NORTHAMPTON, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — The longtime Director of Operations for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, Martha Murphy Kane, has retired after sixteen years in her role.
Northwestern District Attorney David Sullivan hired Kane after being elected in 2010 and since then Kane has played an integral role in daily operations and initiatives. Michelle Palmisano will be stepping into Kane’s role after 25 years in the DA’s office.
From the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office:
After 16 years, longtime director of operations set to retire NWDA veteran tapped to take over her post
NORTHAMPTON – After 16 years as Director of Operations for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, Martha (Martie) Murphy Kane retires at the end of October. Taking over as director is Michelle (Richotte) Palmisano, who has worked in the office since 2000.
Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan hired Kane after he was elected District Attorney in November 2010. As Director of Operations, Kane played an integral role in the development of the office culture, workforce and initiatives. She was responsible for personnel management, daily operations and strategic policy implementation, including progressive criminal justice initiatives in line with criminal justice reform, restorative justice and prevention.
Previously, Kane worked for 22 years at the Hampden District Attorney’s office in a variety of posts that culminated as deputy director of operations.
“There is not a person or an initiative in this office that has not been influenced by Martie Murphy Kane, and that is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the values this office upholds,” said DA Sullivan. “She has played an incalculable role in the development of the culture in this office.” Kane played a central role in the development of the Western Massachusetts Veterans Treatment Court, the opioid overdose prevention coalitions in the region, the office’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and a host of other programs and daily operational responsibilities. Palmisano, hired in 2000 by former Northwestern District Attorney Elizabeth Scheibel, started out as a Superior Court secretary, after which she became Executive Secretary for the District Attorney and then Executive Assistant to the DA. She said she looks forward to the challenge the new position presents. “I want to continue the great work undertaken by Martie Murphy Kane, whose leadership has been truly exemplary.”
DA Sullivan praised Palmisano as a dedicated and hardworking employee. “Michelle brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and experience to this new role, and her promotion is well deserved.”
