BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board Member
Shannon A. Holmes is a highly accomplished and distinguished leader in the legal, public service, and community advocacy sectors, with an unwavering commitment to advancing justice, equity, and social restoration. A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Judge Holmes holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dillard University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, and a Doctor of Ministry from the Ecumenical Theological Seminary of Detroit. She has also earned an Executive Leadership Certification from Harvard University, further solidifying her expertise in driving strategic organizational change and transformative leadership.
Judge Holmes has dedicated her career to public service, having held numerous influential roles across government and legal sectors. Her professional tenure includes serving as a Federal Investigator for the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Assistant Corporation Counsel and Legislative Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Detroit, Judge Advocate in the Michigan National Guard, Administrative Hearings Officer for the City of Detroit, Human Resources Director for the City of Detroit, and Chief of Staff for the City of Detroit. Each of these roles has honed her ability to lead large-scale initiatives, navigate complex legal systems, and drive impactful change in public policy and community services.
In November 2011, Holmes was elected as a Judge of the 36th District Court of Detroit, where she currently serves as the Presiding Judge of Specialty Courts. In this capacity, she provides executive leadership and strategic oversight of the Drug Treatment Court, Veterans Treatment Court, Mental Health Court, Community Court, Human Trafficking Docket, and Street Outreach Court Detroit. These specialized dockets serve as restorative justice programs designed to address the root causes of crime, including substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and social inequities. Under her leadership, these courts have become a powerful mechanism for reducing recidivism, promoting rehabilitation, and restoring dignity to individuals seeking a second chance.
In addition to her judicial work, Judge Holmes serves on the State Drug Treatment Court Advisory Committee, where she collaborates with key stakeholders to influence statewide policies and best practices aimed at enhancing drug treatment courts and promoting restorative justice solutions. Her visionary leadership has positioned her as a transformative voice in judicial reform, particularly in addressing the complex intersections of addiction, mental health, and the criminal justice system.
Beyond her judicial and policy leadership, Judge Holmes finds the greatest joy of her life in serving her community directly through acts of love and compassion. In honor of her late mother, she created Miss Velma’s Kitchen — a warm and welcoming space in her home where she cooks and serves fresh, home-cooked meals for local seniors every week. Preparing these meals has become one of the most meaningful aspects of her life, allowing her to extend her commitment to service beyond the courtroom and into the heart of her community. For Judge Holmes, Miss Velma’s Kitchen is more than a place to serve food — it is a tribute to her mother’s legacy of love, hospitality, and care for others.
Judge Holmes is also deeply engaged in several civic, community, and professional organizations. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Sisters of Excellence, Inc., State Bar of Michigan, Association of Black Judges of Michigan, Wolverine Bar Association, Michigan District Judges Association, Regional Judicial Opioid Project, and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. She is also a devoted member of Renaissance Baptist Church of Detroit, where she continues to anchor her faith and community service.
Throughout her career, Judge Holmes has remained deeply committed to serving with integrity, compassion, and visionary leadership. She is widely recognized for her ability to bridge the gap between the justice system and community restoration, ensuring that individuals receive not only accountability but also the resources and opportunities they need to rebuild their lives. Her work both in and outside the courtroom is a testament to her profound belief that justice is not simply about punishment — it is about restoration, healing, and hope.
Judge Holmes lives by a guiding principle inspired by her mother’s legacy: “Love the people, serve the people, and always feed the people.”