Judge Kathleen Quigley was sworn in as president of the NCJFCJ during the 88th Annual Conference in Chicago. Judge Quigley brings decades of experience to the position, further strengthening the nation’s oldest and largest judicial membership and education organization’s mission: to provide all judges, courts, and related agencies involved with juvenile, family, and domestic violence cases with the knowledge and skills to improve the lives of the families and children who seek justice.
“Judge Quigley exemplifies everything we strive for in leadership which is compassion, innovation, and tireless commitment to children and families involved in the juvenile and family courts,” said Joey Orduña Hastings, NCJFCJ CEO. “Her experience and insights will be invaluable as we continue shaping a more equitable justice system for children and families across the country.”
Judge Quigley serves on the juvenile bench of the Pima County Superior Court in Arizona. Since her appointment to the Superior Court in 2012, she has led impactful reforms focused on prevention, family connection, and access to services. She has served as associate presiding judge of the Juvenile Court since 2020 and previously as presiding judge. Her efforts include launching the Dependency Alternative Program, establishing the Indian Child Welfare Act court, and leading the successful push to eliminate juvenile court fees statewide in 2023. She also co-chairs the Southern Arizona Transnational Taskforce and played a central role in the development of the Meaningful Ties Toolkit.
Prior to her Superior Court appointment, Judge Quigley served as commissioner for the Pima County Juvenile Court from 2003 to 2012, and as a hearing officer and judge pro tem. She spent more than 17 years in the Pima County Attorney’s Office as a prosecutor and trial attorney, eventually leading the Felony Vehicular Offenses Unit.
“I am honored to serve as president of the NCJFCJ Board of Directors,” said Judge Quigley. “The NCJFCJ’s work reflects the same values that have guided my career, dedicated to uplifting families, improving outcomes for children, and fostering systems change through collaboration and compassion. I am excited to continue championing that vision at a national level.”
Judge Quigley has been recognized for her leadership and impact on children and families. Most recently, she received the 2024 Champion for Children Award from the Children’s Action Alliance, the 2023 National Casey Excellence for Children Leadership Award, and the Sarah Herring Sorin Award from the Arizona Women Lawyers Association. Her advocacy for tribal communities earned her the 2022 ICWA Champion Award from the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. She has also been honored with the Terry L. Chandler Award from the Arizona State Bar Juvenile Law Section in 2020 and the Heart of Justice Award from Arizona Legal Women and Youth Services in 2019.
She earned her J.D. from the University of Arizona College of Law and received her undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University.