Seattle Municipal Court judges have re-elected Anita Crawford-Willis as presiding judge and Damon Shadid as assistant presiding judge for another two-year term, while Judge Pooja Vaddadi will join them on the court’s Executive Committee.
The court’s seven sitting judges voted Oct. 2 during their regularly scheduled monthly meeting. Crawford-Willis and Shadid will serve from Jan. 1, 2027, through Dec. 31, 2028.
Vaddadi will become the third member of the Executive Committee, succeeding Judge Willie Gregory, who is retiring when his term on the bench ends in January.
As presiding judge, Crawford-Willis oversees court management and administration, including judicial assignments and supervision of the court administrator and the court’s non-elected magistrates. Shadid assumes those responsibilities when the presiding judge is unavailable.
During Crawford-Willis’ first term as presiding judge, the court hired and trained 12 pro tem judges and expanded its magistrate team from five to six. The Clerk’s Office also underwent a reorganization that included cross-training employees without reducing staff.
“Our goal has been to build a court structure that reflects today’s demands while preparing for tomorrow’s,” said Crawford-Willis. “By hiring additional pro tems, expanding the magistrate team, and reorganizing the Clerk’s Office without reducing staff, we’ve strengthened our ability to serve the public efficiently and equitably. I am grateful to my colleagues for their continued trust and look forward to advancing this work in the years ahead.”
Crawford-Willis said the court is also preparing for three new judges who will take the bench in January.
“Additionally, we’re welcoming in three new judges in January, and we are making sure they are onboarded and well-equipped before they take the bench,” she said.
Shadid said he plans to continue working with Crawford-Willis, court employees and other partners during their next term.
“I’m honored to serve another term alongside Judge Crawford-Willis,” said Shadid. “Together, we will continue working with court staff and justice partners to support a safe, accessible, and innovative court for the people of Seattle.”
