Governor McKee Swears in New Judges to Rhode Island Superior Court
Published on Friday, June 05, 2026
PROVIDENCE, RI — On Friday, Governor Dan McKee swore in two new judges to fill vacancies on the Rhode Island Superior Court.
“Fairness and integrity are pillars of our judicial system, and these judges have demonstrated that throughout their careers,” said Governor Dan McKee. “Joanna and Maria have a wealth of knowledge and legal experience that will benefit the court for years to come, and I thank the Judicial Nominating Commission for their hard work during this process.”
“The advice and consent process is one of the most consequential duties of the Senate. It is a truly awesome responsibility, but it is also a great privilege because it allows us to get to know so many outstanding public servants, including judicial nominees. Justice Achille and Justice Deaton represent the best of Rhode Island’s legal community and embody the spirit of service, and our state is extremely fortunate to have them join the Superior Court bench," said Senate President Valarie Lawson.
Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court Joanna M. Achille
Associate Justice Achille is a graduate of Roger Williams University with a degree in History and received her Juris Doctor from Roger Williams University School of Law in 2007. She was a Partner and Co-Chair of the Family Law Practice Group at DarrowEverett LLP and Director of Legal Services for the Rhode Island Senate. She serves as Solicitor for the Town of Foster and is Vice President of the Edward P. Gallogly Rhode Island Inns of Court. She is also an Executive Board Member of the Rhode Island District Court Prosecutors Association. Achille will be filling the seat vacated by Associate Justice Stephen Nugent.
“I am truly honored and humbled by the privilege to serve as an Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court. I want to thank Governor McKee for his appointment, President Lawson, Leader Ciccone, and the Senate for their confidence in me, and I look forward to serving the people of Rhode Island,” said Achille.
Associate Justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court Maria Ferro Deaton
Associate Justice Deaton has over 30 years of experience as a litigator, serving as a criminal prosecutor in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Since 2011, she has been a partner at Lynch & Pine. Deaton is also the sitting Probate Court Judge for the City of East Providence and an Associate Housing Court Judge in Providence. Deaton will be filling the seat vacated by Associate Justice Melanie Wilk Thunberg.
“I am deeply honored by Governor McKee’s appointment to the Rhode Island Superior Court and grateful for the trust he has placed in me,” said Deaton. “I look forward to serving with the fairness, integrity, and seriousness of purpose that this Court and the people who appear before it deserve. It is the privilege of my career, and I am committed to honoring it every day I take the bench.”