Governor’s Recent Court Appointees Have County Government Experience

Governor Moore recently appointed three new members to court systems in Baltimore County, Montgomery, and Prince George’s and each of them has meaningful county government experience. 

In a recent announcement, Governor Moore appointed three individuals to the Circuit Courts of Baltimore County and Montgomery, and the District Court in Prince George’s. All three appointees have had unique touchpoints with local governments throughout their careers. A court membership that understands the legal dynamics around counties is a benefit to communities across the state.

From the press release:

“I have full confidence that Catherine Huger McQueen, Thomas Richard Tompsett, and Laura Joy Novello Fuggitti will serve on the bench with distinction,” said Gov. Moore. “I thank these three Marylanders for their shared commitment to equal justice under law, and I applaud them for continuing to serve.”

Laura Novello specifically spent time as an associate county attorney doing litigation work for Prince George’s and was also an Assistant State’s Attorney in Baltimore City. Prior to his appointment, Thomas Tompsett spent time at Harris Jones & Malone where his practice primarily focused on the legislative process at both the state and local levels. And third, Catherine McQueen joined the Court after a long career in family law with extensive experience in guardianship and conservatorship cases.

The addition of Catherine McQueen is specifically encouraging as members of the court with a strong understanding of adult guardianship is a major benefit to the legal process that comes with the transition. County Area Agencies on Aging play an important role in the adult guardianship process. The relationship and understanding between these local agencies and court representatives is paramount to achieving positive outcomes for vulnerable residents.

This will be the topic of a 2024 Winter MACo panel session, “Empowering Autonomy: Navigating the Complexities of Adult Guardianship.” Experts from the court system, state and local Department of Aging representatives, and the Department of Social Services will discuss this topic in detail.

MACo’s Winter Conference, “Anticipate, Adapt, Achieve: Thriving Through Turbulent Times,” will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, MD, on December 11-13, 2024. 

Learn more about MACo’s Winter Conference: