63rd District Court Judge Sara J. Smolenski Announces Retirement
A 34-Year Veteran of the Bench Has Had a Distinguished Legal Career and a Lifetime of Public Service to the Community
Grand Rapids, MI (May 29, 2024) – Judge Sara J. Smolenski has announced her retirement from the Kent County 63rd District Court, effective July 15, 2024. Her distinguished career spans 34-years on the bench, having been first elected in 1990. Judge Smolenski served as Chief Judge from 1996 to 2023.
“I have really enjoyed my career at the 63rd District Court but I believe the time is right to retire,” said Judge Smolenski. “Judge Jeffrey O’Hara and the staff at the 63rd District Court are exceptional people, and I will miss them. I am grateful for all the support the community has shown me throughout my career.”
In accordance with the Michigan Constitution, Governor Whitmer will appoint a successor to fill the vacancy.
"On behalf of Kent County, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Judge Smolenski for her 34 years of exemplary service," said Kent County Administrator/Controller Al Vanderberg. "Her judicial wisdom, unwavering dedication, and keen sense of humor have brought a unique and invaluable perspective to our court system. Her contributions have profoundly shaped our community, and she will be greatly missed."
The Smolenski family has a remarkable legacy of service on the Michigan District Court bench, totaling 56 years. Her father, J. Robert Smolenski, served from 1969 to 1984, and her brother, Michael Smolenski, served from 1984 to 1994 at the 61st District Court. Judge Smolenski has carried this legacy with pride and dedication at the 63rd District Court.
"It has been an absolute pleasure serving our community with Judge Smolenski. She has been an excellent judge and the consummate professional, respected by everyone including the entire community she has served," said 63rd District Court Chief Judge Jeffrey O'Hara. "Judge Smolenski has always put our community first, giving her time to so many wonderful organizations to help those in need with humor and laughter along the way. She’s funny….she’s really funny! Judge Smolenski has dedicated her life to serving our community and our community is better for it."
Before her judicial career, she worked as an attorney for Smith Haughey, Rice & Roegge and as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Grand Rapids.
A pillar of the community, Judge Smolenski has been contributing her time and expertise to numerous boards and organizations, including the American Cancer Society, Hospice of Michigan, Kent County Literacy Council, RAVE (Resources Against Violent Encounters) to Women of West Michigan, St John's Home for Children, YWCA, and Encore Plus YWCA Program.
Judge Smolenski has been recognized with numerous awards for her judicial excellence and community involvement, including, but not limited to, the Michigan District Judges Presidents Award, Mabel Boardman Spirit of Volunteerism Community Hero Award - American Red Cross, Giving Girls A Voice Volunteer Award - Girls Choral Academy, Grand Rapids Catholic Central Distinguished Alumni Award, 50 Most Influential Women of West Michigan - Grand Rapids Business Journal, Donald R. Worsfold "Distinguished Service Award" - Grand Rapids Bar Association, Jean King Leadership Award - Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, and Athena Award- Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.
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