New director and counsel appointed to New York State Court System

July 11, 2023 Rob Abruzzese

David Nocenti steps into his role as Counsel to the New York State Office of Court Administration. Photo courtesy of Twitter.

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The New York State Court System recently announced two key appointments — Shawn Waterman is named the Director of the Office of Court Facilities Planning, and David Nocenti will serve as Counsel to the New York State Office of Court Administration.

The New York State Court System welcomes new appointments as Shawn Waterman takes over as the Director of the Office of Court Facilities Planning. Photo courtesy of Shawn Waterman on LinkedIn.

Chief Administrative Judge Joseph A. Zayas confirmed Waterman’s appointment. A seasoned administrator and project manager, Waterman’s previous roles include Acting Director and Special Projects Coordinator in the Office of Court Facilities Planning. He has also served as Director and Assistant Director of Courts Capital Projects for the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. Waterman’s educational credentials include a master’s degree in business administration and international business from Wagner College.

Waterman expressed his enthusiasm for the role, saying, “I am honored to have been selected as Director for the courts’ Office of Court Facilities Management and eager to work with the courts’ leadership team, our judges and professional staff around the state, as well as with the courts’ partner agencies.”

In another significant move, David Nocenti has been named the Counsel to the New York State Office of Court Administration, an appointment made by Chief Judge Rowan D. Wilson and Chief Administrative Judge Zayas. Nocenti’s appointment took effect on June 28. He succeeds Anthony Perri, who had been serving as Acting Counsel.

As Counsel, Nocenti will provide legal advice and guidance to the court system’s executive leadership and direct the court system’s legal office activities. He will also oversee a wide range of responsibilities including legislative program preparation, administrative rule drafting, and providing guidance on judicial and nonjudicial ethical conduct.

Nocenti brings a wealth of legal and public service experience to his new role, having served as Counsel to the Governor, the Attorney General of New York, and the Queens Borough President. Nocenti has also contributed significantly to non-profit and philanthropic organizations, most notably serving as Executive Director of Union Settlement, East Harlem’s largest social justice organization.

On his appointment, Nocenti stated, “I am honored to have been selected to serve as OCA Counsel… This is a pivotal time for the court system, which plays such a vital role in protecting the rights of all New Yorkers. I am excited to be part of the amazing team at OCA and look forward to working with everyone to help the court system fulfill its essential mission.”