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s Board of Directors since March 2019.
Originally from Alabama, Hellreich is a Speech and Language Pathologist. She founded the speech and language Therapy program for Taipei American School in Taiwan, and later established a private practice in Hawaii, delivering services to culturally diverse adults and children. Hellreich, as President of the Hawaii Speech, Language, & Hearing Association, developed is first Chair of its Legislative Affairs Committee.
Active in her community, Hellreich served as President of the Hawaii Medical Association Auxiliary and served on the boards of the American Cancer Society as well as the Hawaii Association of Children and Adults with Learning Disabilities. Helping to train parents with communicatively handicapped children, she developed a home-therapy program for Hawaii’s rural preschool children through the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project.
From 2002 to 2009, Hellreich was appointed by the Governor of Hawaii to the Board of Governors of the East-West Center, which is an educational, training, and research institution promoting better relations and understanding among the nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific.
She was Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors and Chair of the Strategic Planning Committee. Hellreich earned her B.A. and M.A. degrees in Speech and Language Pathology at the University of Alabama. She is married to Dr. Philip Hellreich and has a daughter and a granddaughter.
Stuart Alan Levey, Nominee for Member of the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation
Stuart Alan Levey is the Chief Legal Officer and Executive Vice President of Oracle Corporation. From 2020-2021, he was the CEO of the Diem Association, and from 2012 to 2020, Levey was the Chief Legal Officer of HSBC Holdings in London, UK.
Prior to joining HSBC, Levey was the U.S. Treasury Department’s first Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, serving in that role for more than six years under both President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama.He also served in various capacities at the Department of Justice, including as Principal Associate Deputy Attorney General.
Before joining the Justice Department, Levey was in private practice at the Washington law firm Miller, Cassidy, Larroca & Lewin, LLP, where he had a litigation practice with a special emphasis on white collar criminal defense.
Levy clerked for Judge Laurence Silberman on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Levy graduated from Harvard College, summa cum laude, and from Harvard Law School, magna cum laude.
September 6, 2023: President Biden Names Thirty-Eighth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate four individuals to federal district courts — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s thirty-eight round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 188.
Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Oregon
Judge Mustafa T. Kasubhai has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Oregon since 2018. Previously, Judge Kasubhai served as a Circuit Court Judge in Lane County, Oregon from 2007 to 2018. Prior to his appointment to the state bench, Judge Kasabhai served on the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Board from 2003 to 2007. From 1997 to 2003, Judge Kasubhai worked in three different private practice roles — as a solo practitioner, as a partner at Kasubhai & Sanchez, and as an associate at Rasmussen, Tyler & Mundorff. Judge Kasubhai received his J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law in 1996 and his B.S. from the University of California, Berkeley in 1992.
Judge Shanlyn A.S. Park: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Hawai’i
Judge Shanlyn Park has been a state court judge on the First Circuit on O’ahu, Hawai’i, since 2021. Previously, Judge Park worked from 2017 to 2021 at the Honolulu law firms McCorriston Miller Mumbai MacKinnon, L.L.P and Gallagher Kane Amiai & Reyes. From 1997 to 2017, Judge Park served as an assistant federal public defender in the Oval Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Hawai’i. Prior to her service in that office, Judge Park was in private practice at Hisaka Stone & Goto from 1996 to 1997. She served as a law clerk for Judge Francis I. Yamashita, U.S. Magistrate Judge for the District of Hawai’i from 1995 to 1966. Judge Park received her J.D. from the University of Hawai’i William S. Richardson School of Law in 1995 and her B.A., cum laude, from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 1991.
Jamel K. Semper: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
Jamel Semper has been an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey since 2018. He currently serves as Deputy Chief of that Office’s Criminal Division. From 2013 to 2018 Mr. Semper served as an assistant prosecutor in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and from 2008 to 2013 as an assistant prosecutor in the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and from 2008 to 2013 as an assistant prosecutor in the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and from 2008 to 2013 as an assistant prosecutor in the Union County Prosecutor’s Office. Mr. Semper served as a law clerk for Judge Harold Fullilove on New Jersey’s Essex County Superior Court from 2007 to 2008. He received his J.D. from Rutgers University School of Law in 2007 and his B.A. from Hampton University in 2003.
Kirk E. Sherriff: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
Kirk Sherriff has been an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California since 2002. Since 2015, he has served as Chief of the District’s Fresno office. Previously, Mr. Sherriff was an associate at the law firm White & Case L.L.P. from 1995 to 1996 and then again from 1997 to 2001. He served as a law clerk for Chief Justice Deborah T. Moritz on the Supreme Court of New Jersey from 1996 to 1997. Mr. Sherriff received his J.D., cum laude, from Columbia University in 1990. Before law school, Mr. Sherriff worked as a high school teacher in public schools in Mississippi.
September 11, 2023: Nominations sent to the Senate
Thomas G. Day, of Virginia, to be a Commissioner of the Postal Regulatory Commission for a term expiring October 14, 2028, vice Mark D. Acton, term expired
Basil Ivanhoe Gooden, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development, vice Xochitl Torres Small, resigned.
Colleen Danielle Holland, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of New York, vice Frank Paul Geraci, Jr., retired.
John A. Kazen, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Texas, vice Vanessa D. Gilmore, retired.
Colleen Duffy Kiko, of North Dakota, to be a Member of the Federal Labor Relations Authority for a term of five years expiring July 29, 2027. (Reappointment)
Ramona Villagomez Manglona, of the Northern Mariana Islands, to be the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands for a term of ten years. (Reappointment)
Patrice J. Robinson, of Tennessee, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority for a term expiring May 18, 2028, vice William B. Kilbride term expired.
Micah W.J. Smith, of Hawaii, to be United States District Judge for the District of Hawaii, vice J. Michael Seabright, retiring.
September 18, 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Mustafa Taher Kasubhai, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon, vice Ann L. Aiken, retiring.
Jamel Semper, of New Jersey, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey, vice John Michael Vazquez.
September 27, 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Shanlyn A.S. Park, of Hawaii, to be United States District Judge for the District of Hawaii, vice Leslie E. Kobayashi, retiring.
OCTOBER 2023
October 4, 2023: President Biden Names Thirty-Ninth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate one individual to a federal circuit court and two individuals to federal district courts — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s thirty-ninth round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 191.
United States Circuit Court Announcement
Seth R. Aframe: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
Seth R. Aframe has been an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire since 2007. He has served as Chief of the Criminal Division in that office since early 2023 and Appellate Chief since 2010. Previously, Mr. Aframe was an associate at Choate Hall & Stewart L.L.P. from 2000 to 2003. Mr Aframe served as a law clerk to Judge Jeffrey R. Howard on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit from 2003 to 2007 to Justice Judith A. Cowin on the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court from 1999 to 2000. He received his J.D. magna cum laude, from Georgetown University Law Center in 1999 and his B.A., summa cum laude, from Tufts University in 1996.
United States District Court Announcements
Judge Edward S. Kiel: Nominees for the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey
Judge Edward S. Kiel has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of New Jersey since 2019. Previously, Judge Kiel was a partner at Cole Schotz, P.C. from 2001 to 2019. Before that, he was an associate at Cole Schotz from 1998 to 2001, at Beattie Padovano from 1994 to 1998, and at Jamieson Moore Peskin & Spicer from 1992 to 1994. Judge Kiel served as a law clerk for Presiding Criminal Judge Michael R. Imbriani of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Somerset County from 1991 to 1992. He received his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School in 1991 and his B.A. and B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rutgers University in 1988.
Sarah F. Russell: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut
Sarah F. Russell is a law professor and director of the Civil Justice Clinic at Quinnipiac University School of Law in North Haven, Connecticut, where she has taught since 2011. Previously, Ms. Russell was a lecturer in law and director of the Arthur Liman Public Interest Program at Yale Law School from 2007 to 2010. From 2005 to 2007, Ms. Russell was an Assistant Federal Defender in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Connecticut. She served as a law clerk for Judge Chester J. Straub on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2003 to 2005 and for Chief Judge Michael B. Mukasey on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York Law School in 2002 and her B.A. from Yale College in 1998.
October 4, 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Seth Robert Aframe, of New Hampshire, to be United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit, vice Jeffery R. Howard, retired.
Edward Sunyol Kiel, of New Jersey, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey, vice Kevin McNulty, retiring.
Sarah French Russell, of Connecticut, to be Untied States District Judge for the District of Connecticut, vice Sarah A.L. Merriam, elevated.
October 18, 2023: President Biden Names Fortieth Round of Judicial Nominees and Announces Nominees for U.S. Attorney, U.S. Marshal, and the U.S. Sentencing Commission
The President is announcing his intent to nominate two individuals to federal district courts — both of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s fortieth round of nominees for federal positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 193.
The President is also announcing his intent to nominate two new nominees to serve as U.S. Attorney and two new nominee to serve as U.S. Marshal. These are officials who will be indispensable to upholding the rule of law as top federal enforcement officials.
These individuals were chosen for their devotion to enforcing the law, their professionalism, their experience and credentials, their dedication to pursuing equal justice for all, and their commitment to the independence of the Department of Justice.
The President has now announced 74 nominees to serve as U.S. Attorneys and 24 nominees to serve as U.S. Marshals.
The President is also announcing his intent to re-nominate two experienced and qualified Commissioners of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, a bipartisan independent agency created during the Reagan Administration. The Commission was created to reduce sentencing disparities and promote transparency and proportionality in criminal sentencing.
The Commission lacked a quorum and was prevented from doing critical business from 2019 until 2022, when the President first nominated a bipartisan slate of seven Commissioner. If confirmed again, these two U.S. Sentencing Commission members would continue serving with the President’s other five bipartisan nominees whose terms have not expired.
United States District Court Announcements
Sara E. Hill: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma
Sara E. Hill served as Attorney General of the Cherokee Nation from 2019 to 2023. She is currently a lawyer in private practice. Ms. Hill previously served the Cherokee Nation as Secretary of Natural Resources from 2015 to 2019, Deputy Attorney General from 2014 to 2015, and an Assistant Attorney General from 2004 to 2014. From 2014 to 2015, she served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma. Ms. Hill received her J.D. from the University of Tulsa in 2003 and her B.A., cum laude, from Northeastern State University in 2000.
John D. Russell: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma
John D. Russell has been a shareholder at the Oklahoma law firm GableGotwals since 2015. Previously, Mr. Russell was in private practice at Fellers Snider Blankenship Bailey & Tippens from 2002 to 2014. From 1995 to 2002 he served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma and from 1991 to 1993 he was a trial attorney in the Tax Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C. Mr. Russell was an associate at Bracewell & Patterson in Washington, D.C. from 1988 to 1991. He received his J.D. from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1988 and his B.S. from Oklahoma State University in 1995.
Joshua S. Levy: Nominee for United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts
Joshua S. Levy has served as Acting United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts since May 19, 2023, after serving as First Assistant U.S. Attorney in that district since January 2022. Previously, he was a partner at the law firm Ropes & Gray from 2004 to 2021 and an associate at the firm from 1993 to 1997. From 1997 to 2004, Mr. Levy was an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. Mr. Levy served as a law clerk for Judge Harold H. Greene on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. He received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 1992 and his B.A. from Brown University in 1987.
United States Marshal Announcements
Clinton J. Fuchs: Nominee for United States Marshal for the District of Maryland
Clinton Fuchs has been an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland since 2008. From 2014 to 2015, he was detailed to serve on the staff of Senator Patrick Leahy on the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee. Prior to that, Fuchs was an associate at Kirkland & Ellis, LLP in 2008. He served as a law clerk for Judge William D. Quarles Jr. on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland from 2005 to 2006 and Judge Richard J. Leon on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia from 2006 to 2007. Fuchs received his J.D. from Columbia Law School in 2005 and his B.A. from Georgetown University in 1998. He served as an active-duty officer in the U.S. Marine Corps between college and law school.
David L. Lemmon II: Nominee for United States Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia
David L. Lemmon has been Dean of Professional and Technical Studies at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College since 2021. Previously, Lemmon served in the West Virginia State Police from 1992 to 2019, rising from the rank of trooper to major. He received his Doctorate of Education from Marshall University Graduate School in 2019, his M.A. from Marshall University Graduate School in 2008, his R.B.A. from West Virginia State University in 2006, and his A.D. from Marshall University in 1993.
United States Sentencing Commission Announcements
Judge Claria Horn Boom: Nominee for Commissioner of the United States Sentencing Commission
Judge Claria Horn Boom has severed as a Commissioner of the United States Sentencing Commission since 2022 and a United States District Court Judge for the Eastern and Western Districts of Kentucky since 2018. Judge Boom was previously a partner at Frost Brown Todd LLC. Judge Boom served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Kentucky in 2002 and for the Western District of Kentucky from 1988 to 2002. From 1995 to 1998, Judge Boom was an associate at King & Spalding LLP. Judge Boom served as a law clerk for Judge Pierce Lively on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit from 1994 to 1995. She received her J.D. from Vanderbilt University Law School in 1994 and her B.A. from Transylvania University, summa com laude, in 1991.
Judge John Gleeson: Nominee for Commissioner for Commissioner of the United States Sentencing Commission
Judge John Gleeson has served as a Commissioner of the United States Sentencing Commission since 2022 and is a partner at Debevoise and Plimpton LLP in New York, where he has practiced since 2016. From 1994 to 2016, Judge Gleeson served as a United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of New York. From 1985 to 1994, Judge Gleeson served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. Judge Gleeson served as a law clerk for Judge Boyce Martin on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. He received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1980 and his B.A. from Georgetown University in 1975.
October 24, 2023: Nominations and Withdrawal Sent to the Senate
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Claria Horn Boom, of Kentucky, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission for a term expiring October 31, 2029. (Reappointment)
Clinton J. Fuchs, of Maryland, to be United States Marshal for the District of Maryland for the term of four years, vice Johnny Lewis Hughes, term expired.
John Gleeson, of New York, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission for a term expiring October 31, 2029. (Reappointment)
Johnny C. Gogo, of California, to be United States Attorney for the District of Guam and concurrently United States Attorney for the District of the Northern Mariana Islands for the term of four years, vice Alice Anne Garrido Limitiaco, term expired.
Sarah E. Hill, of Oklahoma, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Oklahoma, vice Claire V. Eagan, retired.
Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, of Connecticut, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Indonesia.
David L. Lemmon, II, of West Virginia, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia for the term of four years, vice Michael T. Baylous, term expired.
John David Russell, of Oklahoma, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Oklahoma, vice John E. Dowdell, retired.
WITHDRAWALS SENT TO THE SENATE
Nancy Anderson Speight, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the Federal Labor Relations Authority for a term of five years expiring July 1, 2029. (Reappointment), which was sent to the senate on June 12, 2023.
Nancy Anderson Speight, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the Federal Labor Relations Authority for a term of five years, expiring July 1, 2024, vice Ernest W. Dubster, term expired, which was sent to the Senate on June 12. 2023.
NOVEMBER 2023
November 1, 2023: President Biden Names Forty-First Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate five individuals to federal district courts — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s forty-first round of nominees for federal judiciary positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 198.
United States District Court Announcements
Judge Jacquelyn D. Austin: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina
Judge Jacqueline D. Austin has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of South Carolina since 2011. Previously, Judge Austin worked in private practice at Womble Carlyle Sandridge and Rice, PLLC as an associate from 1999 to 2006 and as a partner from 2006 to 2011. Prior to that, she worked as an associate at Hardaway Law Firm from 1997 to 1999. Judge Austin served as a law clerk for Judge Matthew J. Perry, Jr. on the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina from 1996 to 1997. She received her J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1996 and her B.S. from the University of South Carolina School of Engineering in 1989.
Judge Jacqueline Becerra: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
Judge Jacqueline Becerra has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Florida since 2019. She previously worked as a Shareholder at the law firm Greenberg Traurig, P.A. in Miami, Florida from 2004 to 2018. Judge Becerra served in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, first as an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 1999 to 2002 then as a Special Counsel from 2002 to 2004. Judge Becerra first joined the U.S. Department of Justice through its Honors Program, serving in the Civil Division Federal Programs Branch from 1994 until 1997 and then in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia from 1997 to 1999. She received her J.D. from Yale Law School in 1994 and her B.A. from the University of Miami in 1991.
Judge Melissa Damian: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
Judge Melissa Damian has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Florida since 2022. Previously, Judge Damian worked in private legal practice as Of Counsel at Damian & Valori from 2013 to 2021, appellate counsel at The Ferraro Law Firm from 2010 to 2013, and an associate Kenny Nachwalter, P.A. from 1997 to 1999. Judge Damian also served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida from 1999 to 2010. Judge Damian served as a law clerk for the Southern District of Florida from 1995 to 1997. She received her J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law in 1995 and her B.A. from Princeton University in 1990.
David S. Leibowitz: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
David S. Leibowitz has been corporate counsel for Braman Management and Association in Miami, Florida, since 2012, and Secretary and General Counsel since 2015. Before joining Braman Management, Mr. Leibowitz served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York from 2003 to 2012. From 2001 to 2003, Mr. Leibowitz served as a law clerk for Associate Justice Robert G. Flanders, Jr. on the Supreme Court of Rhode Island from 2000 to 2001. He received his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2000, his Ph.D. from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1988, and his B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania in 1993.
Judge Julie S. Sneed: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
Judge Julie S. Sneed has served as a United States Magistrate Judge for the Middle District of Florida since 2015. She previously worked as a partner at Ackerman LLP from 2012 to 2015; an associate and later a partner at Fowler White Boggs Banker, P.A. from 2004 to 2012; and a litigation associate at Trenam, Kemker, Scharf, Barkin, Frye, O’Neill & Mullis, P.A. from 1997 to 2000. Judge Sneed served as a law clerk for Judge James D. Whittemore on the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida from 2000 to 2004 and Judge Chris W. Altenbernd on the Florida Second District Court of Appeal from 1995 to 1997. She received her J.D. from Florida State University College of Law in 1994 and her B.S. fro, the University of Florida in 1991.
November 2, 2023: Statement from President Joe Biden on the ICJ Candidacy of Sarah Cleveland
I strongly support Professor Sarah Cleveland’s candidacy to serve on the International Court of Justice — the main judicial organ of the United Nations. A talented scholar and practitioner of international law, Cleveland is committed to the principles that have long been at the heart of the Court: judicial independence, rigor, and humanity.
As we face a range of pressing global challenges, the Court’s work has never been more important. Cleveland’s experience as a professor, government adviser, and expert on multilateral bodies – and her deep respect for the diversity of the world’s legal systems — underscore her ability to make valuable contributions to the issues that come before the Court at this critical moment.
That is why I am proud to call on UN Member States to join the United States in voting for Sarah Cleveland to serve as a judge on the International Court of Justice — which remains one of humanity’s most critical institutions to advance peace around the world.
