Governor Hobbs Announces Appointment of David Keys-Nunes, Joseph M. Rhoades, and Joshua M. Whitaker to Maricopa County Superior Court

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Official release

Governor Hobbs Announces Appointment of David Keys-Nunes, Joseph M. Rhoades, and Joshua M. Whitaker to Maricopa County Superior Court

News Release

August 21, 2026

Phoenix, AZ – Today, Governor Katie Hobbs announced the appointment of David Keys-Nunes, Joseph M. Rhoades, and Joshua M. Whitaker to the Maricopa County Superior Court.

Commissioner Keys-Nunes has served as court commissioner in the court’s Family Department since 2025. Prior to his appointment as a court commissioner, Commissioner Keys-Nunes was in private practice, where he gained experience in civil litigation, criminal defense, and juvenile law. He also served on the Arizona Foster Care Review Board for over four years prior to his appointment as a court commissioner, and for 12 years as an officer and detective in the Phoenix Police Department prior to becoming an attorney.

Commissioner Rhoades was appointed as a court commissioner in 2023, and has served in the court’s Probate and Family Departments. Prior to joining the court, Commissioner Rhoades served for seven years as a practicing attorney in the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office. He was a public school teacher before beginning his legal career.

Mr. Whitaker has served in the Arizona Attorney General’s Office since 2020, first as senior litigation counsel in the Consumer Protection Division and Solicitor General’s Office and subsequently as Unit Chief in the Solicitor General’s Special Litigation Section. He was previously a litigation associate at Osborn Maledon, P.A. Mr. Whitaker has served as a judge pro tempore on the Maricopa County Superior Court in a volunteer capacity since 2025, and on the Chandler Citizens’ Panel for Review of Police Complaints and Use of Force since 2022.

“I am proud to appoint these three outstanding attorneys and public servants to the bench,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “Each has demonstrated superb legal knowledge and abilities, in addition to a passion for helping others and their communities. I am confident they will serve the people of Arizona well in their new roles.”

The appointments are to fill the vacancies created by the retirement of Judges Dean M. Fink, Michael D. Gordon, and Joan M. Sinclair.

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Release text attributed to Arizona Governor’s Office. Consult the official publication for any subsequent corrections or updates.