Elizabeth Clement takes the helm at NCSC
May 1, 2025 -- Elizabeth Clement begins service today as NCSC’s president and chief executive officer, succeeding Mary McQueen.
McQueen had assumed the role of NCSC president in July 2004 and announced her intention to retire in August of last year. Clement becomes the fifth president in the organization’s history, and the second judge to fill the role.
“I am honored to serve as president of NCSC,” said Clement. “As a witness to NCSC’s important initiatives, I am excited to work with the organization’s talented team to extend the reach of its critical work. I look forward to building on our strong services as we strengthen judicial systems across the country and the world, enhancing accessibility, transparency, and efficiency.”
Clement has extensive state court experience. She joined the Michigan Supreme Court in November 2017, becoming the 113th justice and the 11th woman to serve on the bench. In November 2018, she was elected by the voters of Michigan to an eight-year term. In November 2022, she was chosen unanimously by her colleagues to serve as Chief Justice, making her the seventh woman to step into that role.
Prior to her election to the court, Clement served as Chief Legal Counsel to the Governor of Michigan, advising on a wide variety of legal, legislative, and policy matters. Her duties included working with the Attorney General's Office on litigation affecting the state of Michigan, negotiating tribal compacts and settlement agreements, and interviewing and recommending appointees to Court of Appeals and Supreme Court judicial vacancies.
“Beth is an outstanding generational leader and an ideal president for NCSC to drive innovation and progress in our state courts and justice systems,” said Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush in a news release announcing Clement’s selection. Rush served as chair of NCSC’s presidential search committee and is a former NCSC board chair.
“Beth has worked as a problem-solver in every branch of government and has significant experience with state court administration. The board is confident that Beth will lead NCSC into a new era as we continue to improve access to justice for all,” said Rush.
As she begins her tenure, Clement has identified several priorities for NCSC, including listening to the needs of state court leaders and building actionable strategies to meet those needs; revitalizing NCSC’s mission-driven purpose through increased staff engagement; and diversifying its funding streams.
Get to know more about Clement by reading her bio on the NCSC website.