November 6, 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Jacquelyn D. Austin, of South Carolina, to be United States District Judge for the District of South Carolina, vice J. Michelle Childs, elevated.
Jacqueline Becerra, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, ice Marcia G. Cooke, retired.
Melissa Damian, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, vice Ursula Namcusi Ungaro, retired.
David Seymour Leibowitz of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, vice Federico A. Moreno, retired.
Julie Simone Sneed, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida, vice Roy Bale Dalton Jr., retired.
November 7, 2023: Statement from President Joe Biden on the 150th Judicial Confirmation
One of the greatest responsibilities a President has is the appointment of federal judges. These judges — confirmed for life — play an integral part in our everyday lives. They oversee cases in which workers fight for safe conditions. They ensure trials are fair and efficient, helping our criminal justice system function. And they issue rulings on fundamental rights — from the right to vote to women’s reproductive rights.
Today, we reached an important milestone — the confirmation of 150 life-tenured federal judges since I took office. All of these men and women are highly qualified, faithful to the rule of law, and dedicated to the Constitution. They come from professional backgrounds that have for far too long been underrepresented on the bench — from labor and immigration attorneys to public defenders and civil rights lawyers. And they reflect the diversity that is our country’s strength: two-thirds of those confirmed are women and nearly two-thirds are people of color.
We have more work to do, and I am committed to filling every judicial vacancy with appointees whose credentials, ability, and impartiality are beyond question. I extend my sincere thanks to Leader Schumer, Chair Durbin, and the Senators on both sides of the aisle who have worked in good faith to help achieve this milestone.
November 15, 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Kirk Edward Sheriff, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of California, vice Ana Isabel de Alba, elevated.
November 15, 2023: President Biden Names Forty-Second Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate two individuals to federal district courts, and three individuals to federal district courts, and three individuals to the District of Columbia Superior Court — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds. This will be President Biden’s forty-second round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 203.
United States Circuit Court Announcements
Nicole G. Berner: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Nicole G. Berner is General Counsel to the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), where she has practiced as in-house counsel since 2006. Previously, Ms. Berner served as a staff attorney for Planned Parenthood Federation of American in Washington, D.C. from 2004 to 2006. She worked as a litigation associate at Jenner & Block LLP in Washington, D.C. from 2000 to 2004 after working as a visiting attorney at Yigal Arnon & Co. in Jerusalem, Israel, from 1999 to 2000. Ms. Berner served as a law clerk for Judge Thelton E. Henderson on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California from 1997 to 1998 and for Judge Betty B. Fletcher on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 1996 to 1997. She received her J.D., Order of the Coif, from University of California, Berkeley, School of Public Policy. She received her B.A., Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of California, Berkeley in 1988. She is a resident of Takoma Park, Maryland.
Adeel A. Magni: Nomination for the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Adeel A. Magni is a partner at Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP. He began his legal career there as an associate in 2000, became counsel in 2009, and was elevated to partnership in 2010. Mr. Mangi received his LL.M. from Harvard Law School in 2000. He qualified as a Barrister and received his Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Legal Skills from the City University London Inns of Court School of Law in 1999 and his First Class Degree in Law from the University of Oxford, Pembroke College, in 1998.
United States District Court Announcements
Judge Amy M. Baggio: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Oregon
Judge Amy M. Baggio has been a judge on the Multnomah County Circuit Court in Portland, Oregon, sine 2019. From 2013 to 2019, Judge Baggio worked as a solo practitioner at her own firm, Baggio Law, also worked in Portland. Previously, Judge Baggio served in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Oregon, first as a Research and Writing Attorney from 2002 to 2005 then as an Assistant Federal Public Defender from 2005 to 2012. Prior to that, she served as a staff attorney in the Portland Office of the Metropolitan Public Defender from 2001 to 2002. Judge Baggio recited her J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2001 and her B.A., cum laude, from Wake Forest University in 1995.
Judge Cristal C. Brisco: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
Judge Cristal C. Brisco has been a judge on the St. Joseph County Superior Court in South Bend, Indiana, since 2021, and has concurrently served as a judge on the Indiana Commercial Court since 2022. She previously served as a magistrate judge for the Circuit Court of St. Joseph County in Mishawaka, Indiana from 2018 to 2021. Prior to that, Judge Brisco served as General Counsel to Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame from 2017 to 2018 and as Corporation Counsel for the City of South Bend from 2013 to 2017. She began her career as an associate at Barns & Thrornburg LLP where she worked from 2006 to 2013. Judge Brisco received her J.D. from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 2006 and her B.A., cum laude, from Valparaiso University in 2002.
Judge Gretchen S. Lund: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
Judge Gretchen S. Lund has been a judge on the Elkhart County Superior Court in Goshen, Indiana since 2005. She previously served as a judge on the Goshen City Court from 2008 to 2014. Before that, Judge Lund served as a deputy prosecutor in the Elkhart County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office from 2006 to 2007. Judge Lund served as a law clerk for U.S. Magistrate Judge William T. Lawrence on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana from 2002 to 2006. She began her career as an associate at Ice Miller LLP in Indianapolis, Indians from 2001 to 2002. Judge Lund received her J.D., summa cum laude, from Valparaiso University School of Law in 2001 and her B.A. from Butler University, cum laude, in 1988.
District of Columbia Superior Court Announcements
Judge Sherri Beatty-Arthur: Nominee for the District of Columbia Superior Court.
Judge Sherri Beatty-Arthur has been a Magistrate Judge for the District of Columbia Superior Court since 2020. Previously, Judge Beatty-Arthur served as an Administrative Law Judge in the District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings from 2014 to 2020, as Chief of Human Resources for the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia from 2012 to 2014, and as Executive Director of the District of Columbia Office of Administrative Hearings from 2010 to 2011. Prior to that, Beatty-Arthur worked as a partner at Arthur & Arthur PLLC from 2003 to 2010 and as an attorney at the United States Securities and Exchange Commission from 1999 to 2003. Judge Beatty-Arthur received her J.D. from Howard University School of Law in 1988; her MBA from University of Maryland, University College in 2011; and her B.A. from University of Maryland, College Park in 1995.
Erin C. Johnston: Nominee for the District of Columbia Superior Court
Erin C. Johnston is a litigation partner at Kirkland & Ellis LLP in Washington, D.C. She began her legal career there as a litigation associate in 2007, became a litigation income partner in 2013, and was elevated to equity partnership in 2018. Ms. Johnston received her J.D. from New York University School of Law in 2007 and her B.A., cum laude, from the University of California, Los Angeles, in 2003.
Ray D. McKenzie: Nominee for the District of Columbia Superior Court
Ray D. McKenzie is co-founder of WTAII PLLC, where he has practiced since 2019. Previously, Mr. McKenzie served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland from 2015 to 2019 and worked as an associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in Washington D.C. from 2009 to 2015. He served as a law clerk for Judge James R. Spencer on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2008 to 2009. Mr. McKenzie received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2008 and his B.A. and Master of Teaching from the University of Virginia in 1998. He also earned a Master of Divinity from Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in 2003. Before attending law school, McKenzie taught fifth and sixth grade at public schools in Virginia.
November 27, 2023: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Amy M. Baggio, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon, vice Marco A. Hernandez, retiring.
Sherri Malloy Beatty-Arthur, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Carol A. Dalton, retired.
Nicole G. Burner, of Maryland, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth District, vice Diana Gribbon Motz, retired.
Cristal C. Brisco, of Indiana, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Indiana, vice Theresa Lazar Springmann, retired.
Erin Camille Johnston, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Peter Arno Krauthamer, retired.
Gretchen S. Lund, of Indiana, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Indiana, vice Jon E. DeGuilio, retired.
Adeel Abdullah Mangi, of New Jersey, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit, vice Joseph A. Greenaway, Jr., retired.
Ray D. McKenzie, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Hiram E. Puig-Lugo, retired.
DECEMBER 2023
December 19, 2023: President Biden Names Forty-Third Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate five individuals to federal district courts and one individual to the Court of Federal Claims — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s forty-third round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 209.
The President is also announcing his intent to nominate two individuals to serve as U.S. Marshals. These officials will be indispensable to upholding the rule of law and were chosen for their devotion to enforcing the law, their professionalism, their experience and credentials, and their dedication to pursuing equal justice for all.
The President has now announced 26 nominees to serve as U.S. Marshals.
United States District Court Announcements
Judge Ann Marie McIff Allen: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Utah
Judge Ann Marie McIff Allen has been a judge on Utah’s Fifth District Court in Cedar City since 2020. She previously worked at Southern Utah University, where she served as a Special Counsel and Director of Ethics and Compliance from 2016 to 2017 then as General Counsel from 2018 to 2020. Judge Allen also worked as a solo practitioner from 2013 to 2020. From 2007 to 2013, Judge Allen served as a Deputy County Attorney for the Iron County Attorney’s Office in Cedar City. She joined that office after working in private practice at Jensen, Graff and Barnes, LLP from 2001 to 2004 and at Allen Law, PC from 2004 to 2007. Judge Allen received her J.D. from Brigham Young University’s J. Reuben Clark School in 1997 and her B.A. from Brigham Young University in 1994.
Judge Susan M. Bazis: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Nebraska
Judge Susan M. Bazis has been a United States Magistrate Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska since 2017. From 2007 to 2016, she served as a Douglas County Court Judge, including as the Presiding Judge from 2010 to 2013. Judge Bazis previously worked in private practice as a solo practitioner from 2001 to 2007 and as an associate at Paragas Law Offices from 1991 to 2001. From 1996 to 1999, Judge Bazis was an associate at Kelly, Lehan & Hall, P.C. after serving as an Assistant Public Defender in the Douglas County Public Defender’s Office from 1994 to 1996. She received her J.D. from Creighton University School of Law in 1993 and her B.S. magna cum laude, from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1990.
Ernesto “Ernest” Gonzalez: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas
Ernest Gonzalez has been a Senior Attorney Advisor in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Section since 2023. Previously, Mr. Gonzalez served as and Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas from 2003 to 2023 and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas from 2000 to 2003. From 1994 to 2000, Mr. Gonzalez worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Bexar County in San Antonio, Texas. He received his J.D. from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University in Houston in 1993 and his B.A. from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 1987.
Judge Kelley H. Rankin: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming
Judge Kelly H. Rankin has been the Chief United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Wyoming since 2012. Previously, Judge Rankin served as Criminal Chief in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming from 2010 to 2012. Before that, Judge Rankin served as counsel to Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal in 2010 and as United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming from 2008 to 2010. Prior to becoming U.S. Attorney, Judge Rankin served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the district from 2003 to 2008. From 1999 to 2003, Judge Rankin served as the Park County Attorney working as a Deputy County Attorney in the Park County Attorney’s Office from 1995 to 1998. Judge Rankin was also a Deputy Attorney in the Lincoln County Attorney’s Office from 1994 to 1995. Judge Rankin received his J.D. from the University of Wyoming College of Law in 1994 and his B.S. from the University of Wyoming in 1990.
Judge Leon Schydlower: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas
Judge Leon Schydlower has been a United States Magistrate Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas since 2015. He previously worked in private practice as a solo practitioner from 2002 to 2015 and was a partner and associate at El Paso’s Kemp Smith law firm from 2000 to 2002. Before returning home to El Paso, Judge Schydlower worked as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii from 1988 to 2000. From 1996 to 1998 Judge Schydlower served as a trial attorney on active duty in the U.S. Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Judge Schydlower was in the U.S Navy Reserve from 2000 to 2004 and has served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps since 2010, where he currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Judge Schydlower received his J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 1995 and his B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin in 1993.
United States Court of Federal Claims Announcement
Judge Robin M. Meriweather: Nominee for the United States Court of Federal Claims
Judge Robin M. Meriweather has been a United States Magistrate Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia since 2017. Judge Meriweather previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia from 2007 to 2017, including as the Deputy Chief of the Civil Division in that office from 2011 to 2017. From 1999 to 2007, she worked in private practice as an associate at Jenner and Block LLP. Judge Meriweather clerked for Judge Merrick B. Garland on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 1998 to 1999. She received her J.D. from Yale Law School in 1998 and her B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1995.
Joseph R. “Joe” Adams: Nominee for United States Marshal for the Northern District of West Virginia
Joe R. Adams has been Chief of Police in Westover, West Virginia, since 2020. He previously served in the West Virginia State Police from 1990 to 2015, rising from the rank of Trooper to Senior Investigator with the Bureau of Criminal Investigations. Mr. Adams received his M.S. in Criminal Justice in 1992, his Associates Degree in Police Science in 1991, and his B.S. in Criminal Justice in 1988, all fro, Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.
Gary D. Grimes: Nominee for United States Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas
Gary D. Grimes has been the principal owner of Grimes & Associates, LLC, a law enforcement, security, and government affairs consultancy, since 2011. He previously served as Liaison to Law Enforcement and Emergency Management for Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe from 2007 to 2011. Prior to that, Mr. Grimes served in multiple positions as a law enforcement officer in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Arkansas between 1970 to 1999, including as the Sheriff of Sebastian County, Arkansas from 1989 to 1999. He studied Criminal Justice as Jefferson Junior College from 1972-1973.
JANUARY 2024
January 8, 2024: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Seth Robert Aframe, of New Hampshire, to be United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit, vice Jeffrey R. Howard, retired.
Irving W. Bailey II, of Florida, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the United States International Development Finance Corporation for a term of three years. (Reappointment)
Amy M. Baggio, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon, vice Marco A. Hernandez, retiring.
Jacqueline Becerra of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, vice Marcia G. Cooke, retired.
Nicole G. Berner, of Maryland, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit, vice Diana Gribbon Motz, retired.
Roń Borzekowski, of Maryland, to be Director, Office of Financial Research Department of the Treasury, for a term of six years, vice Dino Falaschetti.
Carol Moseley Braun, of Illinois, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the African Development Foundation for a term expiring September 2029, vice Iqbal Paroo, term expired.
Cristal C. Brisco of Indiana, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Indiana, vice Theresa Lazar Springmann, retired.
Derek H. Chollet, of Nebraska, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, vice Colin Hackett Kahl, resigned.
Melissa Griffin Dalton, of Virginia, to be Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, vice Gina Maria Ortiz Jones.
Melissa Damian, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, vice Ursula Namcusi Ungaro, retired.
Hampton Y. Dellinger, of North Carolina, to be Special Counsel, Office of Special Counsel, for the term of five years, vice Henry Kerner, term expired.
Jennifer D. Gavito, of Colorado, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the State of Libya.
Rebecca Lee Haffajee, of Massachusetts, to be an Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services, vice Richard G. Frank.
Cathy Ann Harris, of Maryland, to be Chairman of the Merit Systems Protection Board, vice Susan Tsui Grundmann.
Jon M. Holladay, of Virginia, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Agriculture, vice Jon M. Holladay.
Mustafa Taher Kasubhai, of Oregon, to be United States District Judge for the District of Oregon, vice Ann L. Aiken, retired.
Ronald T. Keohane, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense, vice James N. Stewart.
Henry J. Kerner, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Merit Systems Protection Board for the term of seven years expiring March 1, 2030, vice Tristan Lynn Leavitt term expired.
Edward Sunyol Kiel, of New Jersey, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey, vice Kevin McNulty, retiring.
Colleen Duffy Kiko, of North Dakota, to be a Member of the Federal Labor Relations Authority for a term of five years expiring July 29, 2027 (Reappointment)
Joshua Paul Kolar, of Indiana, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit, vice Michael S. Kanne, deceased.
Joseph Albert Laroski, Jr., of Maryland, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade, vice Timothy C. Stanceu, retired.
Eumi K. Lee, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California, vice William H. Orrick, III, retired.
David Seymour Leibowitz, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, vice Federico A. Moreno, retired.
Gretchen S. Lund, of Indiana, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Indiana, vice Jon E. DeGuilio, retired.
Adeel Abdullah Mangi, of New Jersey, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Third Circuit, vice Joseph A. Greenaway Jr., retired.
Romana Villagomez Manglona, of the Northern Mariana Islands, to be Judge for the District Court of the Northern Mariana Islands for a term of ten years. (Reappointment)
Vivek Hallegere Murthy, of Florida, to be Representative of the United States on the Executive Board of the World Health Organization, vice Brett P. Giroir.
Jeff Rezmovic, of Maryland, to be Chief Financial Officer, Department of Homeland Security, vice Troy D. Edgar.
Deborah Robinson, of New Jersey, to be Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator, Executive Office of the President, vice Vishal J. Amin.
Marjorie A. Rollinson, of Virginia, to be Chief Counsel for the Internal Revenue Service and an Assistant General Counsel in the Department of the Treasury, vice Michael J. Desmond.
Sarah French Russell, of Connecticut, to be United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut, vice Sarah A.L. Merriam, elevated.
Dorothy Camille Shea, of North Carolina, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Services, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations, during her tenure of services as a Deputy Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations.
Dorothy Camille Shea, of North Carolina, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be the Deputy Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, with the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and the Deputy Representative of the United States in the Security Council of the United Nations.
Kirk Edward Sherriff, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of California, vice Ana Isabel de Alba, elevated.
Elizabeth Shortino, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund for a term of two years, vice Margrethe Lundsager, resigned.
Vanesa Soledad Simon, of Delaware, to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts for a term expiring September 3, 2024, vice Ranee Ramaswamy, term expired.
Vanesa Soledad Simon, of Delaware, to be a Member of the National Council on the Arts for a term expiring September 3, 2030. (Reappointment)
Julie Simone Sneed, of Florida, to be Untied States District Judge for the Middle District of Florida, vice Roy Bale Dalton Jr., retired.
Julie A. Su, of California, to be Secretary of Labor, vice Martin Joseph Walsh.
Suzanne Elizabeth Summerlin, of Florida, to be General Counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority for a term of five years, vice Julia Akins Clark, term expired.
Lisa W. Wang, of the District of Columbia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of International Trade, vice Leo Maury Gordon, retired.
Richard L.A. Weiner, of the District of Columbia, to be United States Director of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, vice J. Steven Dowd.
Erik John Woodhouse, of Virginia, to be Head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination, with the rank of Ambassador.
Janet Louise Yellen, of California, to be United States Governor of the Inter-American Development Bank for a term of five years; United States Governor of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for a term of five years; and United States Governor of the International Monetary Fund for a term of five years, vice Steven T. Mnuchin.
Janet Louise Yellen, of California, to be United States Governor of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, vice Steven T. Mnuchin.
January 10, 2024: Nominations Press Release Attached
Ann Marie McIff Allen, of Utah, to be United States District Judge for the District of Utah, vice David Nuffer, retired.
Susan M. Bazis, of Nebraska, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nebraska, vice John M. Gerrard, retired.
Ernest Gonzalez, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, vice Frank Montalvo, retired.
