Rhode Island Judicial Nominating Commission

The Judicial Nominating Commission (the "JNC") is charged with screening applicants for vacancies on all of Rhode Island’s courts. Upon notification of a judicial vacancy, the Commission advertises for interested candidates, who then complete an extensive application. The Commission then selects candidates to be interviewed, solicits public comment, and conducts background checks. Based on the information developed throughout this process, the Commission votes and submits to the Governor a list of 3-5 highly qualified individuals for each vacancy. The Commission was created by statute in 1994 is composed of nine Rhode Island residents, of which four must be attorneys. By statute, the Commissioners are appointed by the Governor and various legislative leaders. All Commissioners serve as volunteers. Current JNC Commissioners Krystle Guillory Tadesse, Esq., Chair, Appointment by Governor Raimondo, Term Expires June 15, 2025 Christian F. Capizzo, Esq., Appointment by Governor Raimondo, Term Expires June 15, 2025 Thomas Casale, Appointment by House Speaker and Senate President, Term Expired June 15, 2024 Karen A. Glynn, Appointment by Senate Minority Leader, Term Expired June 15, 2020 James L. Lepore, Esq., Appointment by Senate President, Term Expires June 15, 2023 Lamel Moore, Appointment by House Minority Leader, Term Expires June 15, 2028 Dr. Nkolika Etell Onye, Appointment by Governor McKee, Term Expires June 15, 2025 Jina N. Petrarca, Esq., Appointment by Governor Raimondo, Term Expires June 15, 2025 Jason Preciphs, Esq., Appointment by Governor McKee, Term Expires June 15, 2025 JNC Legal Assistant: Laura Jeanne Verdecchia