Governor Nominates Sussex County's Own for Superior Court Commissioner

Sussex County, DE - Governor Matt Meyer has nominated Michael H. Tipton to serve as a Superior Court Commissioner for Sussex County, the Governor's office announced yesterday.

If confirmed by the Delaware State Senate, Tipton will fill the vacancy left by the retirement of the Honorable Alicia B. Howard.

Governor Meyer praised the pick, highlighting Tipton's wide range of experience on both sides of the courtroom.

"Mike Tipton brings a unique combination of legal experience, public service, and leadership to this role," said Governor Meyer. "Throughout his career, he has served Delawareans as a prosecutor and public defender, demonstrating a commitment to fairness, accountability, and the rule of law. His extensive courtroom experience and deep roots in Sussex County make him exceptionally well qualified to serve as a Superior Court Commissioner."

Tipton currently works as a Deputy Attorney General with the Delaware Department of Justice. In that role, he represents the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement in civil and administrative matters.

During his time with the Department of Justice, he has also served as Unit Head of the Sussex County Felony Trial Unit and Assistant Unit Head of the Court of Common Pleas Trial Unit. He has prosecuted a wide range of criminal cases and supervised attorneys handling complex litigation.

Before returning to Delaware, Tipton served as a Deputy District Attorney in Colorado, where he prosecuted both felony and misdemeanor cases and conducted numerous jury trials. He also worked as an Assistant Public Defender right here in Sussex County, representing individuals facing serious criminal charges who could not afford an attorney.

Earlier in his career, Tipton worked as an Intelligence Analyst and Presidential Management Fellow with the FBI. He later served as a Teach For America corps member and educator.

Tipton is a Sussex County native and graduate of Sussex Central High School. He earned his undergraduate degree from Saint Joseph's University, his law degree, graduating cum laude  from Widener University Delaware Law School, and a Master of Laws in Tax Law from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.

He has nearly two decades of legal experience spanning criminal prosecution, civil litigation, administrative law, and public service.