Robin Michelle Meriweather of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims for a term of fifteen years, vice Patricia E. Campbell-Smith, retired.
Kelly Harrison Rankin, of Wyoming, to be United States District Judge for the District of Wyoming, vice Nancy D. Freudenthal, retired.
Leon Schydlower, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, vice Philip R. Martinez, deceased.
January 10, 2024: President Biden Names Forty-Fourth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate six individuals to federal district courts — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devotee to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s forty-fourth round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 215.
United States District Court Announcements
Amir H. Ali: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Amir H. Ali has been President and Executive Director of the MacArthur Justice Center since 2021 and Director of the Criminal Justice Appellate Clinic at Harvard Law School since 2018. Previously, Mr. Ali worked in private practice as an associate at Jenner & Block LLP in Washington, D.C. from 2013 to 2017. He also served as a law clerk for Justice Marshall Rothstein on the Supreme Court of Canada from 2012 to 2013 and Judge Raymond C. Fisher on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2011 to 2012. Mr. Ali received his J.D., magna cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 2011 and his B.S.E. from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada in 2008.
Judge Melissa R. DuBose: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island
Judge Melissa R. DuBose has been an associate judge on the Rhode Island District Court in Providence since 2019. Previously, Judge DuBose practiced law as an in-house counsel for Schneider Electric in Foxboro, Massachusetts from 2008 to 2019. She began her legal career as a prosecutor in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, where she worked from 2005 to 2008. Judge DuBose received her J.D. from Roger Williams School of Law in 2004 and her B.A. from Providence College in 1990. Before becoming an attorney, Judge DuBose worked for almost 10 years as a high school U.S. history and social studies teacher and completed law school while continuing to teach full time.
Judge Sunil R. Harjani: Candidate for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Judge Sunil R. Harjani has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Illinois since 2019. Judge Harjani previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Deputy Chief of the Securities and Commodities Fraud Section in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinis from 2008 to 2019. He also practiced federal civil litigation as a senior counsel at the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission from 2004 to 2008 and as an associate at Jenner & Block LLP in Chicago from 2000 to 2001 and 2002 to 2004. Judge Harjani served as a law clerk for Judge Suzanne B. Conlon on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois from 2001 to 2002. He received his J.D. cum laude, from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in 2000 and his B.A. from Northwestern University in 1997.
Judge Rebecca S. Kanter: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of California
Judge Rebecca S Kanter has been a judge one the San Diego County Superior Court since 2023. Judge Kanter previously worked as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California from 2006 to 2022. She serves as Deputy Chief in that office’s Major Crimes Section from 2018 to 2019. From 2004 to 2006, Judge Kanter was an associate in the Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles offices of O’Melveny & Meyers LLP. She served as a law clerk for Judge Harry L. Hupp on the U.S. District for the Central District of California from 2003 to 2004. Judge Kanter received her J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law in 2003 and her B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of California, Irvine in 2000.
Robert J. White: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan
Robert J. While has been an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan since 2018. Previously, Mr. White served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas from 2014 to 2018. Before that, he worked as an Associate Attorney at Ralph E. Meczyk and Associates from 2010 to 2014. He received his J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology in 2010 and his B.A. from the University of Michigan in 2007.
Jasmine H. Yoon: Nominee for the Western United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia
Jasmine H. Yoon has been the Vice President of Corporate Integrity, Ethics, and Investigations at Capitol One Financial Corporation since 2022. Previously, Ms. Yoon worked as Interim University Counsel and Associate University Counsel at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville from 2019 to 2022. Prior to that, Ms. Yoon served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2010 to 2016. Ms. Yoon was also an associate at Crowell & Moring LLP in Washington, D.C. from 2006 to 2009 in its White Collar and Regulatory Enforcement group. She served as a law clerk for Judge James C. Cacheris on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2009 to 2010. Ms. Yoon received her J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2006 and her B.A. from the University of Virginia in 2003.
January 10, 2024: Nominations Press Release Attached
Ann Marie Mclff Allen, of Utah, to be United States District Judge for the District of Utah, vice David Nuffer, retired.
Susan M. Bazis, of Nebraska, to be United States District Judge for the District of Nebraska, vice John M. Gerrard, retired.
Ernest Gonzalez, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, vice Frank Montalvo, retired.
Robin Michelle Meriweather, of Virginia, to be a Judge of the United States Court of Federal Claims for a term of fifteen years, vice Patricia E. Campbell-Smith, retired.
Kelly Harrison Rankin, of Wyoming, to be United States District Judge for the District of Wyoming, vice Nancy D. Freudenthal, retired.
Leon Schydlower, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, vice Philip R. Martinez, deceased.
January 11, 2024: Nominations Sent to the Senate
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Jennifer M. Adams, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Minister, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Cabo Verde.
Joseph R. Adams. of West Virginia, to be United States Marshall for the Northern District of West Virginia for the term of four years, vice J.C. Raffety, term expired.
B. Bix Aliu, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Montenegro.
David O. Barnett, Jr., of New Mexico, to be United States Marshall for the District of New Mexico for the term of four years, vice Sonya K. Chavez, term expired.
Dale L. Bell, of Mississippi, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Mississippi for the term of four years, vice Mark B. Shepherd.
Claria Horn Boom, of Kentucky, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission for a term expiring October 31, 2029. (Reappointment)
Tanya Monique Jones Boiser, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Gerald Fisher, retired.
Arthur W. Brown, of Pennsylvania, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Ecuador.
Nelson W. Cunningham, of the District of Columbia, to be a Deputy United States Trade Representative (Western Hemisphere, Europe the Middle East, Labor and Environment), with the rank of Ambassador, vice Jayme Ray White.
Robert William Forden, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Kingdom of Cambodia.
Clinton J. Fuchs, of Maryland, to be United States Marshal for the District of Maryland for the term of four years, vice Johnny Lewis Hughes, term expired.
John Gleeson, of New York, to be a Member of the United States Sentencing Commission for a term expiring October 31, 2029. (Reappointment)
Johnny C. Gogo, of California, to be United States Attorney for the District of Guam and concurrently United States Attorney for the District of the Northern Mariana Islands for the term of four years, vice Alicia Anne Garrido Limtiaco, term expired.
Gary D. Grimes, Sr., of Arkansas, to be United States Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas for the term of four years, vice Gregory Scott Tabor, resigned.
James R. Ives, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Department of the Treasury, vice Eric M. Thorson.
David J. Kostelancik, of Illinois, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Albania.
David L. Lemmon, II, of West Virginia, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia for the term of four years, vice Michael T. Baylous, term expired.
Stuart Alan Levey, of Maryland, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation for a term of three years, vice Michael O. Johanns, term expired.
Joshua S. Levy, of Massachusetts, to be United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts for the term of four years, vice Rachael S. Rollins, resigned.
Rebecca C. Lutzko, of Ohio, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio for the term of four years, vice Justin E. Herdman, resigned.
Leonardo Martinez-Diaz, of Maryland to be United States Executive Director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for a term of two years, vice Adriana Debora Kugler, resigned.
Moshe Z. Marvit, of Pennsylvania, to be a Member of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission for a term of six years, expiring August 30, 2028, vice Arthur R. Traynor III, term expired.
Richard Mills Jr., of Georgia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Roy W. Minter, Jr., of Georgia, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Georgia for the term of four years, vice David L. Lyons, term expired.
Danny Lam Hoan Nguyen, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Fern Flanagan Saddler, retired.
Adrienne Jennings Noti, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Frederick Howard Weisberg, retired.
Kenechukwo Oneymaechi Okocha, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice William Ward Nooter, retired.
Katherine E. Oler, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice John M. Campbell, retired.
April M. Perry, of Illinois, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois for the term of four years, vice John R. Lausch, Jr., resigned.
Lisa Peterson, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Burundi.
Judith E. Pipe, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Michael L. Rankin, retired.
Michael Purnell, of Mississippi, to be United States Marshal for the Northern District of Mississippi for the term of four years, vice Daniel R. McKittrick, term expired.
Stephen H. Ravas, of Maryland, to be Inspector General, Corporation for National and Community Service, vice Deborah J. Jeffery, resigned.
Richard H. Riley IV, of California, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Elizabeth Rood, of Pennsylvania, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minster-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Turkmenistan.
Michael Sfraga, of Alaska, to be Ambassador at Large for Arctic Affairs.
Stephanie Sanders Sullivan, of Maryland, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Career Minister, to be Representative of the United States of America to the African Union, with the rank and status of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary.
Margaret L. Taylor, of Maryland, to be Legal Advisor of the Department of State, vice Jennifer Gillian Newstead, resigned.
Mark Toner, of Pennsylvania, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Liberia.
Pamela M. Tremont, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Zimbabwe.
Anne Marie Wagner, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Labor Relations Authority for a term of five years, expiring July 1, 2024, vice Ernest W. Dubester, term expired.
Anne Marie Wagner, of Virginia, to be a Member of the Federal Relations Authority for a term of five years, expiring July 1, 2029. (Reappointment)
Charles J. Willoughby, Jr., of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice William M. Jackson, retired.
FEBRUARY 2024
February 1, 2024: Statement from President Joe Biden On Confirming 175 Federal Judges
During the past three years, I have worked tirelessly to nominate men and women to the federal bench who are committed to the rule of law. Today, we reached an important milestone: the confirmation of the 175th life-tenured federal judge since I took office. I am grateful to Leader Schumer, Chair Durbin, and Senators on both sides of the aisle who have helped to make today’s milestone a reality.
I’m particularly proud that these judges reflect the diversity that is our country’s strength. They come from every corner of the legal profession – they were prosecutors, defense attorneys, civil rights lawyers, and advocates for women’s reproductive freedoms. They were labor lawyers, municipal law experts, and academics. More than 65% are women, and 65% are people of color. And we have confirmed more Black women to life-tenured federal judgeships than any previous Administration in history — including our nation’s first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Judges make decisions on issues that matter to the American people — from workers’ rights to women’s reproductive rights, to making sure our criminal justice system functions fairly and efficiently. That is why I will continue moving expeditiously — working with the Senate — to nominate and confirm exceptionally qualified individuals who are impartial and faithful to the Constitution.
February 1, 2024: President Biden Announces Key Nominees
President Biden Announces Key Nominees
Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as key leaders in his Administration:
Rose E. Jenkins, Nominee to be a Judge on the United States Tax Court
Adam B. Landy, Nominee to be a Judge on the United States Tax Court
Kashi Way, Nominee to be a Judge on the United States Tax Court
Rose E. Jenkins, Nominee to be a Judge on the United States Tax Court
Rose E. Jenkins has over 15 years of career experience as a tax lawyer, and holds a broad-based expertise in the area focusing particularly on international tax law and administrative law issues. Jenkins is currently an attorney in the Office of Associate Chief Counsel (Procedure & Administration) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Previously, she was a Senior Attorney Advisor at the Tax Law Center at New York University Law School from 2021 to 2023 and a Managing Director in the international tax group within KPMG’s Washington National Tax Office from 2020 to 2021. Before KPMG, she was in the IRS Office of Associate Chief Counsel (International), from 2013 to 2020, as an Attorney, Senior Counsel, and finally a Special Counsel. Jenkins started her career as an Associate at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom L.L.P, where she worked from 2008 to 2013. She received her L.L.M. from New York University of Texas School of Law, as well as her M.A. and B.A. from Stanford University. She is a member of the New York State bar and has previously served as a member of the Executive Committee of the New York State Bar Association Tax Section.
Adam B. Landy, Nominee to be a Judge on the United States Tax Court
Adam B. Landy has been a Special Trial Judge on the United States Tax Court since 2021. Previously, Landy was a Senior Attorney with the IRS Office of Chief Counsel in Baltimore, Maryland, and San Francisco, California from 2016 to 2021. Prior to that, he worked as an Associate at McNair Law Firm, P.A.m which later merged into Burr Forman, LLP, from 2010 to 2016. Landy briefly served as a Law Clerk for Judge J. Michelle Childs on the South Carolina Circuit Court during the Summer of 2008. He received his L.L.M from the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, his J.D. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2009, his M.S. From the University of South Carolina in 2006, and his B.S. from the University of South Carolina in 2004.
Kashi Way, Nominee to be a judge on the United States Tax Court
Kashi Way is a senior legislation counsel with the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation. He has been with the Committee since 2005. His primary areas of responsibility include energy-related tax issues and the research credit. Way also works on insurance tax issues, issues relating to tax-exempt organizations, and geographically targeted tax incentives. Way’s work, including markup documents, committee report language, and technical explanations has formed part of the legislative history of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, and many other pieces of major federal tax legislation enacted over the past eighteen years. Prior to joining the staff, Way clerked at the U.S. Tax Court and spent several years in private practice at Covington & Burling. He studied at the University of Virginia, has a M.A. from Columbia University, and has a B.A. from the University of Southern California.
February 3, 2024: Nominations Sent to the Senate
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Amir H. Ali, of the District of Columbia, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia, vice Beryl Alaine Howell, retiring.
Melissa R. DuBose, of Rhode Island, to be United States District Judge for the District of Rhode Island, vice William E. Smith, retiring.
Sunil R. Harjani, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, vice Thomas M. Durkin, retired.
Robert J. White of Michigan, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan, vice Paul D. Borman, retired.
Jasmine Jeyjung Yoon, of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Virginia, vice Michael Francis Urbanski, retiring.
Rebecca Suzanne Kanter, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of California, vice William Q. Hayes, retired.
Rose E. Jenkins, of the District of Columbia, to be a Judge in the United States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years, vice Elizabeth Crewson Paris, term expired.
Adam B. Landy, of South Carolina, to be a Judge of the Untied States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years, vice David Gustafson, term expired.
Kashi Way, of Maryland, to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court for a term of fifteen years, vice Mark Van Dyke Holmes, term expired.
February 7, 2024: President Biden Names Forty-Fifth Round of Judicial Nominees and One New Nominee to Serve as U.S. Marshal
The President is announcing his intent to nominate four individuals to federal district courts — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s forty-fifth round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 219.
The President is also announcing his intent to nominate one individual to serve as U.S. Marshal. This official will be indispensable to upholding the rule of law and was chosen for his devotion to enforcing the law, his professionalism, his experience and credentials, and his dedication to pursuing equal justice for all.
The President has now announced 27 nominees to serve as U.S. Marshals.
United States District Court Announcements
Judge Sanket J. Bulsara: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
Judge Sanket J. Bulsara has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of New York since 2017. From January 2017 to May 2017, Judge Bulsara served as the Acting General Counsel of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, where he had been the Deputy General Counsel for Appellate Litigation, Adjudication, and Enforcement since 2015. Prior to that, Judge Bulsara worked at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr L.L.P. as an associate from 2005 to 2008, a counsel from 2009 to 2011, and a partner from 2012 to 2015. For six months between 2007 and 2008 he served as a Special Assistant District Attorney at the Kings County (Brooklyn) District Attorney’s Office and he worked as an associate at Munger, Tolles & Olson L.L.P. in Los Angeles, California from 2003 to 2004. Judge Bulsara served as a law clerk for Judge John G. Koeltl on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York from 2002 to 2003. He received his J.D. from Harvard Law School, cum laude, in 2002 and his A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard College in 1998.
Judge Dena Michaela Coggins: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
Judge Dena Michaela Coggins is the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court of the Superior Court of California, County of Sacramento, having served in that position since 2023 and as a Superior Court judge since 2021. Judge Coggins was previously an Administrative Law Judge with the State of California’s Office of Administrative Law with the State of California’s Office of Administrative Hearings, in the General Jurisdiction Division from 2018 to 2021 and the Special Education Division from 2015 to 2017. Between her positions as an Administrative Law Judge, Judge Coggins served as a supervising attorney and hearing officer at the State of California Victim Compensation Board from 2017 to 2018. From 2013 to 2015 she served as a Deputy Legal Affairs Secretary for the Governor of California. Prior to her state government service, Judge Coggins worked as an associate at Downey Brand L.L.P. from 2012 to 2013 and at Morrison & Foerster L.L.P from 2007 to 2012. Judge Coggins received her J.D. from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 2006 and her B.S. from California State University, Sacramento in 2003.
Eric Schulte: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota
Eric Schulte has been a partner at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, L.L.P. since 2006. He was previously an associate at the firm from 2000 to 2005. From 1999 to 2000, Mr. Schulte served as a law clerk to the South Dakota Second Judicial Circuit in Sioux Falls. He received his J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 1999 and his B.A. from the University of South Dakota in 1994.
Judge Camela C. Theeler: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of South Dakota
Judge Pamela C. Theeler has been a judge for the Second Judicial Circuit of South Dakota Unified Judicial System since 2018. Judge Theeler previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota from 2012 to 2018. Prior to that, Judge Theeler was a partner at Lynn, Jackson, Schultz & Lebrun, P.C. from 2008 to 2012, and an associate at the firm from 2003 to 2008. She worked as an associate at the Morgan Theeler Law Firm, L.L.P. from 2002 to 2003 and served as a law clerk for the First Judicial Circuit of the South Dakota Unified Judicial System from 2001 to 2002. She received her J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law in 2000 and her B.A. from the University of South Dakota in 1998.
United States Marshal Announcement
Colonel John E. Richardson has been Executive Assistant to the President of Alabama State University since 2017. He was previously Director of Public Safety and Colonel in the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency from 2014 to 2017. Prior to that, Col. Richardson served in the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Enforcement Division from 1988 to 2014, rising from the rank of Agent to Captain and Assistant Director of the Enforcement Division. Col. Richardson began his career in law enforcement as a Police Officer in Opelika, Alabama from 1985 to 1987.
February 7, 2024 Nominations and Withdrawals Sent to the Senate
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE
Ernest Gonzalez, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, vice Philip R. Martinez, deceased.
Leon Schydlower, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, vice Frank Montalvo, retired.
WITHDRAWALS SENT TO THE SENATE
Leon Schydlower, of Texas, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, vice Philip R. Martinez, deceased, which was sent to the Senate on January 10, 2024.
Ernest Gonzalez, of Texas, to be the United States District Judge for the Western District of Texas, vice Frank Montalvo, retired, which was sent to the Senate on January 10, 2024.
February 8, 2024: Nominations Sent to the Senate
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Sarah Elizabeth Baker, of Virginia, to be General Counsel of the Department of Transportation, vice John Edward Putnam.
Emily Edenshaw, of Alaska, to be Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2028, vice Dorothy Kosinski, term expired.
Margaret Mary FitzPatrick, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2030, vice Katherine H. Tachau, term expired.
Deborah Willis, of New York, to be a Member of the National Council on the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2028, vice Constance M. Carroll, term expired.
Sanket Jayshukh Bulsara, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of New York, vice Joan Marie Azrack, retiring.
