Mary C. Loewenguth retiring as federal NY court clerk

Mary C. Loewenguth, court clerk for the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, is retiring, effective Friday.

Andrew W. Moeller has been appointed to replace her as the chief administrative officer for the 17-county district.

During her tenure, Loewenguth guided the court through the COVID-19 pandemic, managed a workforce of nearly 70 employees supporting 15 judges, and oversaw management and construction at the Robert H. Jackson Courthouse in Buffalo and the Kenneth B. Keating Courthouse in Rochester, including co-location of the United States Bankruptcy Court and more than 30 renovation projects.

In addition to her administrative duties, Loewenguth worked to broaden access to justice. She was instrumental in founding a collaboration between the federal and state courts to increase jury diversification and to promote diversity and inclusion in the justice system.

“Throughout her career, Mary has dedicated herself to serving the legal profession and strengthening our legal system,” said Chief Judge Elizabeth A. Wolford.

“She has been an innovative and creative leader and has served the court with fine distinction. We wish her a long and happy retirement,” Wolford said.

Moeller, a Buffalo native and a longtime district court employee, received a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from SUNY at Buffalo, and a juris doctor degree from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law.

After graduation, Moeller joined the U.S. Department of Justice through the Attorney General’s Honor Program, where he worked in the Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Since 2001, Moeller has served as confidential law clerk to U.S. District Court Judge William M. Skretny, including acting as special counsel from 2010 to 2015, when Skretny was the district’s chief judge.

Moeller also has taught at the University at Buffalo School of Law.