Chief Macomb County Circuit and Probate Court Judge John Foster has announced his retirement, effective April 30.
Foster has served as a judge for 24 years, sitting on the circuit court bench since 2006.
“Judge Foster will be greatly missed by all who have had the privilege of working with him,’ said Chief Judge Pro Tempore James M. Biernat Jr.
He said Foster, who also serves as chief judge of 42 District Court, Divisions I and II, “has not only been an exemplary judge but also a great leader throughout his career.”
“He is highly respected among his colleagues and the entire legal community for his great intellect and outstanding judicial temperament,” Biernat said. “As chief judge, he has done a great job of leading the court through innovative improvements including the business docket, case evaluation enhancements, and technological advances.”
Foster was appointed to the circuit court bench in April 2006 by Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm. He was named chief judge by the Michigan Supreme Court in March 2013 to fill a vacancy created when Judge David Viviano was appointed to the state’s highest court.
Prior to that, Foster was a judge at the 41-B District Court, serving Mount Clemens and the townships of Clinton and Harrison, for 15 years.
He received his B.A. from Alma College where, until recently, he served as a member of the board of trustees.
Foster received his J.D. from the Detroit College of Law in 1977.
Foster worked as Macomb County Corporation Counsel until his appointment to the district court bench by Gov. James J. Blanchard in November 1990.
In addition to his duties as chief judge, Foster implemented the state’s first Business Court docket in the Macomb County Circuit Court.
He has served as the business judge since November 2011. Recently, his colleague on the circuit court bench, Judge Kathryn Viviano, was named as a second business judge in Macomb.
Macomb was recognized with a National Association of Counties award for that initiative in 2013.
Foster has been active in various community organizations, including the Salvation Army's Mt. Clemens Citadel, Clinton Township Optimists Club, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Metro Detroit Alzheimer's Association and served on the board at Peace Presbyterian Village in Clinton Township.
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