Dena M. Coggins, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of California, vice Kimberly J. Mueller, retiring.
John E. Richardson, of Alabama, to be United States Marshal for the Middle District of Alabama for the term of four years, vice Jesse Seroyer, Jr., term expired.
Eric C. Schulte, of South Dakota, to be United States District Judge for the District of South Dakota, vice Karen E. Schreier, retiring.
Camela C. Theeler, of South Dakota, to be United States District Judge for the District of South Dakota, vice Jeffery L. Viken, retired.
February 21, 2024: President Biden Names Forty-Sixth Round of Judicial Nominees And Announces Two New Nominees To Serve as U.S. Attorney
The President is announcing his intent to nominate one individual to a federal circuit court and four individuals to federal district courts — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s forty-sixth round of nominees for federal judicial positions, brining the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 224.
The President is also announcing his intent to nominate two individuals to serve as U.S. Attorney. These are officials who will be indispensable to upholding the rule of law as top federal enforcement officials.
These individuals were chosen for their devotion to enforcing the law, their professionalism, their expertise and credentials, and dedication to pursuing equal justice for all, and their commitment to the independence of the Department of Justice.
The President has now announced 76 nominees to serve as U.S. Attorneys.
United States Circuit Court Announcement
Judge Nancy L. Maldonado: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Judge Nancy L. Maldonado has been a United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois since 2022. Judge Maldonado was previously a partner at Miner, Barnhill & Galland, P.C. in Chicago from 2010 to 2022 and an associate at the firm from 2003 to 2009. From 2001 to 2003, Judge Maldonado served as a law clerk for Judge Rubén Castillo on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. She received her J.D. from, Columbia Law School in 2001 and her A.B. cum laude, from Harvard University in 1997.
United States District Court Announcements
Georgia N. Alexakis: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
Georgia N. Alexakis has been an Assistant United States Attorney and the Chief of Appeals for the Criminal Division in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois since 2022. She previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in that office from 2013 to 2021. From 2021 to 2022, Ms. Alexakis worked as a partner at Riley Safer Holmes & Cancila LLP in Chicago. From 2008 to 2012, she was an associate and then a partner at Bartlit Beck Herman Palenchar & Scott LLP, also in Chicago. Ms Alexakis served as a law clerk for Judge Milton I. Shadur on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois from 2007 to 2008 and for Judge Marsha S. Berzon on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2006 to 2007. She received her J.D. magna cum laude, from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law in 2006 and her A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard University in 2000. Between college and law school, from 2000 to 2003, Ms. Alexakis worked as an associate and then as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group in Chicago.
Judge Angela M. Martinez: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Arizona
Judge Angela M. Martinez has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the District of Arizona since 2023. Judge Martinez was previously an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona from 2015 to 2023. From 2013 to 2015, she served as a law clerk for Judge Jennifer G. Zipps on the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. Prior to that, Judge Martinez was an associate at Farhang & Medcoff, P.L.L.C. from 2012 to 2013. after an earlier period serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Arizona from, 2005 to 2009. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Judge Martinez was an associate at Lewis and Roca, L.L.P. in Phoenix and Tucson from 2002 to 2004 and she served as a law clerk for Judge John M. Roll on the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona from 2000 to 2002. Judge Martinez received her J.D. from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law in 2000 and her B.A. from the University of Arizona in 1995.
Sparkle L. Sooknanan: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Sparkle L. Sooknanan has been the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the United States Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division since 2023. She previously served as a Deputy Associate Attorney General in the Department of Justice from 2021 to 2023, after first working in the Department as an appellate attorney in the Civil Division from 2012 to 2013. From 2014 to 2021, Ms. Sooknanan worked in private practice at Jones Day, becoming a partner at the firm in 2000. Prior to that, she served as a law clerk for Justice Sonia Sotomayor on the U.S. Supreme Court from 2013 to 2014, for Judge Guido Calabresi on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2010 to 2012, and for Judge Eric N. Vitaliano on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York from 2010 to 2011. Ms. Sooknanan received her J.D., summa cum laude, from Brooklyn Law School in 2010, her M.B.A. with distinction from Hofstra University in 2003, and her B.S., summa cum laude, from St. Francis College in 2002.
United States Attorney Announcements
Matthew Gannon: Nominee for United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa
Matthew Gannon served as First Assistant Attorney General in the Iowa Attorney General’s Office from 2021 to 2023. From 2007 to 2021, he served in the Iowa Attorney General’s Office as an Assistant Attorney General where he led the Office’s Tobacco Enforcement Program. Prior to that, Mr. Gannon worked in private practice as an associate with Arnold & Porter L.L.P. in Washington, D.C. fro, 1998 to 2007. Mr. Gannon received his J.D. from the University of Iowa College of Law in 1998 and his B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Notre Dame in 1994.
David C. Waterman: Nominee for United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa
David C. Waterman has been an attorney at the law firm of Lane & Waterman L.L.P., in Davenport, Iowa, since 2020. Mr. Waterman was previously an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida from 2016 to 2020. He served as a law clerk for Judge Michael J. Melloy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit from 2015 to 2016, for Judge Mark W. Bennet on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa from 2014 to 2015, and for Judge John A. Jarvey on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa from 2013 to 2014. Mr. Waterman received his J.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law in 2013; his M.Phil. from University of Cambridge in 2010; and his B.A., summa cum laude, from The George Washington University in 2009.
February 27, 2024: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Georgia N. Alexakis, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, vice Rebecca R. Pallmeyer, retiring.
Matthew L. Gannon, of Iowa, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa for the the term of four years, vice Peter E. Deegan, Jr. resigned.
Krissa M. Lanham, of Arizona, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona, vice Douglas L. Rayes, retiring.
Nancy L. Maldonado, of Illinois, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit, vice Ilana Diamond Rovner, retiring.
Angela M. Martinez, of Arizona, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona, vice James Alan Soto, retiring.
Sparkle L. Sooknanan, of the District of Columbia, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia, vice Florence Y. Pan, elevated.
David C. Waterman, of Iowa, to be United States Attorney for the Southern District of Iowa, for the term of four years, vice Marc Krickbaum, resigned.
MARCH 2024
March 20, 2024: President Biden Names Forty-Seventh Round of Judicial Nominees And Announces One New Nominee To Serve as U.S. Marshal
The President is announcing his intent to nominate one individual to a federal circuit court, four individuals to federal district courts, and two individuals to the District of Columbia Superior Court — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s forty-seventy round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 229.
The President is also announcing his intent to nominate one individual to serve as U.S. Marshal. This official will be indispensable to upholding the rule of law and was chosen for his devotion to enforcing the law, his professionalism, his experience and credentials, and his dedication to pursuing equal justice for all.
The President has now announced 28 nominees to serve as U.S. Marshals.
United States Circuit Court Announcement
Kevin G. Ritz: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Kevin G. Ritz has served as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee since 2022. From 2005 to 2022, Mr. Ritz worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Tennessee, where he served as Appellate Chief from 2018 to 2022, Special Counsel to the U.S. Attorney from 2010 to 2022, and Criminal Appellate Chief from 2010 to 2018. Earlier in his career, Mr. Ritz served as a law clerk for Judge Julia Smith Gibbons on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit from 2004 to 2005. Mr. Ritz also served as a law clerk for Judge Julia Smith Gibbons on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixty Circuit from 2004 to 2005. Mr. Ritz also served as Chair of the Tennessee Bar Association’s Appellate Practice Section and President of the Memphis/Mid-South Chapter of the Federal Bar Association. He received his J.D. from the University of Virginia School of Law in 2004, his M.S. from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in 1999, and his B.A., Phi Beta Kappa, fro, the University of Virginia in 1997.
United States District Court Announcements
Brian E. Murphy: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts
Brian E. Murthy has been a partner at Murthy & Rudolf LLP since 2011. The firm was known as Murthy & Vander Salm LLP from 2012 to 2016. Mr. Murphy was previously an Associate Attorney at Todd and Weld LLP from 2009 to 2011 and a public defender at the Committee for Public Counsel Services from 2006 to 2009. Mr. Murthy also served as a supervising attorney for the Worchester County Bar Advocates from 2015 to 2019. He received his J.D. from Columbia Law School in 2006 and his B.A. from The College of Holy Cross in 2002.
Judge Rebecca L. Pennell: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
Judge Rebecca L. Pennell has been a judge on the Washington Court of Appeals in Spokane since 2016. She was previously a public defender with the Federal Defenders of Eastern Washington and Idaho from 2000 to 2016. From 1999 to 2000, Judge Pennell was a Sadden Fellow at TeamChild, an organization that provides legal services to youths in Yakima, Washington. She served as a law clerk for the Eastern District of Washington from 1997 to 1999. Judge Pennell received her J.D. from Stanford Law School in 1996 and her B.A., summa com laude, from the University of Washington in 1993.
Detra Shaw-Wilder: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
Detra Shaw-Wilder has been an attorney in private practice at Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton in Coral Gables, Florida since 1994, rising from associate to partner. From 2015 to 2017, Ms. Shaw-Wilder was a managing partner of he firm and has served as general counsel for the firm since 2017. She received her J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law in 1994 and her B.S. from the University of Florida in 1990.
Jennette Vargas: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
Jeannette Vargas has been an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York since 2002. She has served as Deputy Chief of the Civil Division of that office since 2016 and was previously Senior Trial Counsel from 2014 to 2016 and Chief of the Tax and Bankruptcy Unit from 2010 to 2014. Before that, Ms. Vargas worked as an associate at Simpson Thatcher & Bartlett LLP from 2000 to 2001. In between private practice and joining the U.S. Attorney’s office, she served as a law clerk for Judge Sonia Sotomayor on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2001 to 2002. Ms Vargas received her J.D. from Yale Law School in 2000 and her A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard College in 1995.
District of Columbia Superior Court Announcements
Judge Rahkel Bouchet: Nominee for the District of Columbia Superior Court
Judge Rahkel Bouchet has been a Magistrate Judge for the District of Columbia Superior Court since 2016 and is currently the Deputy Presiding Magistrate Judge. Judge Bochet was also the Presiding Judge for the D.C. Family Treatment Court, within the D.C. Superior Court, in 2017. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Bouchet worked as a solo practitioner from 1998 to 2006 and from 2008 to 2015. In 2007, Judge Bouchet was a structured-settlements counsel at Seneca One LLC. In addition to her private practice, Judge Bouchet was previously the Supervising Attorney of the Child Welfare/Family Justice Clinic at Howard University School of Law from 2013 to 2015. She received her J.D. from Howard University School of Law in 1997 and her B.A., cum laude, from Howard University in 1993.
John Cuong Truong: Nominee for the District of Columbia Superior Court
John Cuong Truong has been a Deputy Chief in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia since 2022. He first joined that office in its Civil Division in 2005 and previously worked as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Criminal Division from 2008 to 2013. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Truong worked as an associate at Morgan Lewis & Bockius, LLP from 1998 to 2004. Mr. Truong served as a law clerk for Judge Ricardo M. Urbina on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia from 1997 to 1998. He received his J.D. from American University in 1997 and his M.A. in 2003, and his B.A. from the University of Southern California in 1993.
United States Marshal Announcement
Bobby Jack Woods: Nominee for United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky
Bobby Jack Woods served as the elected Sheriff of Boyd County, Kentucky from 2015 to 2023. He previously worked as a Floyd County Commonwealth Detective for the Kentucky Commonwealth Attorney’s Office from 2006 to 2014 after serving for nearly twenty years in the Kentucky State Police from 1984 to 2004. Earlier in his law enforcement career, Mr. Woods was a Boyd County Public Officer from 1979 to 1985.
March 21, 2024: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Rahkel Bouchet, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Robert E. Morin, retired.
Christopher T. Hanson, of Michigan, to be a Member of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for the term of five years expiring June 30, 2029. (Reappointment)
Brian Edward Murphy, of Massachusetts, to be United States District Judge for the District of Massachusetts, vice Patti B. Saris, retiring.
Rebecca L. Pennell of Washington, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Washington, vice Salvador Mendoza Jr., elevated.
Kevin Gafford Ritz, of Tennessee, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit, vice Julia Smith Gibbons, retiring.
Felix R. Sanchez, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for a term expiring January 31, 2028, vice Robert A. Mandell, term expired.
Detra Shaw-Wilder, of Florida, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Florida, vice Robert N. Scola, Jr., retired.
Michael Louis Sulmeyer, of California, to be an Assistant Secretary of Defense. (New Position)
John Cuong Truong, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Wendell P. Gardner, Jr. retired.
Jeannette A. Vargas, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York, vice Paul G. Gardephe, retired.
Daryle Williams of California, to be a Member of the National Council of the Humanities for a term expiring January 26, 2039, vice Shelly Colleen Lowe, term expired.
Bobby Jack Woods, of Kentucky, to be United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky for the term of four years, vice Normal Euell Arflack, term expired.
APRIL 2024
April 17, 2024: President Biden Announces Local D.C. Judicial Nominees and One New Nominee to Serve as U.S. Marshal
The President is announcing his intent to nominate two individuals to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals — both of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
The President has now announced five nominees to serve on the D.C. Court of Appeals.
The President is also announcing his intent to nominate one individual to serve as U.S. Marshal. This official will be indispensable to upholding the rule of law and was chosen for her devotion to enforcing the law, her professionalism, her experience and credentials, and her dedication to pursuing equal justice for all.
The President has now announced 29 nominees to serve as U.S. Marshals.
District of Columbia Court of Appeals Announcements
Carmen G. Iguina González: Nominee for the District of Columbia Court of Appeals
Carmen G. Iquina González has been a counsel at Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP in Washington, D.C., since 2022 and Director of the Howard University School of Law Civil Rights Clinic since 2014. She previously worked at the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project as a Senior Staff Attorney from 2020 to 2022 and at the ACLU of Southern California as a Staff Attorney from 2014 to 2017 and an Equal Justice Works Fellow from 2012 to 2014. She also worked as an associate at Jones Day from 2018 to 2020.
Ms. Iguina González served as a law clerk for Justice Sonia Sotomayor on the U.S. Supreme Court from 2017 to 2019, Judge Stephen R. Reinhardt on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to 2012, and Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York from 2010 to 2011. She received her J.D., magna cum laude, from New York University School of Law in 2010 and her A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard University.
Joseph R. Palmore: Nominee for the District of Columbia Court of Appeals
Joseph R. Palmore has been a partner at Morrison Forester LLP in Washington D.C. since 2014. He currently co-chairs the firm’s Appellate and Supreme Court practice. Previously, Mr. Palmore served at the U.S. Department of Justice as an Assistant to the Solicitor General from 2010 to 2014 and at the Federal Communications Commission as Deputy General Counsel from 2007 to 2009 and as a special counsel from 2005 to 2006.
Mr. Palmore worked as an associate at Sidley Auston LLP from 2002 to 2005. He served as a law clerk for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the U.S. Supreme Court from 2001 to 2022, Judge Denis Jacobs on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 1998 to 1999, and Judge John Gleeson on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York from 1999 to 2000. Mr. Palmore received his J.D. and his M.A. from the University of Virginia in 1988 and his A.B., magna cum laude, from Harvard University in 1991.
United States Marshal Announcement
Miranda Holloway-Baggett: Nominee for United States Marshal for the Southern District of Alabama
Miranda Holloway-Baggett served as a Deputy United States Marshal in the U.S. Marshals Service from 2001 to 2023 and has been Chief Inspector and Discipline Deciding Official for the Agency since 2023. During her 23-year career in the Marshals Service, Ms. Holloway-Baggett has held various leadership roles in Marshals Service offices in Ohio, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, and Alabama. These roles include Deputy U.S. Marshal, Supervisory Deputy, Assistant Chief Deputy and serving from 2019 through 2023 as Chief Deputy U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of Alabama. She received her Master’s Degree in Management from the University of Phoenix in 2009 and her B.S. in Criminal Justice and Corrective Services from Jackson State University in 2002.
April 18, 2024: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Miranda L. Holloway-Baggett, of Alabama, to be United States Marshal for the Southern District of Alabama for the term of four years, vice Mark F. Sloke, term expired.
Carmen G. Iguina González, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the District Court of Appeals for the term of fifteen years, vice Loren L. AliKhan.
Joseph Russell Palmore, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals for the term of fifteen years, vice Katheryn A. Oberly, retired.
Curtis Raymond Ried, of California, a Foreign Service Officer of Class One, to be U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, with the rank of Ambassador.
John Bradford Weigmann, of the District of Columbia, to be General Council of the Office of Director of National Intelligence, vice Christopher Charles Fonzone, resigned.
April 18, 2024: President Biden Announces Key Nominees
Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as key leaders in his administration:
John Bradford Wiegmann, Nominee to be General Counsel of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence
Curtis Raymond Ried, Nominee to be U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, with the rank of Ambassador.
John Bradford Wiegmann, Nominee to be General Counsel of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence
John Bradford Wiegmann is a Deputy Assistant Attorney General for National Security at the U.S. Department of Justice. In that position, he spearheads the National Security Division’s efforts to develop and implement policies relating to intelligence, counterterrorism, counterespionage, nation-state threats, and other national security matters, in addition to providing legal assistance and advice on matters of national security law and legislation.
Wiegmann also oversees appeals in national security-related prosecutions, supports the Department’s participation in interagency groups established by the National Security Counsel, and works with foreign partners on issues of common concern.
Before joining the U.S. Department of Justice, Weigmann was an Assistant Legal Adviser at the U.S. Department of State, a Deputy Legal Adviser at the National Security Counsel, and Special Counsel to the General Counsel at the Department of Defense. He has been a career government attorney since 1996.
Before joining the government, Wiegmann worked at Shea & Gardner in Washington D.C., where he focused on civil litigation, and where he served as a law clerk for Judge Patrick E. Higginbotham on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. He is a summa cum laude graduate of Duke University and a magna cum laude graduate of Harvard Law School.
He and his wife, Theresa, have two children and live in Washington, D.C.
Curtis Raymond Ried, Nominee to be U.S. Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, with the rank of Ambassador
Curtis Raymond Ried, a Career Member of the Foreign Service, currently serves as Deputy Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary of the White House National Security Council (NSC). Prior to becoming Chief of Staff, reserved as the NSC’s Senior Director for Multilateral affairs.
Reid was most recently assigned overseas as Deputy Political Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Israel. Previously, Ried served on the NSC as Senior Advisor to the National Security Advisor, and prior to that, as the NSC’s Director for United Nations Affairs.
Ried was a political advisor, and later Political Counselor, at the U.S. Mission to the United States in New York. Other assignments include tours in Algeria, Indonesia, Iraq, Timor-Leste, and the United Kingdom. A native of California, Ried holds a BA from the George Washington University and an MA from the Institut d’Etudes Politiques (Sciences Po) in Paris, France. He speaks French, German, and Hebrew.
