Ottawa Public Defender Anna White appointed to Holland's 58th District Court bench
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced June 25 the appointment of Holland resident Anna White to fill a partial term at Ottawa County’s 58th District Court.
HOLLAND — Ottawa County’s 58th District Court has a new face on the bench.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced June 25 the appointment of Holland resident Anna White to fill a partial term on the local court, shifting White from her current role as a deputy public defender to a seat as a district judge.
The appointment follows the resignation of Judge Bradley Knoll.
White will officially take the bench on July 6, with her term running through noon on Jan. 1, 2027.
White is a familiar figure in the West Michigan legal and civic landscape. Beyond her work at the Ottawa County Office of the Public Defender, her local legal experience includes a previous tenure as an associate at the Holland-based law firm Hann Persinger, P.C.
Her community involvement spans several local organizations, serving on the boards of directors for Movement West Michigan and Compassionate Heart Ministries. Additionally, she serves as an advisory board member at Ridgepoint Community Church.
Please consider becoming a monthly donor!
She holds a bachelor of arts in social work from Hope College and earned her Juris Doctor from Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
"It is truly an honor to be appointed to this seat," White said in a statement. "I care deeply about our community, and I look forward to the opportunity to bring justice and dignity to every person who enters the Holland District Court."
The appointment was part of a dual announcement by Whitmer's office, which also named Nicole Matusko — the chief assistant prosecutor for Ingham County — to the 55th District Court in Mason.
In a statement, Whitmer praised both selectees for their readiness to serve.
"I am proud to appoint Nicole and Anna to the bench," Whitmer said. "These Michiganders are skilled legal professionals who bring years of experience and dedication to their communities. I am confident that they will serve the people of Michigan admirably and uphold the rule of law."
— Submitted by the office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
