Hon. Shirley Troutman reappointed as co-chair of Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission

November 30, 2023 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Judge Shirley Troutman, a distinguished Jurist and Co-Chair of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission, Championing Equality and Diversity in the Judicial System.
Photo courtesy of the Office of Court Administration

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Chief Judge Rowan Wilson has announced the reappointment of Hon. Shirley Troutman as co-chair of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission on Wednesday.

The commission is dedicated to promoting racial and ethnic fairness, diversity, and inclusion within the courts and justice system. Judge Troutman, who previously co-chaired the commission from 2018 to 2022, fills the vacancy left by Hon. Richard Rivera.

In her renewed role, Judge Troutman will work alongside commission co-chair and Appellate Division, First Department Associate Justice Troy K. Webber. Both have been commended for their exceptional past work in leading the commission.

Chief Judge Wilson expressed confidence in Judge Troutman’s commitment and qualifications for this significant responsibility, anticipating continued progress under her co-leadership.

“I am delighted that my Court of Appeals colleague, trailblazing Associate Judge Shirley Troutman, who so ably co-chaired the commission for four years, has enthusiastically agreed to again take the helm, along with commission co-chair and Appellate Division, First Department Associate Justice Troy K. Webber, moving the commission forward on the path to equal justice,” said Chief Judge Wilson.

“Judge Troutman and Justice Webber have a spectacular record working together as co-chairs of the commission. I can think of no one more committed to, or more qualified for, this important work than Judge Troutman, and look forward to the commission’s important work under her renewed co-leadership.”

Judge Troutman, originally from Fort Valley, Georgia, and raised in Buffalo, New York, has had a distinguished career. A graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo and Albany Law School, she began as an assistant district attorney in Erie County. Her career spans roles as Assistant attorney general, Assistant U.S. attorney, and adjunct professor at the University at Buffalo School of Law.

She has served as a judge for the Buffalo City Court, Erie County Court, and was elected to the New York State Supreme Court in 2009. In 2021, she was appointed to the New York State Court of Appeals by Gov. Kathy Hochul, becoming the second African-American woman to hold this position.

Chief Judge Wilson also paid tribute to Hon. Richard Rivera, the outgoing commission co-chair, for his dedication and leadership. Rivera, now the first statewide coordinating judge for Family Court matters, is recognized for his efforts in promoting equal justice, particularly for low-income New Yorkers and people of color in the state’s family courts.

“I appreciate Chief Judge Wilson’s reappointment of me as co-chair of the Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission and look forward to reestablishing a productive partnership with Justice Webber,” Judge Troutman said. “The commission is an answer to the clarion call of Ambassador Williams to persevere in the struggle to rid this nation of racism. I relish the opportunity to help the commission continue to fulfill its mission.”