April 24, 2024: President Biden Names Forty-Eighth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate seven individuals to federal district courts — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s forty-eight round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 236.
United States District Court Announcements
Judge Michelle Williams Court: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Central District of California
Judge Michelle Williams Court has been a judge on the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles County since 2012, and supervising judge in the Court’s civil division since 2023. Previously, Judge Court worked as an attorney and later vice president and general counsel at Bet Tzdek Legal Services from 2000 to 2011. Before that, Judge Court worked as a senior associate at Milberg, Weiss, Bershad, Hynes & Leach from 2000 to 2002; as a fellow and civil rights specialist at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development from 1999 to 2000; as a litigation associate at Litt & Marquez from 1995 to 1999; as a project attorney at the UCLA of Southern California from 1994 to 1995; and as an associate at Gilbert Kelly Crowley & Jennett from 1993 to 1994. Judge Court received her J.D. from Loyola Law School in 1993 and her B.A. from Pomona College in 1988.
Judge Anne Hwang: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Central District of California
Jude Anne Hwang has been a judge on the Superior Court of California in Los Angeles County since 2019. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Hwang served as a Deputy Federal Public Defender in the Office of the Federal Public Defender for the Central District of California from 2006 to 2018, becoming Chief Deputy Federal Public Defender in 2018. Before that, Judge Hwang worked as a litigation associate at Irell & Manella LLP from 2002 to 2006. She received her J.D. from the University of Southern California Law School in 2002 and her B.A. from Cornell University in 1997.
Danna Jackson: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Montana
Danna Jackson has been Tribal Attorney for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Pablo, Montana, since 2023. She previously served at the U.S. Department of the Interior as Senior Counselor to the Director of the Bureau of Land Management and then Senior Counselor to the Assistant Secretary for Water and Science from 2021 to 2023. Before that, Ms. Jackson served as Chief Legal Counsel at the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation in Helena, Montana, from 2016 to 2021 and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Tribal Liaison in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana from 2010 to 2016. Ms. Jackson also worked as counsel at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP from 2005 to 2010, after serving as a legislative assistant in the United States Senate from 2002 to 2005 and a staff attorney at the National Indian Gaming Commission from 2000 to 2002. She received her J.D., and her B.A. from the University of Montana in 1996 and 1993, respectively.
Judge Sarah Netburn: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
Judge Sarah Netburn has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York since 2012 and ha been the Court’s Chief United States Magistrate Judge since 2024. From 2010 to 2012, Judge Netburn served as the Southern District of New York’s Chief Counsel to the Office of Pro Se Litigation. Prior to her judicial service, Judge Netburn worked from 2002 to 2010 at Emery Celli Brinckerhoff & Abady LLP where she rose from associate to partner. She served as a law clerk for Judge Harry Pregerson on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2001 to 2002. Judge Netburn received her J.D. from the University of California at Los Angeles School of Law in 2001 and her B.A. from Brown University in 1994.
Stacey D. Neumann: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Maine
Stacey D. Neumann has worked in private practice at Murray, Plumb & Murray in Portland, Maine since 2013, and has been a partner at the firm since 2017. From 2009 to 2013, Ms. Newman served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and then an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine. Before that, she was a staff attorney at the Vermont Office of the Defender General in Chittenden County from 2007 to 2009. Ms. Newman served as a law clerk for Judge Peter W. Hall on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2006 to 2007 and for Judge John A. Dooley on the Vermont Supreme Court from 2005 to 2006. She received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Cornell Law School in 2005 and her B.A., magna cum laude, from James Madison University in 2000.
Judge Cynthia Valenzuela Dixon: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Central District of California
Judge Cynthia Valenzuela has been a judge on the California State Bar Court in Los Angeles since her appointment by the California Supreme Court in 2016. Previously, Judge Valenzuela worked as the Criminal Justice Act Supervising Attorney for the Central District of California in Los Angeles from 2011 to 2016 and as the head of national litigation at the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund in Los Angeles from 2006 to 2011. Before that, Judge Valenzuela served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California form 2000 to 2006; as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C., from 1998 to 2000; and as a Special Assistant at the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in Los Angeles from 1995 to 1998. She received her J.D. from the University of California at Los Angeles School of Law in 1995 and her B.A. from the University of Arizona in 1991.
MAY 2024
May 2, 2024: President Biden Announces Key Nominees
Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as key leaders in his administration:
Tonya P. Wilkerson, Nominee to be Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security
Abigail L. Dressel, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Angola, and to serve concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Principe
James Holtsnider, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Independent State of Samoa
Elaine Marie Clegg, Nominee to be a Member of the AMTRACK Board of Directors
Ronald L. Batory, Nominee to be a member of the AMTRACK Board of Directors
Marcus D. Graham, Nominee to be a Member of the Farm Credit Administration
Matthew Kaplan, Nominee to be Federal Cochairperson of the Great Lakes Authority
Tonya P. Wilkerson, Nominee to be Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security
Tonya P. Wilkerson serves as the ninth Deputy Director of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. Wilkerson brings a wealth of knowledge and over three decades of experience across the intelligence community, including leadership skills, experience across multiple mission areas, and deep expertise in the space sector.
Wilkerson previously served as the Associate Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency for Science and Technology. She also held many prominent positions within the National Reconnaissance Office, spanning a range of activities including research and development, acquisition and operations.
Wilkerson has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a Master of Engineering Management from George Washington University.
Abagail L. Dressel, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Angola, and to several concurrently and without additional compensation as Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome an Principe
Abigail L. Dressel, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor, is currently the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Previously, she served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique. Prior to that, she was Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassies in Colombia and Brazil.
As Director of the Office of International Media Engagement in the Bureau of Public Affairs, Dressel led the U.S. Department of State’s outreach to major international media outlets. Previously assignments include tours at the U.S. Embassies in Lisbon, Portugal; Luanda, Angola; Lima, Peru; and San Salvador, El Salvador.
Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Dressel worked in international development. A native of Connecticut, Dressel holds a bachelor’s degree from the George Washington University. She speaks fluent Spanish and Portuguese.
James Holtsnider, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Independent State of Samoa
James Holtsnider is a career member of the Senior Foreign Services, class of Counselor. He currently serves as Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Previously, he was the Deputy Director of the Office if Iranian Affairs in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. Earlier, Holtsnider was the Management Officer of the U.S. Mission in Somalia.
He also served in Afghanistan as a Political Advisor to the U.S. military’s Regional Command East in Bagram and in Iraq as a Provincial Action Officer on U.S. Provisional Reconstruction Team Ninewa, Mosul, Iraq. Holtsnider also had assignments at the U.S. Embassy in Rome, Italy as a General Services Officer, at the Embassy in Tunis, Tunisia as Consular Officer, and a Special assistant to the Deputy Secretary for Management Resources. Prior to joining the State Department, Holtsnider served for six years in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Holtsnider received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado and his master’s degree from Princeton University. He speaks Italian and French.
Elaine Marie Clegg, Nominee to be a Member of the AMTRAK Board of Directors
As the CEO of Valley Regional Transit, Elaine Marie Clegg provides leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight for Treasure Valley’s public transportation authority ensuring the directives of the Board of Directors are achieved. Clegg has been a public servant focused on transportation and land use for over 25 years, with nearly 20 years on the Boise City Council where she led many initiatives, including the Elaine Clegg City of Trees Challenge and an effort to reestablish passenger rail in Idaho and the greater Northwest.
As a city council member, Clegg served on numerous boards, executive boards, advisory committees, and councils. She has held the Chair or President position on the boards of Valley Regional Transit, COMPASS, the Association of Idaho Cities at the state level, and the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations, and National League of Cities Transportation Infrastructure Services Committee nationally.
Clegg also led the statewide non-profit Idaho Smart Growth, serving on national non-profit boards while advocating and planning better transportation and land use policy and implementation, assisting 50 Idaho communities directly to improve transportation plans, networks and programs. Since 1998 Clegg has worked to improve access and mobility across modes in the policies of the reauthorizations of the Surface Transportation Bill, including gaining support for establishing Safe Routes to School Program and enhancing the rail portion of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Born and raised in Boise, Idaho, Clegg lives in Boise with her husband, where she frequently walks, bikes, rides the bus, and, drives when she must. She loves spending time with her five children, their spouses, and her 14 grandchildren.
Ronald L. Batory, Nominee to be a Member of the AMTRAK Board of Directors
Ronald L. Batory is a career professional with more than 45 years in the field and system experience in the railroad industry. He spent the first 23 years of his career working for both eastern and western Class 1 railroads in addition to serving along with a court appointed Trustee’s oversight of a regional railroad bankruptcy.
In 1994 he was appointed President of The Belt Railway Company of Chicago, a multiple owned subsidiary of then nine competing Class 1 carriers. His leadership success of serving their needs in Chicago Gateway led to CSX and Norfolk Southern Corporation later recruiting him to Consolidated Rail Corporation in preparation of their STB approved partitioning of the eastern carrier and establishing the Shared Assets Areas.
He was later appointed President & Chief Operating Officer for the entire corporate entity. Upon his retirement in 2017, he pursued public service in Washington, District of Columbia, Batory was nominated and appointed as Administrator of The Federal Railroad Administration.
Batory is a graduate of Adrian College, with a bachelor’s degree along with a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University. He serves on various governing and advisory boards associated within the sectors of both industry and education. Batory resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with his wife, Barbara.
Marcus D. Graham, Nominee to be a Member of the Farm Credit Administration
Marcus D. Graham has served as Deputy Administrator for Field Operations since January 2021, leading the U.S. Department of Agricultures (USDA) Farm Service Agency-Field Operations. He is responsible for the supervision and oversight of agency’s network of over 2,100 state and county offices and provides leadership to more than 18,000 employees.
Graham has efficiently delivered agency programs, administrative operations, and the use of agency resources to all states and Puerto Rico. He has successfully onboarded 50 diverse regional appointed State Executive Directors that provide effective program delivery and customer service to all producers, farmers, and ranchers. Additionally, Graham has created retention and recruitment incentives and hiring programs to support existing future agency employees.
Before joining USDA as Deputy Administrator, Graham served at USDA for more than two decades. He has worked on the county, state, and national level with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) in various positions, including Legislative Director-Office of External Affairs, Senior Policy Advisor to the FSA Administrator, and Senior Loan Specialist in the Farm Loan Division. In addition to his FSA employment, Graham served on the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry under Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) where he assisted on legislation for the Farm Bill’s Time V-Credit Title.
Graham graduated from Tennessee State University with a Master of Science in Agribusiness and a Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness and Economics. He also is a graduate of the President’s Management Council Interagency Rotation Program and Graduate School USA’s Executive Leadership Program.
Matthew Kaplan, Nominee to be Federal Cochairperson of the Great Lakes Authority
Matthew Kaplan has a deep knowledge of the Great Lakes region’s economic development, infrastructure and environmental needs, and the opportunities for the newly created Great Lakes Authority. As a longtime member of Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur’s (D-OH-09) staff, Kaplan worked extensively on advancing the interest of the entire Great Lakes region in Congress and throughout the federal government.
Kaplan was a key advisor to Congresswoman Kaptur in her leadership of the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee, the Bipartisan and Bicameral Great Lakes Task Force, and in drafting the legislation to create the Great Lakes Authority.
In that role, he worked with stakeholders from industry, labor, academia, and communities across the Great Lakes in issues such as managing invasive species, marshaling federal resources for economic development and developing alternative energy opportunities. Kaplan also taught and mentored undergraduate students in a politics course at Oberlin College.
Kaplan currently serves as a Senior Attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council where he coordinates federal strategy on regenerative agriculture. He previously served as an Honors Attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice, as a law clerk for the senior judges of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. He is a graduate of the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clark School of Law and Oberlin College.
May 8, 2024: President Biden Names Forty-Ninth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate one individual to a federal circuit court and three individuals to federal district courts — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s forty-ninth round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 240.
United States Circuit Court Announcement
Judge Embry J. Kidd: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Judge Embry J. Kidd has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida since 2019. Judge Kidd previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida from 2014 to 2019. From 2009 to 2014, Judge Kidd worked as an associate at Williams & Connolly LLP in Washington D.C. Judge Kidd serves as a law clerk for the Judge Roger L. Gregory on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit from 2008 to 2009. He received his J.D. from Yale School in 2008 and his B.A. from Emory University in 2005.
United States District Court Announcements
Judge Adam B. Abelson: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Maryland
Judge Adam B. Ableson has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland since 2023. Prior to his judicial service, Judge Ableton worked in private practice at Zukerman Spaeder LLP from 2012 to 2023, rising from associate to partner. He served as a law clerk for Judge Andre M. Davis on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit from 2011 to 2012 and Judge Catherine C. Blake on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland from 2010 to 2011. Judge Ableson received his J.D., magna cum laude, and his B.A., cum laude, from Princeton University in 2005.
Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr.: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
Judge Joseph F. Saporito, Jr. has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania since 2015 and has been the Court’s Chief United States Magistrate Judge since February 2024. Prior to this appointment to the bench, Judge Saporito served as a part-time Assistant Public Defender in the Office of the Public Defender for the County of Luzerne, Pennsylvania from 1985 to 2015, while concurrently maintaining a private legal practice at Saporito & Saporito, and then Saporito, Saporito, & Falcone. Judge Saporito received his J.D. from the Dickinson School of Law in 1985, and his B.A. from Villanova University in 1982.
Judge Meredith A. Vacca: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Western District of New York
Judge Meredith A. Vacca has been a judge on the Monroe County Court since 2021 and an Acting Justice on the New York State Supreme Court since 2023. Judge Vacca previously served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office in Rochester, New York, from 2007 to 2020. From 2005 to 2007, she worked as an associate at Hamberger & Weiss LLP. Judge Vacca received her J.D. from the University of Buffalo School of Law in 2005 and her B.A. from Colgate University in 2002.
May 9, 2024: President Biden Announces Key Nominees
Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as key leaders in his administration:
Shannon A. Estenoz, Nominee to be Deputy Secretary of the Interior, Department of the Interior
Christopher J. Lamora, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Central African Republic
David Slayton Meale, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
Jeffery Samuel Arbeit, Nominee to be a Judge on the United States Tax Court
Cathy Fung, Nominee to be a Judge on the United States Tax Court
Benjamin A. Guilder III, Nominee to be a Judge on the United States Tax Court
Shannon A. Estenoz, Nominee to be Deputy Secretary of The Interior, Department of the Interior
Shannon A. Estenoz was confirmed by unanimous consent in 2021 to serve as Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife at the Department of the Interior. As Assistant Secretary, Estenoz oversees the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Office of the Everglades Restoration Initiatives. She also chairs the Federal Interagency Panel for World Heritage, and she was appointed to the Great Lakes Fisher Commission by President Joe Biden in 2023.
Extenoz’s career landscape scale conservation, restoration, public policy, and management spans 26 years, including more than seven years as the Department’s Director of Everglades Restoration Initiatives and the Executive Director of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. Her career also includes leadership roles with The Everglades Foundation, the National Parks Conservation Association, the World Wildlife Fund, the Environmental and Land Use Law Center, and three terms as the National Co-Chair of the Everglades Coalition. Estenoz’s public service includes appointments by three gubernatorial administrations.
Estenoz chaired the South Florida Water Management District’s Water Resources Advisory Commission and the Broward County Water Resources Task Force. Estenoz has received numerous awards for her work in conservation including from Friends of the Everglades, Audubon of Florida, the Everglades Coalition, the Florida Wildlife Federation, the Environmental Law Institute, and the Ecological Society of America.
Estenoz is a fifth generation native of Key West, Florida. She holds degrees in International Affairs and Civil Engineering from Florida State University.
Christopher J. Lamora, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Central African Republic
Christopher J. Lamora, a career member of the Senior ForeignService, class of Minister-Counselor, currently serves as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cameroon. Previously he was Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the U.S. Embassy in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Accra, Ghana, and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central Africa and African Security Affairs.
In his last role, he also served as the U.S. Representative to the Great Lakes Contact Group. Lamora also held positions as the Director of the Office of Central African Affairs, Deputy Director of the Office of Economic and Regional Affairs, and Desk Officer for the Democratic Republic of Congo, all in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs. Earlier, Lamora was the Director of the Los Angeles Passport Agency, and served overseas at the U.S. embassies in Guatemala City, Guatemala; Santo Domingo; Dominican Republic; Athens, Greece; Bangui, Central African Republic; and the U.S. Consulate General in Douala, Cameroon. Lamora earned his B.S. from Georgetown University in Washington, District of Columbia. His foreign languages are French, Spanish, and Modern Greek.
David Slayton Meale, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
David Meale, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counselor, is currently Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China, where he also served as Chargé d’Affaires ad interim. Prior to this role, he was Deputy Assistant Secretary for Trade Policy and Negotiations for the Department’s Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs. He was previously the Bureau’s Director for Sanctions Policy and Implementation.
Other positions include Associate Dean for the Leadership and Management School at the Foreign Service Institute in Washington, District of Columbia; Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh; Counselor for Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine; Deputy Director of the Office of Monetary Affairs in the Economic Bureau; and additional postings in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Guinea, and Washington.
Prior to joining the Foreign Service, Meale held positions in corporate finance with Sprint Telecommunications. A native Virginia, he holds a M.S. from the National Defense University’s Eisenhower School, an MBA from Tulane University, and a B.A. from the University of Delaware. He is the recipient of the Baker-Wilkins Award for Outstanding Deputy Chief of Mission and has studied Chinese, Ukrainian, and French.
Jeffery S. Arbeit, Nominee to be a Judge on the United States Tax Court
Jeffrey S. Arbeit is a legislation counsel with the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation. His work focuses primarily on international tax and issues related to financial assets, transactions, and markets. Before joining the staff in 2015, Arbeit was a tax associate at Sullivan & Cromwell LLP in New York and clerked for Judge James S. Halpern at the United States Tax Court. Arbiet received an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law, where he serve on the Tax Law Review; a J.D. from Boston University School of Law, where he served on the Boston University Law Review; and a B.A. in History from Brown University, where he rowed on the crew team.
Cathy Fung, Nominee to be a Judge of the United States Tax Court
Cathy Fung is a Deputy Area Counsel at the Office of Chief Counsel (Large Business & International), Internal Revenue Service, where she has held multiple attorney positions since 2009. Previously, Fung worked as a tax controversy and litigation associate at the Dewey Ballentine (later Dewey & LeBoeuf) from 2006 to 2009. She also served as an attorney-advisor for Judge Robert A. Wherry of the United States Tax Court from 2004 to 2006.
Fung received her J.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law in 2003. She received an LL.M. Taxation from New York University School of Law in 2004 and an LL.M. in Securities & Financial Regulation from Georgetown University Law Center in 2006. She received her B.A. from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1995. Fung is a California native and a resident of the District of Columbia.
