Attorney Zachary Mandell Appointed as Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, Governor Dan McKee appointed Zachary M. Mandell to serve as Chair of Rhode Island’s Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC). Attorney Mandell is succeeding outgoing Chair Krystle G. Tadesse.
In announcing the appointment, Governor McKee praised Mr. Mandell’s legal acumen and character, noting that his background and work will make him a strong asset as the JNC works to identify “the next generation of judges in Rhode Island.” Attorney Mandell is a partner at Mandell, Boisclair & Mandell and brings 15 years of legal experience to this new role.
The JNC screens applicants for vacancies across all Rhode Island courts. It also solicits public comment and conducts background checks on potential candidates to identify the three to five most qualified for each vacancy. Following this vetting process, the JNC submits the names of potential candidates to the Governor’s office for consideration.
“I feel truly honored to be given the opportunity to serve as Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission,” Mandell said. “I care deeply about the Rhode Island justice system and look forward to helping our state in this new role.”
A Rhode Island native, Zachary Mandell graduated cum laude from Clemson University and summa cum laude from Roger Williams University School of Law, where he served on law review and participated in the honors program. He is the former President of the Rhode Island Association for Justice (RAJ) and continues to serve on its Board of Governors, as well as on the Board of Governors of the American Association of Justice.
An Associate Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, Attorney Mandell works with the Rhode Island Bar Association, serving on its House of Delegates, Superior Court Bench Bar Committee, and the Federal District Court Bench Bar Committee. Mr. Mandell is also on the editorial board for the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Rhode Island chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
