Governor Gretchen Whitmer is a lifelong Michigander. She is a lawyer, an educator, former prosecutor, State Representative and Senator. She was the first woman to lead a Senate caucus. But the most important title she boasts is MOM. Inspired by her family, she’s devoted her life to building a stronger Michigan for everyone.
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March 05, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2020
Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to the Bench
LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer today appointed Mark W. Latchana to the 7th Circuit Court of Genesee County and Mona S. Armstrong to the 72nd District Court of St. Clair County.
“We want every person who interacts with the judicial system to know that they will get a fair shot by an experienced and respected judge,” Whitmer said. “Mark and Mona are well-known, well-respected professionals who will ensure that their courtrooms meet this standard of excellence.”
7th Circuit Court of Genesee County
Mark Latchana currently serves as a Judge with the 67th District Court of Genesee County, a position he was first elected to in 2010. He also presides over the Adult Felony Recovery Court Program under the 7th Circuit Court and has conducted several trials as a Circuit Court Judge. Prior to his time on the bench, Judge Latchana was a private practice attorney specializing in criminal matters and family court litigation. He also previously served as an attorney with Johnson & Wyngaarden, P.C. and as an assistant prosecutor with the Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office.
Judge Latchana is the Executive Board President for the Genesee County Chapter of Families Against Narcotics and a member of the Statewide Drug Court Treatment Advisory Committee. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University and he earned his Juris Doctor degree from the Wayne State University Law School. Judge Latchana lives in Davison with his wife Elizabeth and their three children.
"I am honored and humbled to have received this appointment to the Genesee County Circuit Court,” Latchana said. “As a District Court Judge, I have endeavored to be fair, impartial, efficient and learned in the law. I look forward to taking that same work ethic to the Circuit Court and serving this community for many years to come."
This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which expires at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2021, after Judge Richard B. Yuille stepped down. If Latchana wishes to seek a full six-year term, he would be required to run for reelection in November of 2020. His term commences March 5, 2020.
72nd District Court of St. Clair County
Mona S. Armstrong is a senior assistant prosecuting attorney with the St. Clair County Prosecutor’s Office. She has been an assistant prosecuting attorney with the office for nearly 25 years and has been primarily responsible for homicide and other high-profile cases. She previously served as adjunct faculty in the Criminal Justice Department at St. Clair County Community College and as a research attorney for the 31st Circuit Court.
Ms. Armstrong is the chair of the McLaren Port Huron Hospital Board of Trustees and a member of the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan and the St. Clair County Community Foundation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Pre-Law from Michigan State University and she earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Wayne State University Law School. Ms. Armstrong lives in Fort Gratiot Township with her husband Todd and their two children.
“I am humbled and honored to receive this appointment to serve as a judge of the 72nd District Court,” Armstrong said. “Throughout my career, I have remained committed to the pursuit of justice in St. Clair County, to improving our community, and to helping families. I am eager to continue that commitment to public service in this incredibly important position in the District Court. I pledge to administrate the principles of justice fairly, with uncompromising integrity, and to serve in a manner consistent with the trust placed in me.”
This appointment was made to fill a partial term, which expires at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2021, after Judge Cynthia S. Platzer stepped down. If Armstrong wishes to seek a full six-year term, she would be required to run for reelection in November of 2020. Her term commences March 13, 2020.
Judicial appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.
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