Benjamin A. Guider III, Nominee to be a Judge on the United States Tax Court
Benjamin A, Guider III has over 15 years of experience as a lawyer advising clients with respect to federal low-income housing tax credits, federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits, federal and state historic rehabilitation tax credits, tax-exempt bonds, and a variety of other private and public financing sources. He is currently an affordable housing attorney at Longwell Riess, L.L.C.
From 2008 to 2023 he was an attorney at Coats Rose Professional Corporation. Guilder is a member of the American Bar Association’s Forum on Affordable Housing and Community Development Law, as well as a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association and the State Bar of California. He received his J.D. from Tulane University in 2004 and his B.A. from the University of Virginia in 2001.
May 14, 2024: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Adam B. Ableson, of Maryland, to be United States District Judge for the District of Maryland, vice James Kelleher Bredar, retired.
Embry J. Kidd, of Florida, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit, vice Charles R. Wilson, retiring.
Joseph Francis Saporito, Jr., of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, vice Malachy Edward Mannion, retired.
Meredith A. Vacca, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of New York, vice Frank Paul Geraci, Jr., retired.
May 22, 2024: Statement from President Joe Biden on Confirming 200 Federal Judges
Today, we reached another milestone in the effort to protect the freedoms and liberties of all Americans: the confirmation of the 200th federal judge since I took office.
These judges are exceptionally well-qualified. They come from every walk of life, and collectively, they form the most diverse group of judicial appointees ever put forward by a President – 64% are women and 62% are people of color. Before their appointment to the bench, they worked in every field of law — from labor lawyers fighting for working people to civil rights lawyers fighting to protect the right to vote. and despite differences in background and experience, they are all committed to principles that are at the core of our democracy: independence, freedom, and liberty.
Judges matter. These men and women have the power to uphold basic rights or to roll them back. They hear cases that decide whether women have the freedom to make their own reproductive healthcare decisions; whether Americans have the freedom to cast ballots; whether workers have the freedom to unionize and make a living wage for their families; and whether children have the freedom to breathe clean air and drink clean water.
I thank Leader Schumer, Chair Durbin, Democratic Senators, and Republican Senators for their steadfast commitment to advancing these judicial nominations. There is more work to do. Going forward, I will continue my solemn responsibility of nominating individuals who have excelled in their professional careers, who reflect the communities they serve, and who apply the law impartially and without favoritism.
May 23, 2024: President Biden Announces Nominees
Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve in his administration:
Lauren McFerran, Nominee to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board
William Issac White, Nominee to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
Stephane E. Segal, Nominee to be United States Alternate Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund
Additionally, President Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as Republican members of boards and commissions that are required, by statute or longstanding practice, to include bipartisan membership.
Joshua L. Ditelberg, Nominee to be a Member (Republican) of the National Labor Relations Board
Bethany Pickett Shah, Nominee to be a Member (Republican) of the State Justice Institute Board of Directors
Rebeccah L. Heinrichs, Nominee to be a Member (Republican) of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomancy
Lauren McFerran, Nominee to be a Member of the National Labor Relations Board
Lauren McFerran was appointed as a Member of the National Labor Relations Board in December 2014 and was designated Chair in 2021.
Previous to her appointment to the Board, McFerran served as Chief Labor Counsel for the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) and had also served the Committee as Deputy Staff Director under Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA). She began on the HELP Committee as Senior Labor Counsel for Senator Ted Kennedy (D-MA.). Before her work in the U.S. Senate, McFerran was an associate at Bredhoff & Kaiser, PLLC and served as a law clerk for Chief Judge Carolyn Dineen King on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. McFerran received a B.A. from Rice University, and a J.D. from Yale Law School.
William Isaac White, Nominee to be a Member of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
William Isaac (“Ike”) White has led the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management since June 2019. He provides leadership for the safe cleanup of the environmental legacy Brough about from five decades of nuclear weapons development and government-sponsored nuclear energy research.
Under his leadership, the Office of Environmental Management made major progress in liquid waste treatment systems, including beginning operations at the Salt Waste Processing Facility at the Savannah River Site, completing construction of the facilities supporting the Direct Feed Low-Activity Waste Treatment approach, and beginning the first large-scale treatment of radioactive and chemical tank wastes at the Tank-Side Cesium Removal System at Hanford.
Additionally, at Oak Ridge, demolition was completed at the East Tennessee Technology Park, making it the first site in the world to remove an entire uranium enrichment complex. At the Portsmouth Site, demolition of X-326 uranium process building, a two-story structure covering 56 acres was a critical achievement on the cleanup and transformation of the Gaseous Diffusion Plant.
Prior to his current role, White served as the Chief of Staff and Associate Principal Deputy Administrator for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) where he served as the primary point of contact within the Office of the Administrator for field office managers, providing leadership and coordination on operational and technical issues.
Previously, White was the Deputy Associate Administrator for Safety and Health where he enabled the NNSA mission in the areas of nuclear and occupational safety, directly supporting the Administrator and senior managers throughout the NNSA enterprise. Earlier in his career, White served in a variety of leadership and technical position in NNSA and at the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board focused on nuclear safety and operations.
White has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Science in Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley.
Stephanie E. Segal, Nominee to be United States Alternate Executive Director of the International Monetary Fund
Stephanie E. Segal has worked for three decades at the intersection of economics, finance, and international development. As a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic & International Studies her work focused on economic competitiveness, U.S.-China economic relations, and the role of the international financial institutions in fostering macro economic stability, economic development, and private capitol mobilization. Segal is the author of numerous reports and articles and has testified before both chambers of the U.S. Congress.
Until 2017, Segal served as Co-Director of the East Asia Office at the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Prior to Treasury, she was Senior Economist at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), where she covered a range of emerging market and advanced country economies. Earlier in her career, Segal served as an economist in the Western Hemisphere; South and Southeast Asia; the International Monetary Policy offices at Treasury; as an adviser to the U.S. Executive Director at the IMF; and as an analyst and associate in Mergers and Acquisitions at J.P. Morgan in New York, New York.
A native of Naperville, Illinois, Segal earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a master’s degree from the John’s Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). She lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband and three daughters.
Joshua L. Ditelberg, Nominee to be a Member (Republican) of the National Labor Relations Board
Joshua L. Dietlberg is a Partner at Seyfarth Shaw LLP in Chicago, Illinois. Before joining Seyfarth Shaw, he practiced labor and employment law at Edwards & Angell LP in Boston, Massachusetts.
Prior to entering private practice, Dietlberg was a law clerk to the Honorable Ralph B. Guy, Jr. of the U.S. Court of Appeals to the Sixth Circuit and to Honorable Joseph R. Weisberger of the Rhode Island Supreme Court.
He reviewed his J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Michigan Law School and is a member of the Order of the Coif. He has a B.A. summa cum laude and an M.A. from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, Dietlberg was a National Endowment for the Humanities Younger Scholar, University Scholar, Benjamin Franklin Scholar and a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
Ditelberg is a former Adjunct Professor of Law at the John Marshall Law School (now the University of Illinois at Chicago). He is a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers and the American Bar Foundation. Ditelberg is Vice President and Past President of the Chicago Chapter of the Labor and Employment Relations Association. He has authored or edited numerous articles and books addressing the aspects of employment law.
Bethany Pickett Shah, Nominee to be a Member (Republican) of the State Justice Institute Board of Directors
Bethany Pickett Shah is an attorney with Jackson Walker LLP, where she specializes in complex commercial litigation, government investigations, and white-collar defense. Prior to private practice, she served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Texas, where she represented the United States in criminal prosecutions and civil litigation.
Before becoming a prosecutor, Shah worked at the White House as Deputy Associate Counsel to the President and at the Department of Justice as a Counsel in the Civil Rights Division and Counsel in the Office of Legal Policy.
She is the recipient of several awards for her service to the United States, including the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas’s Dedicated Service Award. She has also been appointed by the judges of the Eastern District of Texas to serve on the district’s Magistrate Judge Merit Selection Panel.
Shah is a graduate of The King’s College and Northwestern University School of Law. After law school, she clerked for the Honorable Edith H. Jones of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Rebecca L. Heinrichs, Nominee to be a Member (Republican) of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy
Rebecca L. Heinrichs is a senior fellow at the Washington D.C. based tank Hudson Institute and the Director of its Keystone Defense Initiative. She specializes in national defense and foreign policy. Heinrichs served as a commissioner on the 2023 Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United Staes. She is also a member of the US Strategic Command Strategy Advisory Group and is a co-chair of the Strategic Stability Working Group and the US Institute of Peace.
Heinrichs is the author of the forthcoming book Duty to Deter: American Nuclear Deterrence and the Just War Doctrine, which will be published by National Institute Press in the summer of 2024. She earned her doctorate in Defense and Strategic Studies from Missouri State University and was honored for outstanding academic achievement.
She received her M.A. in national security and strategic studies from the U.S. Naval War College and graduated with the highest distinction from its College of Naval Command and Staff. She earned her B.A. in History and Political Science from Ashland University in Ohio, was an Ashbrook Scholar, and serves as a member of the Ashbrook board.
Heinrichs is a longtime member of Capitol Hill Baptist Church, is a proud native of rural Ohio, and lives in Virginia with her husband and five children.
May 23, 2024: President Biden Names Fiftieth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate two individuals to federal circuit courts and two individuals to federal district courts – all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s fiftieth round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 244.
United States Circuit Court Announcements
Karla M. Campbell: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
Karla M. Campbell is counsel at the firm Stranch Jennings & Garvey PLLC in Nashville, Tennessee. She first joined the firm in 2009, became a partner in 2015, and then became counsel in 2022. From 2010 to 2011, Ms. Campbell served as a law clerk for Judge Jane Stranch on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.
From 2008 to 2009, Ms. Campbell was an attorney at the law firm of Watson & Renner in Washington D.C. She received her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2008 and her B.A. from the University of Virginia in 2002.
Justice Julia M. Lipez: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
Justice Julia M. Lipez has been a justice on the Maine Superior Court since 2022. From 2011 to 2022, Justice Lipez worked as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine, where she served as Appellate Chief from 2019 to 2022.
Prior to that, Justice Lipez worked as an associate and then a senior associate at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP in New York from 2007 to 2011. She served as a law clerk for Judge Diana Gribbon Motz on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit from 2006 to 2007.
Justice Lipez received her J.D., with distinction, from Stanford Law School in 2006 and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Amherst College in 2002.
United States District Court Announcements
Catherine Henry: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Catherine Henry has been an Assistant Federal Defender in the Federal Community Defender’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania since 2001. Ms. Henry previously worked as a public defender at the Defender Association of Philadelphia from 1996 to 2001. Before that, she was a staff attorney at the Feminist Majority Foundation in Arlington, Virginia from 1995 to 1996. She received her J.D. from the District of Columbia School of Law in 1995 and her B.A. from Drew University in 1991.
Mary Kay Lanthier: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Vermont
Mary Kay Lanthier has been the supervising attorney in the Rutland County Public Defenders Office since 2007. She was previously a public defender with the Addison County Public Defender’s Office from 2000 to 2003. Ms. Lanthier also worked in private practice as an associate and then as a partner at Marsh & Wagner, PC, from 2003 to 2007 and as an associate at Keiner & Dumont, PC, from 1988 to 2000. From 1996 to 1998, she served as a law clerk for the judges of the Vermont Trial Court in Chittenden County and Addison County Courts. Ms. Lanthier received her J.D. from Northeastern University School of Law in 1996 and her B.A. from Amherst College in 1993.
JUNE 2024
June 4, 2024: Press Release: Nominations Sent to the Senate
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Karla M. Campbell, of Tennessee, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit, vice Jane Branstetter Stranch, retiring.
Catherine Henry, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, vice Edward G. Smith, deceased.
Mary Kay Lanthier, of Vermont, to be United States District Judge for the District of Vermont, vice Geoffrey W. Crawford, retiring.
Julie M. Lipez, of Maine, to be United States Circuit Judge for the First Circuit, vice William J. Kayatta Jr. retiring.
June 12, 2024: President Biden Names Fifty-First Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate three individuals to federal district courts — all of whom are extraordinary qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s fifty-first round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 247.
United States District Court Announcements
Mary Kay Costello: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Mary Kay Costello has been an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania since 2008. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Costello worked as a litigation associate at Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP from 2004 to 2008 and at Saul Ewing LLP from 2001 to 2004, both in Philadelphia. Ms. Costello received her J.D., magna cum laude, from Temple University Beasley School of Law in 2001 and her B.A., summa cum laude, from Temple University in 1998. From 1986 to 1994, Ms. Costello served in the U.S. Air Force.
Laura Margarete Provinzino: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
Laura Margarete Provinzino was born and raised in St. Could, Minnesota and has been an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota since 2010. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Ms. Provinzino worked as a litigation associate at Robins Kaplan LLP from 2006 to 2010 in Minneapolis. From 2003 to 2004, Ms. Provinzino served as a law clerk for Judge Diana E. Murphy on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit. She received her J.D. from Yale Law School in 2003, a B.A. from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar in 2000, and a B.A. From Lewis & Clark College in 1998.
Judge Noël Wise: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of California
Judge Noël Wise has been a judge on the Superior Court of California in Alameda County since 2014, and a supervising judge since 2019. From 2021 to 2022, she served as a Judge Pro Tem for the California Second District of Appeal. She previously practiced law as a partner at Wise Gleicher in Alameda, California from 2006 to 2014 after working as in-house counsel for Pacific Gas and Electric Company in San Francisco from 2004 to 2006.
From 2002 to 2004, Judge Wise was of counsel at Stoel Rives LLP in San Francisco. Before entering private practice, Judge Wise served as a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice Environmental and Natural Resources Division in Washington, D.C. from 1994 to 2002, where she entered through the Honors Program. From 1997 to 1998, she was detailed to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. Judge Wise served as a law clerk for Justice Harvey Lee Anstead on the Florida Fourth District Court of Appeals from 1993 to 1994. She received her J.S.M. from Stanford Law School in 2002; her J.D., cum laude, from Nova Southeastern University Law School in 1993; and her B.S. from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in 1989.
June 13, 2024: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Mary Kathleen Costello, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, vice Cynthia M. Rufe, retired.
Caroline A Crenshaw, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission for a term expiring June 5, 2029. (Reappointment)
Gordon I Ito, of Hawaii, to be a Member of the Financial Stability Oversight Counsel for a term of six years, vice Thomas E. Workman, term expired.
Kristen N. Johnson, of Georgia, to be an Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, vice Graham Scott Steele.
Laura Margarete Provinzino, of Minnesota, to be United States District Judge for the District of Minnesota, vice Wilhelmina Maria Wright, retired.
Christy Goldsmith Romero, of Virginia, to be Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for a term of five years, vice Martin J. Gruenberg.
Noël Wise, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California, vice Edward J. Davila, retiring.
June 13, 2024: President Biden Announces Key Nominees
Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as key leaders in his administration:
Christy Goldsmith Romero, Nominee to be Chair and Member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Kristin N. Johnson, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions, Department of the Treasury
Caroline A. Crenshaw, Nominee to be a Member of the Securities and Exchange Commission
Gordon I. Ito, Nominee to be a Member of the Financial Stability Oversight Council.
Christy Goldsmith Romero, Nominee to be Chair and Member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Christy Goldsmith Romero has more than 20 years of experience as a career federal attorney and leader in financial regulation, serving under four Presidents. She has served as a Commissioner at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) since March 2022, after President Biden’s nomination and the Senate’s unanimous confirmation.
She promotes financial stability and market resiliency, integrity, and vibrancy, while overseeing CFTC-registered banks, brokers, exchanges, clearinghouses, funds and commodity producers. She sponsors the CFTC’s Technology Advisory Committee which examines cybersecurity, and emerging technology (AI, digital assets, and blockchain technology) and has issued reports on AI and on Decentralized Finance.
Goldsmith Romero previously served for 12 years at the Department of Treasury, including for a decade as the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), after President Obama’s nomination and the Senate’s unanimous confirmation in 2012. There, she led a nationwide, independent law enforcement and audit watchdog office that conducted oversight over the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), where the U.S. Government became a shareholder in more than 700 banks, among other programs. She reported on TARP programs and lessons learned from the financial crisis.
Under her leadership, SIGTARP developed a unique ability to uncover hidden fraud in banks. SIGTARP investigations resumed in the recovery of more than $11 billion, civil charges against large financial institutions, and criminal charges against 465 individuals (with courts sentencing to prison 75 bankers and nearly 100 bank borrowers). She also served on a Council of Inspectors General overseeing the Financial Stability Oversight Council.
From 2019 to 2021, Goldsmith Romero was also an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center and University of Virginia Law School, teaching courses in securities regulation, cryptocurrency regulation, and federal oversight.
She also served for six years at the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC), including as counsel to two SEC Chairs, Mary Schapiro and Christopher Cox, during the financial crisis, after serving in the Enforcement Division. She earned her law degree from Brigham Young University Law School in Utah and an undergraduate degree from Old Dominion University in her native state of Virginia.
Kristin N. Johnson, Nominee to be Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions, Department of the Treasury
Following President Biden’s nomination and unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate, Kristin N. Johnson currently serves as a Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
Johnson is a nationally recognized expert on financial markets risk management law and policy with specialization in the regulation of complex financial products including the origination, distribution, and secondary market trading, clearing, and settlement of securities and derivatives.
As an academic, her scholarship explored the risk management and systemic risk implications of cyber threats as well as the concerns created by emerging innovative technologies including the distributed digital ledger technologies that enable the creation of digital assets and intermediaries and artificial intelligence technologies.
Johnson has testified on artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and related risk management concerns in banking and broader financial markets before the U.S.House of Representatives Financial Services Committee Task Force on Financial Technology and the Task Force on Artificial Intelligence.
Prior to joining the Commission, Johnson held endowed professorships at Emory University Law School and Tulane University Law School and visiting professorships at prestigious law schools around the nation. She is an elected member of the American Law Institute, an American Bar Foundation Fellow, and Chaired the Securities Regulation Section and the Executive Committee of the Business Associations and Financial Institutions and Consumer Financial Services Sections of the Association of American Law Schools.
Prior to entering the academy, Johnson served as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel in the Treasury Services Division at JP Morgan Chase and as a corporate associate at Simpson, Thacher, and Bartlett LLP’s New York and London offices. Before attending law school, Johnson served as an analyst at Goldman Sachs. She clerked for Judge Joseph Greenaway, Jr., Third Circuit Court of Appeals, when he served on the Untied States District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Johnson has a B.S. with honors from Georgetown University Edmund Walks School of Foreign Service in comparative economics and with a J.D. from The University of Michigan law School. Johnson served as a senior editor of the Michigan Law Review.
Caroline A. Crenshaw, Nominee to be a Commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission
Carolina A. Crenshaw was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and sworn into office as Commissioner of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on August 17 2020.
