Articles - Sharon L. Kennedy

Justice Sharon L. Kennedy addressed the Rotary Club of Mason-Deerfield on April 19 where she spoke about her personal reflections on the advancement of women in society. Justice Kennedy also talked about being a new justice on the state's highest court as she helped celebrate the 25th anniversary of women in the Rotary.

"When I was asked to deliver the keynote address at Rotary District 6670 Conference honoring the 25th Anniversary of Women in Rotary, I thought I was the most unlikely speaker," Justice Kennedy said. "As I thought about this evening and my remarks, I realized I would not be the 154th justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, if it wasn't for the inspiration and encouragement of a Rotarian in the city of Hamilton."

"Rotarian Judge Matthew J. Crehan is my friend and mentor.  While attending law school at the University of Cincinnati, he gave me the opportunity to serve as his law clerk in the court of common pleas, general division, in Butler County, Ohio," Justice Kennedy added. "During my clerkship he saw beyond the limitations and barriers I set for myself.  Judge Crehan inspired me and encouraged me to believe in myself and my ability to become a judge of the court of common pleas and a justice of the Ohio Supreme Court."

Justice Kennedy also noted other Rotary members who helped her along the way of her career including Jim Thomas, of Eaton, Ohio; Judge Robert Ringland, of Batavia, Ohio; Peter Towne, of West Chester, Ohio; and Skip and Carol Salome, of Newark, Ohio.

"My life has been better for having known them," Justice Kennedy said. "Thank you Rotarians for what you do every day to improve the lives of those in your county, this great state, and across the world."

Justice Kennedy is serving her first term on the Supreme Court of Ohio. Prior to joining the Supreme Court, Justice Kennedy served at the Butler County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division since 1999. Justice Kennedy served as the administrative judge there from 2005 until December 2012. Justice Kennedy began her career in the justice system as a police officer in Hamilton, Ohio. She received her law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.