A former court analyst has been named to serve as administrator of the state court region that covers Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair and Lapeer counties.
Michele Muscat, who most recently served as a SCAO management analyst for problem-solving courts, was named to replace Jennifer Phillips, who was hired as administrator of 52-4 District Court in Troy. Phillips is a former administrator of the Macomb County Circuit Court.
Muscat holds a master’s of public administration degree from Oakland University in Rochester and worked for the 47th District Court in Farmington Hills for 13 years, where she held multiple positions including deputy clerk, probation officer, and sobriety court officer.
In her new role as Region 6 Administrator, effective May 16 she will serve as the State Court Administrative Office’s liaison to the four county court systems, including circuit, probate and district.
“With her extensive background in the judiciary, Michele Muscat has developed a keen insight and strong vision that will benefit trial courts in southeast Michigan,” said State Court Administrator Tom Boyd. “In particular, her understanding of a variety of dockets, including problem-solving courts, will enable her to help courts reach their goals of increasing access, efficiency, and engagement for everyone they serve.”
“I have dedicated my career to public service and am excited for my new role working alongside the courts in Region 6,” Muscat said. “In this role, I hope to deepen the relationships I have already cultivated with judges, administrators, and other court personnel, establish new relationships, and provide administrative guidance and support.”
Muscat will monitor and provide management assistance to the courts in the region, direct the judicial assignment program, mediate funding and policy disputes, investigate complaints, and serve as a resource to judges and court staff. She will also develop and implement plans and goals and direct the regional office.
Muscat also previously worked for the Farmington Hills Police Department as a dispatcher and also earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminal justice from Madonna University.
Phillips is the daughter of former Macomb County judge and prosecutor Carl Marlinga. She was the court administrator at 51st District Court in Waterford Township in 2010 when she was hired as administrator of Macomb Circuit and Probate courts. She left that post in 2016 for the state job.