Crenshaw brings to the SEC a range of securities law and policy experience and a commitment to public service and the SEC’s mission. As Commissioner, she has focused relentlessly on strengthening investor protections in our increasingly complex markets and helping to oversee the institutions that manage millions of Americans’ savings.
Prior to that, she served as a career SEC staff attorney in the Division of Examinations and the Division of Investment Management, and as Counsel to Commissioners Kara Stein and Robert Jackson. In addition, Crenshaw currently serves as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, Judge Advocate General’s Corps.
Prior to government service, Crenshaw practiced law in the Washington, D.C., office of Sutherland, Asbill and Brennan LLP. At Sutherland, she represented public companies, broker-dealers, and investment advisers on complex securities law investigations and enforcement matters.
Gordon I. Ito, Nominee to be a Member of the Financial Stability Oversight Council
Gordon I. Ito currently serves as the Insurance Commissioner for the State of Hawaii. As Commissioner, he focuses on the risks and increased insurance costs that climate change poses to the insurance market. He is a member of several working committees, including the International Insurance Relations Committee.
Previously, Ito served as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NIAC) Secretary-Treasurer in 2018. He was a recipient of the Robert Dineen award in 2020, an award for Outstanding Service and Contribution to the State Regulation of Insurance. Gordon was the Chair of the NAIC’s Western Zone from 2013 to 2015, Vice Chair of the International Insurance Relation Committee in 2017, and chaired the International Regulatory Cooperation Working Group and the Informations Systems Task Force (EX1).
Prior to his appointment, Ito served as the Chief Deputy Insurance Commissioner from 2000 to 2010 and 2019 to 2022 and was the Staff Attorney, and Supervising Attorney of the Insurance Division between 1993 to 2000.
Ito earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Hawaii and a law degree from the University of Hawaii’s William S. Richardson School of Law.
June 13, 2024: President Biden Announces Nominees
Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve in his administration.
Elizabeth M. Aubin, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Cameroon
Stephanie L. Hallett, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Bahrain
Brian K. Stimmler, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Krygyz Republic
Lakesha R Moultrie, Nominee to be a Member of the State Justice Institute Board of Directors
Additionally, President Biden announced his intent to nominate the following individuals to serve as Republican members of boards and commissions that are required, by statute or longstanding practice, to include bipartisan membership
Stanley Ryan, Nominee to be a Member (Republican) of the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation
J. Tyler McGaughey, Nominee to be a member (Republican) of the Board of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board
Elizabeth M. Aubin, Nominee to be an Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Cameroon
Elizabeth M. Aubin, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, is currently the U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. Previously, she served as Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs in the State Department.
Other leadership roles held by Aubin during her three decades of service include Executive Director of the Joint Executive Office of the Bureaus of Near Eastern Affairs and South and Central Asian Affairs; Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy, Ottawa Canada; Executive Director of the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs; and Deputy of the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs; and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy in Algiers, Algeria.
Aubin holds a B.A. degree from Barnard College of Columbia University and did graduate work at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School. She is the recipient of numerous awards including a Presidential Meritorious Service Award. Her foreign languages are French and Italian.
Stephane L. Hallett, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Bahrain
Stephanie L. Hallett, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Counselor, is currently the Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem. Previously, she was the Acting Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa and Director of Gulf Affairs at the National Security Council, The White House. Earlier, Hallett served a Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Nicosia, Cyprus and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Muscat, Oman.
Other domestic positions included Deputy Director of the Executive Secretariat Staff; Office of the Secretary of State; Office of Iranian Affairs; and the State Department Operations Center.
Overseas, Hallett served as the Politico and Economic Section Chief at the U.S. Embassy in Manama, Bahrain and Deputy Political Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, as well as at the U.S. Consulates General in Monterrey, Mexico and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
A native of Florida, Hallett holds a B.A. from The George Washington University, Washington D.C., and a M.Phil from the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. She speaks Arabic and Spanish.
Brian K. Stimmler, Nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kyrgyz Republic
Brian K. Stimmler is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Counselor. He currently serves as Director of the Office of Central Asian Affairs in the State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.
Previously, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. Earlier, he led public affairs sections as Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria and Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.
Stimmler’s other assignments include service as Press Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia; Political Officer of the High Representative in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; and assignments in Tokyo, Japan and Washington D.C.
Stimmler earned a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University and a Ph.D. from Princeton University. He speaks Russian, Bulgarian, and Serbo-Croatian.
LaKresha R. Moultrie, Nominee to be a Member of the State Justice Institute Board of Directors
LaKresha R. Moultie has led a career dedicated to service in the Delaware community. Moultrie currently serves as Vice President of Legal Affairs, General Counsel, and Chief Enterprise Risk Officer at Delaware State University, one of America’s leading Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
In this role, Moultrie provides legal counsel to the University and its Board of Trustees. She also uses her legal expertise to assess critical issues facing the institution. Recently, Moultrie helped guide the University through the acquisition of Wesley College, which gained the University the distinction as the first HBCU to ever acquire a college or university.
Prior to joining Delaware State University, Moultrie led a successful career at the Delaware Department of Justice where she began as an entry-level prosecutor and progressed to Chief Deputy Attorney General, second-in-command of the office. Her career at the Department included trial and appellate work in all the State courts.
Moultrie received her law degree from Delaware Law School of Widener University and her undergraduate degree, magna cum laude, from Pace University. Moultrie’s professional accomplishments and charitable activities were acknowledged when she was recognized by The Delaware Business Times as part of the Class of 2015 “40 under 40” and one of the “40 Most Empowering Women in business” in 2021.
Moultrie takes great pride in her family. She and her husband, Samuel Moultrie, live in Hockessin Delaware with their children McKenzie, Maximus, and Mahalia.
Stanley Ryan, Nominee to be a Member (Republican) of the Board of Directors of the Millennium Challenge Corporation
Stanley Ryan is a global citizen and business leader with mission relevant executive leadership roles in developed and developing countries alike. He has lived and worked on five continents over 30+ years and has run nine major businesses, both standalone companies and divisions of a large corporation.
Ryan brings substantial experience and proven hands-on capabilities to draw upon in a wide range of applicable areas including world trade, global food security, rural economic development, governance and accountability, large-scale development projects and execution skills and competences.
Ryan is currently the Chairman of the board at Pacific Basin Shipping, a member of the Board at Saputo, and a Senior Advisor at McKinsey & Company. He has also served on the boards of Eagle Bulk Shipping and Outward Bound. His executive roles include President and CEO of Dairgold, Inc. based out of Seattle, Washington, Interim CEO of Eagle Bulk Shipping based out of New York, New York, and 25 years globally with Cargill, Inc. leading a series of food, agriculture and trading business.
Ryan received a B.A. in Economics and Computer Applications from the University of Notre Dame, and an M.B.A. and M.A. in International Relations from Wisconsin and currently resides in Washington. He has been married for 28 years and has one daughter.
J. Tyler McGaughey, Nominee to be a Member (Republican) of the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board
J. Tyler McGaughey was a Partner at Winston & Strawn LLP in Washington, D.C. from 2021 to 2024. Previously, McGaughey served as the Deputy Assistant of the Treasury from 2019 to 2021 and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia from 2014 to 2019.
From 2009 to 2014, McGaughey worked as a litigation associate at Williams & Connolly LLP in Washington, D.C. and clerked for Judge T.S. Ellis, III on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. From 2001 to 2006, McGaughey served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. He received a J.D. From Yale Law School in 2009 and his B.A. From the University of Virginia in 2001.
June 26, 2024: President Biden Announces Key Appointments To Boards and Commissions
Today, President Biden announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to serve in key roles:
Jane Harman, to be a Member of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board.
Arthur J. Gonzalez, to be a Member of the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico.
Betty A. Rosa, to be a Member of the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico
Luis Ubiñas to be a Member of the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico
Mohamed Elasnousi, to be a Commissioner of the United States Commission on International Freedom
Peter Joseph Marshall Bober, to be a Member of the Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy
Judith Barnett, to be a Member of the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts
Sheldon Pang, to be a Member of the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts
President’s Intelligence Advisory Board
The President’s Intelligence Advisory Board is an independent element within the Executive Office of the President. The President’s Intelligence Advisory Board exists exclusively to assist the President by providing the President with an independent source of advice on the effectiveness with which the Intelligence Community is meeting the Nation’s intelligence needs and the vigor and insight with which the community plans for the future. The President is able to appoint up to 16 members of the Board.
Jane Harman, to be a Member of the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board
Jane Harman served nine terms in Congress as the U.S. Representative for California’s 36th congressional district and was ranking member of the Intelligence Committee after 9/11. She left the House in 2021 to become the first woman President and CEO of the Wilson Center, transitioning to President Emerita in 2021.
Currently, Harman chairs the Commission on the National Defense Strategy and co-chairs the board of Freedom House. She is also a Trustee of the Aspen Institute, the Trilateral Commission, a Presidential Scholar at USC, is a member of the Board of Visitors of the National Intelligence University, and serves on the advisory boards of the Department of Homeland Security and NASA. Harman’s book, Insanity Defense: Why Our Failure to Confront Hard National Security Problems Makes Us Less Safe, was published by St. Martin’s Press in 2021.
Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico
The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico was created under the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act of 2016. The Board consists of seven members appointed by the President and one ex officio member designated by the Governor of Puerto Rico. The Board is tasked with working with the people and government of Puerto Rico to create the necessary foundation for economic growth and to restore opportunity to the people of Puerto Rico.
Arthur J. Gonzalez, to be a Member of the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico
Judge Arthur J. Gonzalez received a J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and an LL.M. in taxation from New York University School of Law. He began his legal career as an attorney in the Office of Chief Counsel of the Internal Revenue Service.
Following his tenure at the IRS, he was in private practice until his appointment to the U.S. Department of Justice as an Assistant United States Trustee in the Southern District of New York. Thereafter, he was appointed the United States Trustee for Region 2 (New York, Connecticut, and Vermont), serving in that position until his appointment as a Judge in 1995 for a term of 14 years to the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.
After the completion of its first term, he was appointed to a second term and later became Chief Judge. During his tenure on the bench, he presided over numerous large complex Chapter 11 cases, including the Enron, WorldCom and Chrysler cases.
Upon his retirement to the bench in March 2012, he became a Senior Fellow and New York’s University School of Law. During the period following his retirement, he has also served as an examiner, independent monitor, arbitrator, and mediator.
In August 2016, he was appointed to the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico and currently serves as a member of the Board. Prior to beginning his legal career, Gonzalez was a teacher in the New York City schools for 13 years.
Betty A. Rosa, to be a Member of the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico
The Board of Regents unanimously named Dr. Betty A. Rosa Commissioner of Education and President of the University of Education and President of the University of New York in February 2021. Rosa joined the Board of Regents in September 2008 and served as Chancellor from March 2016 until her resignation in August 2020, when she became Interim Commissioner. Over 700 school districts, with 2.6 million pupils, 7,000 libraries, 900 museums, and 50 professions with approximately 900,000 licensees are under the Commissioner’s oversight.
Rosa is a nationally recognized education leader who received an Ed. M. and Ed. D. in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University. She also holds two other Master of Science in Education degrees, one in Administration and Supervision and the other in Bilingual Education from the City College of New York and Lehman College, respectively, and a B.A. in psychology form the City College of New York.
She has more than 30 years of instructional and administrative experience with expertise in inclusive education, cooperative teaching models, student achievement, and policy implementation.
Rosa began her career as a bilingual paraprofessional teacher, and reading coordinator in the New York City Department of Education before becoming an assistant principal and principal in special education. She created a multilingual and multicultural school for general and special education students using an integrated linguistic model and was principal of I.S. 218, a full-service community school in partnership with the Children’s Aid Society in District 6
Luis Ubiñas, to be Member of the Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico
Luis Ubiñas has had a career across business, government, and the non-profit sector. He served as President of the Ford Foundation, a senior partner at McKinsey & Company, and was appointed to both the Export-Import Bank and the International Trade Commission during the Obama-Biden Administration. Over the last sever years, he has been an investor, advisor, and board member.
Ubiñas is currently Chair of the Stature of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation. The Foundation recently announced a $100 million project to reimagine the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
Ubiñas serves on several other multilateral, governmental and nonprofit boards and advisory committees, including the Advisory Board of the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships and the New York Public Library, where he serves as Chair of the Financial Committee and on the Executive Committee. He is President Emeritus of the Pan American Development Fund.
In the private sector, Ubiñas is Lead Director at Electronic Arts, a serves on the boards of ATT, the technology and connectivity company, and Tanger, the publicly traded REIT. He also invests in and advises a number of private and pre-IPP companies.
Ubiñas is a graduate of Harvard College, where he was a Truman Scholar, and Harvard Business School, where he was a Baker Scholar. Ubiñas is a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Ubiñas and his wife, Deborah Tolman, the feminist scholar, have two sons, Max and Ben.
United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan U.S. federal government commission created by the 1988 International Religious Freedom Act that monitors the universal right to freedom of religion or belief abroad. USCRIF uses international standards to monitor religious freedom violations globally, and makes policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress. USCRIF Commissioners are appointed by the President of Congressional leaders of both political parties.
Mohamed Elsanousi, to be a Commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi serves as the Executive Director of the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers. He previously served as Interfaith and Government Relations Director at the Islamic Society of North America.
Elsanousi was also a member of the Taskforce for the U.S. Department of State on Religion and Foreign Policy, where he contributed recommendations to the Secretary of State to enhance engagement between the U.S. government, civil society, and religious actors. He frequently participated in the State Department’s speakers’ program, visiting U.S. embassies worldwide.
Elsanousi was the Principal Coordinator for developing the standards and protocols for safeguarding the rights of Christian, Jewish, and other religious minorities in Muslim-majority communities. This resulted in the adoption of the Marrakech Declaration, the most recognized Islamic theological document advocating religious freedom.
Elsanousi founded Faiths4Vaccines, a pivotal campaign with prominent faith actors in the U.S. to support the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of advancing equitable vaccine distribution and combating vaccine hesitancy.
Elsanousi is the founding Executive Committee Member of Shoulder to Shoulder and co-chair of the Multi-Faith Advisory Council to the United Nations. He also serves on the boards of directors and trustees for numerous interfaith organizations, including but not limited to the Center for Interreligious Dialogue at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City and the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies.
Elsanousi holds a bachelor’s degree in Law, Master’s degree in Law, and a Doctorate in Law and Society from Indiana University School of Law.
Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy
The Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy reviews and makes recommendations on the operation of the Coast Guard Academy and visits that Academy annually to review its operation. Specifically, the Board reviews the state of morale and discipline, recruitment and retention, curriculum, instruction, fiscal affairs, and other matters relating to the Academy that the Board determines appropriate.
Peter Joseph Marshall Bober, to be a Member of the Board of Visitors to the Coast Guard Academy
Peter Joseph Marshall Bober is the former Mayor of Hollywood, Florida and has served a total of 16 years in public service. He was Hollywood’s first Hispanic (Cuban) mayor and the youngest in its history. Bober oversaw a workforce of nearly 1,500 employees and a budget exceeding a half-billion dollars. He developed fiscal policy and prioritized public safety, ethics, education, recycling, parks and city infrastructure.
Since 2009, Bober has served as an appointee to the Federal Fort Lauderdale Courthouse Committee, which was charged with obtaining support and a site for a new federal courthouse. He was also appointed by the Broward County Board of Commissioners to the Tourism Development Council, where he advocated for the effective expenditure of tourist development tax revenue. While mayor, he served as Chairman of both the Broward County Workforce Development Board and the Hollywood, Florida Community Redevelopment Agency.
Bober is a practicing attorney, with nearly 27 years of legal experience. In addition to litigating federal employment claims, he also serves as a certified civil court mediator. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin (B.A.) where he received a Non-Resident Tuition Exemption scholarship. He is also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Law School (J.D.), where he served as Senior Editor of the University of Pennsylvania Law Review. Bober was named an Honorary Texan by the Governor of Texas.
President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts
Established in 1958 by President Eisenhower, the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts (PACA) has played a valuable role in sustaining the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Cultural Center. Members of the Committee are civic and cultural leaders who are selected by the President of the United States to serve as representatives in their own communities for the Kennedy Center.
The Center considers PACA appointees to be “Ambassadors for the Arts.” Acting as a national network for the Center’s influence and extend its vision across the country. The Committee serves as a national forum, giving its members the opportunity to share with the Kennedy Center their views on the Center’s artistic programming.
Judith Barnett, to be a Member of the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts
Judith Barnett is the President of the Barnett Group, founded in 2003 to assist U.S. global companies in resolving trade barriers and growing their markers in the Middle East and North Africa. During this time, Barnett has served on the State Department’s Advisory Committee on International Economic Policy and Amideast.
Before consulting, Barnett served in three federal government agencies, practiced as a corporate lawyer and litigator, a law professor, a public affair specialist, speechwriter and a journalist.
During the Clinton-Gore Administration, Barnett served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Trade Development where she worked with the Assistant Secretary to manage an office of 400 people. The Office represented all major industry sectors, had 22 industry advisory committees, and established the Advocacy Center which has successfully advocated for billions of dollars of tenders for U.S. companies overseas.
Barnett’s second position at Commerce was as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa and the Near East. In that role, she was responsible for activities and programs in 68 countries, creating and implementing regional projects and programs and advocating for the selection of U.S. companies in major tenders.
She was the Senior Commerce official working wit the State Department responsible for trade and commercial activities associated with the Middle East Peace Process.
In Law practice from 1986 to 1993, Barnett worked in corporate law and litigation, and served as an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center. Before entering the legal profession, she served in public affairs and speechwriting at the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Education.
Barnett has written articles for numerous magazines and newspapers and has been a media commentator on CNN, BBC, and various international stations.
Sheldon Pang, to be a Member of the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts
Sheldon Pang is a prominent AAPI businessman leader in international trade, finance, and emission reduction. Pang currently serves as Vice Chairman of Freepoint Commodities LLC and Chairman of Freepoint Solar.
For two decades prior to Freepoint, Pang served as President of the Pacific Group and Vice Chairman of the Royal Bank of Canada Capital Markets, and as a Managing Director at AIG International, where he built successful businesses raising funds for U.S. and Canadian government and agency debt. Pang started his career as a Research Scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the late 1980s.
During the Obama-Biden Administration, Pang served on the White House Commission for Presidential Scholars from 2010 to 2016. A lifetime member of OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, Pang is a recipient of the OCA WHV’s Dynamic Achiever Award. Pang’s other engagements include serving on the Foreign Policy Leadership Committee at the Brookings Institute, the board for National Committee on US-China Relations, and the board of the USA Water Polo.
