Lansing, MI. — On Sep 22nd, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Tara S. Hovey to the 55th Circuit Court of Clare and Gladwin Counties and Christina V. Kennedy to the 36th District Court of the City of Detroit.  

“I am proud to appoint Tara and Christina to the bench,” said Governor Whitmer. “They both bring decades of experience, and I am confident that they will uphold the rule of law and faithfully serve their fellow Michiganders.” 

55th Circuit Court of Clare and Gladwin Counties 

Tara S. Hovey is currently a partner with Dreyer, Hovey & Post, LLP. She has been a private practice attorney since 1996 representing local governments and working in criminal law, family law, real estate, probate, and civil litigation. Hovey is also a co-owner in the Clare County Title Company and works as the city attorney for the City of Beaverton. She previously worked as corporate council for Gladwin County and with the indigent defense program in Clare County Circuit and District Courts. She also served as an adjunct professor teaching law enforcement, evidence, and business law at Mid Michigan Community College.  

Hovey earned her Juris Doctor degree from Ohio Northern University College of Law, and she holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Michigan University. She is a member of the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Michigan, Friends of Clare County Parks and Rec, Isabella Citizens for Health, and chair of Harrison Care for Kids. Tara is a long-time resident of Clare where she lives with her husband, Kevin, and their children John, Madelyn, and Michael. 

“I am honored by the confidence Governor Whitmer has in my ability to be a fair and effective Judge,” said Hovey. “It will be a privilege to serve the community in this new capacity. I am ready to take on this endeavor and thank the Governor and the community for their continued support.” 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which will commence on October 11, 2022 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2025, following the passing of Judge Thomas R. Evans in May 2022. If Ms. Hovey wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Evan’s term, expiring January 1, 2027, she would be required to run for reelection in November of 2024. 

36th District Court of the City of Detroit 

Christina V. Kennedy is a senior assistant corporation counsel with the City of Detroit Law Department. In her current role, she serves as general counsel to the Detroit Board of Ethics. Kennedy has been with the City of Detroit since 2014, beginning as an assistant corporation counsel representing the city in defense of civil lawsuits. She later moved to the role of law department liaison for the Detroit City Council where she advised the council on legal matters. Kennedy is also the chief union steward for the UAW Local 2211 where she advises members of the collective bargaining unit and resolves labor disputes. Early in her career, Kennedy was a solo practitioner representing clients in family matters, misdemeanor and felony defense, and juvenile court proceedings. She began her legal career as a judicial clerk in the Wayne County Circuit Court.   

Kennedy earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Michigan State University College of Law, and she holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wayne State University. Kennedy is a board member with Northwest Community Programs, Inc., and is a member of the Black Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, the Woman Lawyers Association of Michigan, and the Wolverine Bar Association. Christina lives in Detroit with her husband, Omar, and their children. 

“I would like to thank Governor Whitmer for appointing me to the 36th District Court,” said Kennedy. “It is truly an honor to be able to serve the citizens of the city where I was born, raised, and am now raising my children. I promise to treat everyone with dignity and respect while seeking to uphold the rules of law and justice.” 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which will commence on October 17, 2022 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2025, following the appointment of Judge Christopher Blount to the 3rd Circuit Court effective April 18, 2022. If Ms. Kennedy wishes to serve a full six-year term, she would be required to run for reelection in November of 2024. 

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

Tara S. Hovey headshot 

Christina V. Kennedy headshot