COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced on Wednesday the appointment of Zachary W. Stempien to the 15th Circuit Court of Branch County.
Stempien, who has served as the Branch County Prosecuting Attorney since 2020, fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Bill O’Grady whose resignation was effective on January 1, of this year.
Stempien’s term begins immediately and runs through January 1,2027, but he must run for election in November 2026 to serve the remainder of the term.
Stempien brings a wealth of local legal experience to the bench, having previously served as Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney and practicing civil litigation in the private sector.
A graduate of Western Michigan University Cooley Law School, his career has come full circle, as he once served as a law clerk for Judge O’Grady.
In a statement following the announcement, Stempien expressed his gratitude for the Governor’s confidence and pledged to handle every case with “fairness, integrity, and respect for the law.”
A lifelong local resident and baseball coach at Coldwater High School, Stempien has been a visible figure in the community and has contributed to legal policy through testimony before the Michigan Legislature.
With his transition to the bench, Stempien is now tasked with appointing his own successor to the Prosecuting Attorney’s office. During this transition, the State Court Administrator will manage any cases involving potential conflicts of interest to ensure a seamless judicial process.
Comments