Evaluate Candidates

Senior Judges

The Commission is reviewing the qualifications of the following judges:

• Hon. Natalia Combs Greene has requested a recommendation for reappointment as a Senior Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia upon expiration of her current term on February 9, 2026.
• Hon. Phyllis D. Thompson has requested a recommendation for reappointment as a Senior Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals upon expiration of her current term on February 17, 2026.
• Hon. Thomas J. Motley has requested a recommendation for reappointment as a Senior Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia upon expiration of his current term on March 3, 2026.
• Hon. Kimberley S. Knowles has requested a recommendation for initial appointment as a Senior Judge of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia upon her retirement on January 23, 2026.

Public Comment Period

The Commission invites members of the Bar, litigants, former jurors, interested organizations, and members of the public to submit comments or any other information bearing on the performance and qualifications of Judge Combs Greene, Judge Thompson, Judge Motley, and Judge Knowles to continue their judicial service.

The identity and personal information of commenters will be kept confidential unless disclosure is approved by the commenter. Therefore, the Commission encourages commenters to provide detailed information, such as examples of experiences you have had before these judges. If the comments or information pertain to a specific case, please identify the case caption and any relevant hearing dates or pleadings.

The comment deadline for the Hon. Natalia Combs Greene, the Hon. Phyllis D. Thompson, the Hon. Thomas J. Motley, and the Hon. Kimberley S. Knowles is January 7, 2026.

Comments may be submitted:

• In writing to the Commission by email at [email protected] or mailed to: Commission of Judicial Disabilities and Tenure for the District of Columbia, 515 Fifth Street, NW, Room 246, Washington, DC 20001.

• By online survey on the Commission's website at: Evaluation Survey link.

• Orally or in writing to the Commission’s Executive Director Moses Cook, at [email protected], or to Deputy Executive Director Catherine Bruno, at [email protected], or to any individual member of the Commission.

The members of the Commission are:

Amy L. Bess, Esq., Chairperson

Hon. Diane M. Brenneman, Ret., Vice Chairperson Hon. Loren L. AliKhan

Thomas Fitton

William P. Lightfoot, Esq.

Nikki Sertsu

Maria Velleca, Ph.D.

Thank you in advance. Your support in this process is invaluable and greatly appreciated.