Judge Maria Granger
NEW ALBANY, Ind. — Judge Maria Granger announced in December that she will retire in 2026, concluding a historic and impactful judicial career marked by innovation, leadership, and service to the people of Floyd County and the State of Indiana.
Judge Granger was elected in 2008 as the first judge—and first African American woman—to serve on the newly established Floyd Superior Court 3. She was subsequently re-elected in 2014 and 2020. Over the course of her tenure, she presided over more than 22,000 cases and became known for a court culture rooted in accountability, compassion, and efficiency.
In 2012, The News and Tribune described Floyd Superior Court 3 as “A Court that Cares.” Judge Granger embraced that designation, stating, “I hope the Floyd Superior Court 3 brand of caring gives rise to a legacy of producing the best outcomes for people, as guardian of the rule of law and a community treasure. As judge, I have taken a wholehearted approach toward this aim and feel profound gratitude to have served.”
Nationally Recognized Judicial Innovation
Judge Granger is widely recognized as the architect of Indiana’s first certified Veterans Court, established in Floyd County in 2011. Through collaboration with justice and social service agencies, she later helped expand Veterans Court services across three counties.
Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush highlighted Judge Granger’s work before the Indiana General Assembly in 2014, 2020, and 2023, stating, “Maria Granger set the standard for problem-solving courts. Her collaborative approach is a model for counties to emulate. Her community and the entire state benefitted from her innovative thinking and dedication.”
Under Judge Granger’s leadership, problem-solving courts reduced recidivism, strengthened accountability, and produced 150 program graduations. Her work has been a key driver in the growth of problem-solving courts statewide.
New Albany attorney and Past President of the Indiana State Bar Association Todd Spurgeon said, “Attorneys and litigants who appear before her come away assured that their case was taken seriously, that they were heard, and that they were treated with respect and empathy. Judge Granger redefined what it means to serve the public from the bench.”
Service Beyond the Bench
Judge Granger has delivered more than 200 keynote presentations to professional and community groups and has appeared on newscasts and podcasts nationwide. In 2016, she attended the President’s State of the Union Address in recognition of her outstanding service to Hoosier veterans through the courts.
Since 2017, the Sgt. Steven P. Mennemeyer Award—named in memory of her stepson, who was killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom—has been presented annually to a justice professional for dedicated service to veterans in Indiana’s criminal justice system.
She has also been honored through multiple civic proclamations, including “Veterans Court Day” and “Veteran Supporters Day” in the City of New Albany, and “Problem-Solving Court Month” during May in Floyd County.
Career Highlights and Leadership
- Led deployment of the Odyssey Statewide Case Management System in Floyd County
- Developed the Floyd County Intensive Probation (FLIP) Program
- Served as an Indiana Commercial Court Judge and on the Civil Pathways Pilot Project Court
- Led regional justice initiatives, including Veterans, Pretrial Release, and Sequential Intercept Mapping summits
- Designed innovative family law navigation and protection order pilot programs
- Secured more than $1 million in grant funding for court initiatives
- She also served extensively in leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels, including the Judicial Conference of Indiana, the Indiana State Bar Association, the American Law Institute, and numerous civic and nonprofit boards.
Education, Recognition, and Early Legal Career
Judge Granger practiced law for 31 years, beginning her career as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Clark and Floyd Counties. She also worked in private practice, taught Business Law at IU Southeast, and served as an associate attorney with Kightlinger and Gray Attorneys, LLP.
She is a graduate of Washington High School, Indiana University, and the IU McKinney School of Law. Her many honors include the Indiana Humanitarian of the Year Award, the William C. Cochran Award, and the IU Southeast Chancellor’s Medallion. Todd Spurgeon also said, “she is ever-present in our community, engaging as a true servant leader (and even lead vocalist at times). The engagement added a needed face to our justice system and helped instill faith and confidence in that system. Judge Granger has set a high bar and been an invaluable part of the local and state legal community throughout her career. We will miss her as a judge, but we look forward to her continued presence in our community.”
Looking Ahead
Judge Granger is married to Steven Mennemeyer, U.S. Army (Ret.), and is the proud parent of three children and five grandchildren. Reflecting on her retirement, she said, “I plan to enjoy camping with my family, stay connected to Gold Star families, veterans, and first responders, and return to performing music—one of my first life pursuits.”
