Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced Thursday a new leadership team for the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC).
Kathy Henry, previously Vice Chair, has been promoted to Chair of the Commission. She will be joined by two newly appointed Vice Chairs: Asha Santos and Mark Shaughnessy, the Governor’s Office said in a press release.
These appointments come following the departure of current Chair Abim Thomas and outgoing Vice Chair Mark Fleming, both of whom have completed two terms on the Commission.
“The Judicial Nominating Commission does incredibly important work to identify the best candidates for the judiciary—people who can uphold justice and the rule of law,” said Governor Healey. “Under Abim and Mark’s strong leadership, the JNC has enabled the nomination and confirmation of many highly qualified judges. I’m deeply grateful for their service.”
Since taking office, the Healey administration has appointed 72 judges and four Clerk Magistrates based on the JNC’s recommendations. The Commission consists of 27 volunteer members drawn from the state’s diverse population and plays a nonpartisan, uncompensated role in screening and recommending candidates for judicial appointments.
Kathy Henry, now stepping into the role of Chair, is currently Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Chief Human Resources Officer at Eastern Bankshares, Inc. and Eastern Bank. With more than 25 years of experience, she has also served as legal counsel at Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation and the law firm Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP. She holds a degree in Journalism from Boston University and a Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law. She resides in Boston.
Vice Chair Mark Shaughnessy is Managing Partner at Boyle | Shaughnessy Law, specializing in civil litigation. He has led over 100 jury trials as lead counsel across several Northeastern states. He holds a degree from the College of the Holy Cross and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. He also resides in Boston.
Asha Santos, the second Vice Chair, oversees three offices at Littler Mendelson P.C. and is also a neutral investigator specializing in cases involving harassment and discrimination. She holds a degree in English from Williams College and a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School. She lives in Acton.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll welcomed the new appointments, saying, “For the past two and a half years, I’ve worked with the Governor’s Council to confirm outstanding judicial nominees. That wouldn’t have been possible without the work of Abim, Mark, and Kathy. I’m confident Kathy, Asha, and Mark will carry on this legacy of excellence.”
Governor Healey concluded by emphasizing the importance of the Commission’s mission: “I look forward to seeing what this new leadership will accomplish to further strengthen our judicial system.”
The Judicial Nominating Commission remains a cornerstone of nonpartisan candidate evaluation, ensuring that those appointed to the bench meet the highest standards of competence and ethics.
