Today, Governor Mark Dayton announced the appointment of Sarah E. Hennesy as District Court Judge in Minnesota's Seventh Judicial District. Ms. Hennesy will be replacing the Honorable Steven P. Ruble, who retired at the end of 2011.

About the appointment Governor Mark Dayton said, "Ms. Hennesy's professional experience and deep commitment to justice will make her an excellent judge.
Ms. Hennesy is currently a civil legal aid attorney with Saint Cloud Area Legal Services where she practices in family, government assistance and Social Security law. Within her practice, Ms. Hennesy led her office's collaboration with Stearns County's Domestic Violence Court. Previously, she worked as an associate attorney with Damiani and Damiani, P.C., representing English and Spanish-speaking clients in criminal and family law matters. Ms. Hennesy also served as Deputy Public Defender with the Alexandria Public Defender's Office in Virginia. She received a B.A. from Central College in Pella, IA in 1991; and a J.D. from Drake Law School in Des Moines, IA in 1994.

Additionally, Ms. Hennesy is co-chair of the Stearns County Family Violence Council and is a member of the Saint Cloud Area Human Rights Commission. She served as a Guardian ad litem for low-income individuals and is a member of the Oak Hill Elementary School Parent Teacher Student Association.

Ms. Hennesy resides with her family in Saint Cloud. Minnesota's Seventh Judicial District consists of Becker, Benton, Clay, Douglas, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Otter Tail, Stearns, Todd and Wadena counties
More information on Governor Dayton's Judicial Selection Committee, as well as vacancies it is currently considering, can be found at http://mn.gov/governor/appointments/judicial-appointments/

/governor/assets/hennesy_headshot.jpg_tcm1055-97198.jpgA headshot of Ms. Hennesy is attached.