Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, along with First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George, announced the appointment of Hon. Joseph Capella as the new administrative judge for civil matters in Bronx Supreme Court. 

Approved by Chief Judge Rowan Wilson and in consultation with Hon. Dianne Renwick of the Appellate Division, First Department, Justice Capella succeeds Hon. Doris Gonzalez. 

Justice Capella, known for his effective management and communication skills, has previously presided in the Bronx County Supreme Court’s Medical Malpractice Part and served in various roles within the Unified Court System. His legal career began as a staff attorney in the Legal Aid Society’s Civil Division, and he is a Brooklyn Law School alumnus.

Judge Kris Singh to Lead New York’s Fourth Judicial District

In another significant appointment, Judge Kris Singh has been named the Administrative Judge for New York’s Fourth Judicial District, succeeding Hon. Felix Catena. His new role will see him managing trial-level courts across 11 counties in Northern New York. Judge Singh, bringing a wealth of administrative experience, was elected to Montgomery County Surrogate’s Court in 2022 and has held various roles within the Unified Court System.

Ethics Commission Welcomes New Leadership

Chief Judge Wilson announced the appointment of Hon. Valerie Brathwaite Nelson as chair of the Unified Court System’s Ethics Commission, along with Hon. Carmen R. Velasquez as a member. The Ethics Commission plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the judiciary by overseeing financial disclosures of judges and court employees. Justice Brathwaite Nelson, the first African-American female from Queens to serve on the State Supreme Court’s Appellate Division, Second Department, brings extensive experience to her role. Justice Velasquez, the first Ecuadorian-American elected to New York’s Supreme Court bench, is recognized for her diverse legal background and community leadership.