Pang received a doctoral degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, (MIT) and a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University. A beneficiary of scholarships that made his advanced education possible, Pang has been a dedicated supporter of educational causes, including serving on the Board of Carmel Academy, the Asia Advisor Council of Brown University, and establishment of scholarship funds at MIT and Brown University.
July 2024
July 3, 2024: President Biden Names Fifty-Second Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate one individual to a federal circuit court and three individuals to federal district courts — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s fifty-second round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced judicial nominees to 251.
United States Circuit Court Announcement
Ryan Y. Park: Nominee for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
Ryan Y. Park has been the Solicitor General of North Carolina since 2020, and previously served as Deputy Solicitor General of North Carolina from 2017 to 2020. Mr. Park worked as an associate at Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP from 2014 to 2017 and in the Office of Legal Adviser at the U.S. Department of State from 2012 to 2013.
He served as a law clerk to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Justice David H. Souter on the Supreme Court from 2013 to 2014, for Judge Robert A. Katzmann on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 2010 to 2011. Mr. Park received his summa cum laude, from Harvard Law School in 2010 and his B.A., with distinction, from Amherst College in 2005. Before attending law school, he taught English in South Korea on a Fulbright Scholarship.
United States District Court Announcements
Byron B. Conway: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin
Byron B. Conway has been an attorney in the Green Bay, Wisconsin office of the law firm Habush, Habush, & Rottier S.C. since 2006 and a shareholder at the firms since 2010. From 2002 to 2006, Mr. Conway worked as an associate at the Milwaukee, Wisconsin law firm Gimbel Reilly Guerin & Brown LLP. He received his J.D. From Marquette University Law School in 2002 and his B.A. from Santa Clara University in 1998. Mr. Conway was recommended by the bipartisan Wisconsin Federal Nominating Commission established by Senators Ron Johnson and Tammy Baldwin.
Judge Jonathan E. Hawley: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois
Judge Jonathan E. Hawley has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois since 2014. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Hawley served in the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of Illinois from 1999 to 2014, including as the District’s Chief Federal Public Defender from 2011 to 2014.
Judge Hawley served as a law clerk for Justice James D. Heiple on the Illinois Supreme Court from 1998 to 1999, for Judge Michael P. McCuskey on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois in 1998, and for Judge McCuskey on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois in 1998, and for Judge McCuskey on the Illinois Third District Appellate Court from 1997 to 1998. He received his J.D., cum laude, from DePaul University College of Law in 1997 and his B.A., cum laude, from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1992.
Judge Gail A. Weilheimer: Nominee for the United State District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
Judge Gail A. Weilheimer has been a judge on the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas in Norristown, Pennsylvania since 2014. Previously, Judge Weilheimer worked as a senior counsel at Wisler Pearlstine, LLP in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania from 2006 to 2013 and as a litigation associate at Frank & Rosen LLP in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania from 2003 to 2006.
From 2004 to 2008, Judge Weilheimer served as an elected Commissioner for Abington Township, Pennsylvania. In 2002, Judge Weilheimer worked as an associate at Abrahams, Lowenstein, and Bushman, P.C. in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Before that, she served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office from 1995 to 2002. Judge Weilheimer received her J.D. in 1995 and her B.A. in 1992, both from Hofstra University.
July 8, 2024: Nominations Sent to the Senate
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Byron B. Conway, of Wisconsin, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, vice William C. Griesbach, retired.
Jonathan E. Hawley, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of Illinois, vice James E. Shadid, retiring.
Ryan Young Park, of North Carolina, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Fourth Circuit, vice James A. Wynn, retiring.
Gail A. Weilheimer, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, vice Gene E.K. Pratter, deceased.
July 11, 2024: Nominations and Withdrawals Sent to the Senate
NOMINATIONS SENT TO THE SENATE:
Carl Whitney Bentzel, of Maryland, to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner for a term expiring on June 30, 2029 (Reappointment)
Deborah Lynn Halvorson Bush, of Illinois, to be a Member of the Railroad Retirement Board for a term expiring August 28, 2027, vice Erhard R. Chorle, term expired.
Keith D. Hanigan, of New Jersey, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Sates of America to the Solomon Islands.
Douglast D. Jones, of Maryland, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Kali C. Jones, of Louisiana, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of American to the Republic of Benin.
William Patrick J. Kimmitt, of Virginia, to be a Member of the United States International Trade Commission for a term expiring June 16, 2029, vice F. Scott Kieff, term expired.
Deva A. Kyle, of Virginia, to be Director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation for a term of five years, vice Gordon Hartogensis, term expired.
Stephanie A. Miley, of Massachusetts, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary and the United States of America to the Republic of The Gambia.
April M. Perry, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, vice Nancy L. Maldonado, elevated.
Marco M. Rajkovich, Jr., of Virginia, to be Member of the Federal Mine Safety and Heath Review Commission for a term of six years expiring August 30, 2030. (Reappointment)
Julie Brinn Seigel, of the District of Columbia, to be a Commissioner of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for a term expiring April 13, 2029, vice Christy Goldsmith Romero, term expired.
L.E. Sola, of Florida, to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner for a term expiring June 30, 2028. (Reappointment)
Melanie Anne Zimmerman, of Maryland, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Guinea.
WITHDRAWALS SENT TO THE SENATE:
April M. Perry, of Illinois, to be United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois for the term of four years, vice John R. Lausch Jr., resigned, which was sent to the Senate on January 11, 2024.
Erik John Woodhouse, of Virginia, to be Head of the Office of Sanction Coordination, with the rank of Ambassador, which was sent to the Senate on January 8, 2024.
July 29, 2024: FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Bold Plan to Reform the Supreme Court and Ensure No President Is Above the Law
From his first day in office — and every day since then — President Biden has taken action to strengthen American democracy and protect the rule of law.
In recent years, the Supreme Court has overturned long-established legal precedents protecting fundamental rights. This Court has gutted civil rights protections, taken away a woman’s right to choose, and now granted Presidents broad immunity from prosecution for crimes they commit in office.
At the same time, recent ethics scandals involving some Justices have caused the public to question the fairness and independence that are essential for the Court to faithfully carry out its mission to deliver justice for all Americans.
President Biden believes that no one — neither the President nor the Supreme Court — is above the law.
In the face of this crisis of confidence in American’s democratic institutions, President Biden is calling for three bold reforms to restore trust and accountability.
No Immunity for Crimes a Former President Committed in Office:
President Biden shares the Founders’ belief that the President’s power is limited — not absolute — and must ultimately reside with the people. He is calling for a constitutional amendment that makes it clear no President is above the law or immune from prosecution for crimes committed while in office. This No One Is Above The Law Amendment will state that the Constitution does not confer any immunity from federal criminal indictment, trial, conviction, or sentencing by virtue of previously serving as President.
Term Limits for Supreme Court Justices:
Congress approved term limits for the Presidency over 75 years ago, and President Biden believes they should do the same for the Supreme Court. The United States is the only major constitutional democracy that gives lifetime seats to its high court Justices. Term limits would help ensure that the Court’s membership changes with some regularity; make timing for Court nominations more predictable and less arbitrary; and reduce the chance that any single Presidency imposes undue influence for generations to come. President Biden supports a system in which the President would appoint a Justice ever two years to spend eighteen years in active service on the Supreme Court.
Binding Code of Conduct for the Supreme Court
President Biden believes that Congress should pass binding, enforceable conduct and ethics rules that require Justices to disclose gifts, refrain from public political activity, and recuse themselves from cases in which they or their spouses have financial or other conflicts of interest. Supreme Court Justices should not be exempt from the enforceable code of conduct that applies to every other federal judge.
President Biden and Vice President Harris look forward to working with Congress and empowering the American people to prevent the abuse of Presidential power, restore faith in the Supreme Court, and strengthen the guardrails of democracy. President Biden thanks the Presidential Commission on the Supreme Court of the United States for its insightful analysis of Supreme Court reform proposals. The Administration will continue its work to ensure that no one is above the law — and in America, the people rule.
July 31, 2024: President Biden Names Fifty-Third Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate three individuals to federal district courts and two individuals to the District of Columbia Superior Court — all of whom are extraordinary qualified, experienced, an devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s fifty-third round of nominees for federal judicial nominees to 254. The President has now announced 25 nominees to serve on the District of Columbia Superior Court.
United States District Court Announcements
Judge Anthony J. Brindisi: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York
Judge Anthony J. Brindisi has been a judge on the New York State Court of Claims in Utica, New York, since 2022. In addition, Judge Brindisi has been serving as an Acting Supreme Court Justice in Oneida County, New York since the beginning of 2024.
Prior to joining the bench, Justice Brindisi was a partner at Brindisi, Murad & Brindisi Pearlman, LLP in Utica, New York from 2021 to 2022. From 2019 to 2021, Judge Brindisi served as a member of the House of Representatives representing New York’s 22nd Congressional District.
Before that, he represented District 119, which includes the Utica and Rome region, in the New York State Assembly from 2011 to 2019. While a member of the New York State Assembly, Judge Brindisi also practiced law at Brindisi, Murad & Brindisi Pearlman, LLP. He joined the law firm as an associate in 2004, was named a partner in 2008, and served as counsel from 2014 until his election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2018.
Judge Brindisi received his J.D. from Albany Law School in 2004 and his B.A. from Siena College in 2000.
Tiffany R. Johnson: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia
Tiffany R. Johnson has been an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia since 2017. She served in the office’s Civil Division until 2020, when she transferred to its Criminal Division.
From 2012 to 2017, Ms. Johnson worked as a litigation associate at the Atlanta law firm of Parker, Hudson, Rainier & Dobbs, LLP/ She received her J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2012, and her B.A., magna cum laude, from Princeton University.
Keli M. Neary: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
Keli M. Neary has been the Executive Deputy Attorney General for the Civil Law Division of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General since 2019. She previously served as a Deputy, Senior Deputy, and then Chief Deputy Attorney General in the Civil Law Division between 2012 and 2019.
From 2007 to 2012, Ms. Neary was an Assistant Counsel in the Pennsylvania State Police’s Office of Chief Counsel. Before that, she served as a law clerk for Judges C. Joseph Rehkamp, Kathy Morrow, and Keith B. Quigley on the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas from 2006 to 2007.
Ms. Neary received her J.D. From Widener University Commonwealth Law School in 2006 and her B.A., cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in 2003.
District of Columbia Superior Court Announcements
James Graham Lake: Nominee for the District of Columbia Superior Court
James Graham Lake has been Chief of the Workers’ Rights & Antifraud Section of the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia since 2021. He first joined the Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbian in 2019 as an Assistant Attorney General in the Office of Consumer Protection.
Previously, Mr. Lake worked as an associate at Bredhoff & Kaiser, PLLC from 2014 to 2019. Mr. Lake served as a law clerk for Judge Harry T. Edwards on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit from 2013 to 2014 and for Judge Mark R. Kravitz, Judge Janet Bond Arterton, and Judge Michael P. Shea of the U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut from 2012 to 2013.
He received his J.D., magna cum laude from New York University School of Law in 2012; his M.S. from pace University in 2008; and his B.A. from Amherst College in 2005.
Nicholas George Miranda: Nominee for the District of Columbia Superior Court
Nicholas George Miranda has been Chief of the Victim Witness Assistance Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia since 2021. He first joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office in 2012 and previously worked in its Cyber Crimes, Federal Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Unit. Mr. Miranda served on detail as an Associate Counsel at the Office of the White House Counsel from 2016 to 2017.
Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Miranda worked as an associate at Morrison & Forester LLP from 2009 to 2012. Mr. Miranda served as a law clerk for Judge Stanley Marcus on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit from 2008 to 2009. He received his J.D. from Yale Law School in 2008, and his B.A., cum laude, from Yale University in 2005.
July 31, 2024: Nominations Sent to The Senate
Anthony J. Brindisi, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of New York, vice David N. Hurd, retiring.
Thomas B. Chapman, of Maryland, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term expiring December 31, 2028. (Reappointment)
Tiffany Rene Johnson, of Georgia, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Georgia, vice Steve C. Jones, retiring.
Angela M. Kerwin, of Pennsylvania, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Brinei Darussalam.
James Graham Lake, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Jennifer M. Anderson, retired.
Nicholas George Miranda, of the District of Columbia, to be an Associate Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the term of fifteen years, vice Rupa Ranga Puttagunta, resigned.
Keli Marie Neary, of Pennsylvania, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, vice Christopher C. Connor, retiring.
Lisa M. Re, of Maryland, to be Inspector General, Department of Commerce, vice Peggy E. Gustafson, resigned.
Kristi Zuleika Lane Scott, of Virginia, to be Inspector General of the National Security Agency, vice Robert P. Storch, resigned.
AUGUST 2024:
August 28, 2024: President Biden Names Fifty-Fourth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate three individuals to federal district courts — all of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s fifty-fourth round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 257.
United States District Court Announcements
Elizabeth C. Coombe: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York
Elizabeth C. Coombe has served as the First Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York since 2018. She joined the office in 2003 and previously served as Chief of its Criminal Division from 2014 to 2018.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Coombe served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia from 1998 to 2003; a trial attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch from 1996 to 1997; and a staff attorney in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Enforcement Division from 1994 to 1996.
She serves as a law clerk for Judge Diana E. Murphy on the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota from 1992 to 1994. Ms. Coombe received her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Michigan Law School in 1992 and her B.A., summa cum laude, from Hamilton College in 1989.
Sharad H. Desai: Nominee for the United States District Court for the District of Arizona
Sharad H. Desai has been Vice President and General Counsel for Honeywell International’s Integrated Supply Chain and Information Technology divisions in Phoenix, Arizona since 2023. He has worked in senior legal counsel roles at Honeywell since 2015. From 2007 to 2015, Mr. Desai worked as an attorney with the Phoenix law firm Osborn Maledon, P.A., first as an associate and later as a partner.
He began his legal career serving as a law clerk for Justice Rebecca White Berch on the Arizona Supreme Court from 2006 to 2007. Mr. Desai received his B.A. and B.S. from the University of Arizona 2023.
SEPTEMBER 2024:
September 9, 2024: Nominations Sent to the Senate
Ben Cardin, of Maryland, to be a Representative of the United States of American to the Seventy-ninth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Lanhee J. Chen, of California, to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term of five years, vice Jeffrey R. Moreland, term expired.
Elizabeth C. Coombe, of New York, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of New York, vice Glenn T. Suddaby, retired.
Sarah Morgan Davenport, of New Mexico, to be United States District Judge for the District of New Mexico, vice William P. Johnson, retiring.
Sharad Harshad Desai, of Arizona, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona, vice G. Murray Snow, retiring.
Tanya Leigh Flores, of California, to be a Representative of the United States of America to the Seventy-ninth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Adam Gamoran, of New York, to be Director of the Institute of Education Science, Department of Education for a term of six years, vice Mark Schneider, term expired.
Gordon Hartogensis, of Connecticut, to be a Governor of the United States Postal Service for a term expiring December 8, 2031, vice Roman Martinez IV, term expiring.
Dan Sullivan, of Alaska, to be a Representative of the United States of America to the Seventy-ninth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
Michael Trager, of the District of Columbia, to be a Representative of the United States of American to the Seventy-ninth Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.
OCTOBER 2024
October 23, 2024: President Biden Names Fifty-Fifth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate two individuals to federal district courts — both of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s fifty-fifth round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 259.
United States District Court Announcements
Judge Benjamin J. Cheeks: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of California.
Judge Benjamin J. Cheeks has been a United States Magistrate Judge for the U.S. District Court for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California since July 2024. Prior to joining the bench, Judge Cheeks was a criminal defense lawyer in private practice at the Law Offices of Benjamin J. Cheeks, A.P.C. in San Diego from 2013 to 2024.
From 2010 to 2013, Judge Cheeks served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. Earlier in his career, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office from 2003 to 2010. Judge Cheeks received his J.D. from the American University, Washington College of Law on 2003 and his B.A. from the University of Miami, Florida in 2000.
Judge Serena Murillo: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Central District of California
Judge Serena Murillo has been a judge on the Los Angeles Superior Court since 2015. She also served by appointment of the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court as an Associate Justice pro ten on the California Court of Appeal from 2018 to 2019.
Prior to joining the bench, Judge Murillo served as a Deputy District Attorney in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office from 1997 to 2014. Earlier in her career, she worked as an associate attorney at McNicholas & McNicholas in Los Angeles in 1997 and as a law clerk at Shernoff, Bidart, and Echeverria in Claremont, California in 1996.
Judge Murillo received her J.D. from Loyola Law School in 1996 and her B.A. from the University of California, San Diego in 1993.
NOVEMBER 2024:
November 8, 2024: President Biden Names Fifty-Sixth Round of Judicial Nominees
The President is announcing his intent to nominate two individuals to district courts — both of whom are extraordinarily qualified, experienced, and devoted to the rule of law and our Constitution.
These choices also continue to fulfill the President’s promise to ensure that the nation’s courts reflect the diversity that is one of our greatest assets as a country — both in terms of personal and professional backgrounds.
This will be President Biden’s fifty-sixth round of nominees for federal judicial positions, bringing the number of announced federal judicial nominees to 261.
United States District Court Announcements
Tali Farhadian Weinstein: Nominee for the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
Tali Farhadian Weinstein has been Of Counsel in the New York office of Hecker Fink LLP since 2022. Earlier, she served as General Counsel of the Office of the District Attorney for Kings County, New York, from 2018 to 2020. From 2011 to 2017, Ms. Farhadian Weinstein served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. She joined that office after serving as Counsel to the Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice from 2009 to 2010.
She worked as an associate at Debevoise & Plimpton LLP in New York from 2006 to 2007. Ms. Farhadian Weinstein has been an Adjunct Professor of Law at New York University School of Law and Colombia Law School.
She began her legal career as a clerk for Judge Merrick B. Garland at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit from 2003 to 2004 and then for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor at the U.S. Supreme Court for two consecutive Terms, from 2004 to 2006. Ms. Farhadian Weinstein received her J.D. from Yale Law School in 2003, her M.Phil from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar in 1999, and her B.A. from Yale University in 1997.
Chief Justice Frances Marie Tydingco-Gatewood: Nominee for the United States District Court of Guam
Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood has served as a federal district judge on the United States District Court of Guam since 2006. Prior to her appointment to the federal bench, she served as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of Guam from 2002 to 2006 and as a trial judge on the Superior Court of Guam from 1994 to 2002.
Before beginning her judicial service, Chief Judge Tydingco-Gatewood served as Chief Prosecutor and Assistant Attorney General in the Guam Attorney General’s Office from 1990 to 1994 and 1984 to 1988, respectively, and Assistant Prosecutor with the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office in Missouri from 1989 to 1990.
She served as a law clerk to Judge Forest W. Hanna on the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri from 1983 to 1984. Chief Judge Tydingco-Gatewood received her J.D. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 1983 and her B.A. from Marquette University in 1980.