Kimberly S. Budd is a judge of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice. She assumed office on December 1, 2020. Her current term ends on October 23, 2036. In Massachusetts, the position of chief justice is a specific seat on the court (similar to the Supreme Court of the United States) rather than a peer-selected leadership position. Budd was nominated for the chief justice position by Gov. Charlie Baker on October 28, 2020. She was confirmed by the Massachusetts Governor's Council on November 18, 2020, succeeding former chief justice Ralph D. Gants, who died on September 14, 2020. Baker nominated Serge Georges Jr. to fill the associate justice position Budd held. Budd first became a member of the court through gubernatorial appointment. She was nominated to the court by Baker on June 14, 2016, and confirmed by the Massachusetts Governor's Council on August 10, 2016.
