Lansing, MI — On Dec 6th, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Khary L. Hanible to the 7th Circuit Court of Genesee County and Arianne E. Slay to the 22nd Circuit Court of Washtenaw County.  

“Khary and Arianne are dedicated public servants who will serve Michigan admirably and uphold justice,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am proud to appoint them on Dec 6th, and will continue working with our judicial system to protect the rule of law and stand strong for our bedrock principles.” 

7th Circuit Court of Genesee County 

Khary L. Hanible currently serves as an assistant prosecutor with Genesee County. He currently works in the circuit court criminal division prosecuting felony offenses and previously worked in the sexual assault kit initiative unit. Prior to his current position, Hanible was an associate attorney with The Kerger Law Firm, LLC for over 10 years. In this role, he represented corporate, professional, and individual clients in civil and criminal litigation in Ohio, Michigan, and federal courts. He also represented indigent defendants on behalf of the Lucas County Public Defender. Early in his career, Hanible served as an assistant prosecutor in Cuyahoga and Lucas Counties of Ohio in their general felony units.  

Hanible earned his Juris Doctor degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Eastern Michigan University. Hanible is a member of the National Black Prosecutor’s Association and Genesee County Bar Association. Khary lives in Fenton with his partner, Katherine.  

“I am thankful to Governor Whitmer for appointing me as a Genesee County Circuit Court Judge,” said Hanible. “I am appreciative that the Governor is confident in my abilities to serve the people of Genesee County. I aspire to serve my constituents with an unwavering commitment to quality and impactful public service.” 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the retirement of Judge Joseph J. Farah effective November 9, 2022. Mr. Hanible’s term will commence on December 7, 2022 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2025. If Mr. Hanible wishes to serve the remainder of Judge Farah’s term, expiring January 1, 2029, he would be required to run for reelection in November of 2024. 

22nd Circuit Court of Washtenaw County 

Arianne Slay currently serves as the deputy city attorney for Ann Arbor. In this role, she is the city prosecutor and advisor to the Ann Arbor City Council and City Administrator. Prior to her current role, Slay was an assistant prosecutor for Washtenaw County where she served as the lead domestic violence prosecutor. Early in her career, Slay was a pretrial program coordinator for Washtenaw County Community Corrections. She currently serves as a police academy instructor for Washtenaw Community College and teaches as a criminal sexual conduct and domestic violence law enforcement conference coordinator. 

Slay earned her Juris Doctor degree from Michigan State University College of Law and she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University. She is a member of the Michigan Association for Justice, NAACP-Ann Arbor Chapter, Ann Arbor Rotary Club, Vanzetti-Hamilton Bar Association, and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. Arianne lives in Ypsilanti with her husband, Sean.  

“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the people of Washtenaw County, and truly thankful to Governor Whitmer for the chance to join the bench prior to the start of my full term,” said Slay. “I will remain committed to unwavering and professional public service. I am humbled to accept this appointment, and pledge to serve our community to the best of my ability.” 

This appointment was made to fill a partial term following the retirement of Judge Archie C. Brown effective July 31, 2022. Ms. Slay’s term will commence on December 7, 2022 and expire at twelve o’clock noon on January 1, 2023. Ms. Slay was elected to succeed Judge Brown on the 22nd Circuit Court in November 2022 and she will serve a full six-year term beginning January 1, 2023.  

Judicial appointments are not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.  

Khary L. Hanible headshot

Arianne Slay headshot