May 20, 2013
LANSING, Mich. - Muskegon Country Probate Court Administrator and Register Kathy Hoogstra has been appointed as the 14th Circuit Court judge by Gov. Rick Snyder. She replaces the spot vacated by Judge John C. Ruck.
"Kathy Hoogstra is an accomplished and dedicated legal professional who has served Muskegon County residents for 20 years," Snyder said. "Her qualifications and experience have prepared her to be an excellent judge."
Hoogstra, of Muskegon, has served as probate court administrator and register since 2007. She previously served as the Muskegon County Family Court Referee and Contract Attorney/Public Defender, as well as a judicial law clerk for the Muskegon County Circuit Court. She is active in professional organizations, including the Muskegon Country Bar Association, where she has served as president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, trustee, and committee chair. Additionally, she has served as the president, vice president, and secretary of the Women's Lawyer's Association of Michigan, Lake Shore Region. Hoogstra is also active in community organizations, and was awarded the Greater Muskegon Women's Club "Women of Accomplishment" award in March 2012.
Hoogstra earned a bachelor's degree at Calvin College and a degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology's Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Hoogstra will finish the remainder of Ruck's term, which ends Jan. 1, 2015. She has the option to seek election for a full six-year term in November 2014.
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