Governor McKee Appoints Zachary Mandell to Lead Judicial Nominating Commission

PROVIDENCE, RI — Governor Dan McKee today appointed Zachary M. Mandell to serve as chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC). Mandell is replacing outgoing chair Krystle G. Tadesse.

“Zachary is a brilliant legal mind who has demonstrated a deep commitment to the law and the kind of moral and ethical character it takes to uphold it,” said Governor Dan McKee. “His experience will be a strong asset to the JNC as it works to identify the next generation of judges in Rhode Island.”

“I want to thank Krystle for her time and professionalism while chairing the JNC. Rhode Island’s judicial system is stronger thanks to her leadership, and I wish her well in her next chapter,” continued Governor McKee.

Mandell has 15 years of legal experience and is currently a partner at Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell, Ltd. in Providence. He earned his J.D. from Roger Williams University’s School of Law in 2011 and was appointed to serve on the State’s Commission on Judicial Tenure and Discipline by Governor McKee in 2022—he will resign from this role when he becomes the chair of the JNC.

Mandell is a member of and on the Board of Governors for the American Association for Justice and is a past president of the Rhode Island Association for Justice. He also currently serves on the board of directors for Roger Williams University’s School of Law.

He was appointed by order of Chief Judge John. J. McConnell Jr. to serve on the Court Advisory Council for the United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island, currently serves on the Rhode Island Bar Association’s House of Delegates, and has previously served as the chair of the Rhode Island Bar Association’s Superior Court Bench Bar Committee.

“I feel truly honored to be given the opportunity to serve as chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission. I care deeply about the Rhode Island justice system and look forward to helping our state in this new role,” said Mandell.