GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (November 25, 2025) - Judge Terence J. "T.J." Ackert of the Kent County 17th Circuit Court has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Daniel J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award, a distinguished honor presented annually by the Michigan Supreme Court and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The award recognizes individuals with a significant record of supporting Michigan’s children and families, and Judge Ackert exemplifies this through his exceptional dedication, leadership, and unwavering service to the state’s child welfare system. He was nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award by Vivek S. Sankaran, Clinical Professor of Law at the University of Michigan.
This announcement coincides with Michigan Adoption Day 2025 on Tuesday, November 25, a statewide celebration that highlights the importance of creating forever families for children in need. Throughout his career, Judge Ackert has demonstrated a deep commitment to improving outcomes for children and families, strengthening court processes, and advancing child welfare practices that promote safety, stability, and well-being. He is being honored for his instrumental leadership both in Kent County and statewide, including his service on forums and committees that have guided meaningful improvements in child welfare.
“Judge Ackert’s decades of service reflect an extraordinary devotion to Michigan’s most vulnerable children,” said leaders from the Michigan Supreme Court and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in announcing the award. “His compassion, expertise, and collaborative spirit have left a lasting impact on the child welfare system—not only in Kent County, but across the state.”
"Judge Ackert's recognition with the Daniel J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award is a tremendous honor for both him and the 17th Circuit Court, said Chief Judge Deborah McNabb of Kent County's 17th District Court. Throughout his service on our bench, Judge Ackert has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the children and families who come before our court. His thoughtful approach, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to child welfare have strengthened our Family Division and positively impacted countless lives. We are incredibly proud to have him as a colleague, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contributions to Michigan's child welfare system.
A Distinguished Career
Judge Ackert joined the 17th Circuit Court bench in 2015 after a 31-year legal career serving clients across Michigan and the Midwest. A graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Toledo College of Law, he practiced at Smith Haughey Rice and Roegge, P.C. for more than two decades before joining Miller Johnson Snell and Cummiskey, PLLC in 2007. His work earned recognition in Best Lawyers in America in several areas, including corporate law, business organizations, and mergers and acquisitions.
Judge Ackert has also been deeply engaged in the community, serving on numerous business, civic, and charitable boards. He currently serves on the Tribal State Federal Judicial Forum, is a member of the statewide Child Welfare Leadership Group, and is assigned to the Family Division of the Kent County Circuit Court.
"Judge Ackert's recognition with the Daniel J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award is a tremendous honor for both him and the 17th Circuit Court," said Chief Judge Deborah McNabb. "Throughout his service on our bench, he has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the children and families who come before our court. His thoughtful approach, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to child welfare have strengthened our Family Division and positively impacted countless lives. We are incredibly proud to have Judge Ackert as a colleague, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contributions to Michigan's child welfare system."
"I am honored to receive the Daniel J. Wright Lifetime Achievement Award. Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work alongside exceptional colleagues and community partners who share a commitment to improving outcomes for children and families" said Judge Ackert. "This work is both challenging and profoundly meaningful, and I am grateful for the opportunity to serve."
Kent County Adoption Day
On December 10, Kent County will host its annual Adoption Day celebration. While the event is closed to the public, it remains one of the most meaningful traditions within the Family Division - a setting where Judge Ackert’s long-standing commitment to children and families has made a lasting impact.
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