Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Nida R. Samona

West Bloomfield,MI

Summary

Seasoned legal expert with over 30 years of multifaceted experience in litigation, prosecution, and administrative adjudication. Proven track record of conducting complex hearings, issuing clear and legally sound decisions, and managing high-volume caseloads with precision and integrity. Skilled in navigating evolving legal frameworks and collaborating across agencies to uphold due process and public trust. Demonstrated leadership in statewide administrative roles and courtroom advocacy, committed to delivering fair, impartial, and efficient justice. Poised to bring this depth of expertise and judicial rigor to the role of Social Security Administrative Law Judge.

Overview

33
33
years of professional experience

Work History

Administrative Law Judge, Unemployment Hearings

State of Michigan
01.2022 - Current
  • Conduct formal unemployment insurance hearings involving claimants, employers, and the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) through the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules (MOAHR).
  • Apply state and federal unemployment law to complex factual records and issue clear, timely, and legally sound written decisions.
  • Ensure procedural due process and judicial impartiality while managing a high-volume caseload with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Maintain professional courtroom decorum while questioning witnesses, ruling on evidentiary matters, and analyzing contested testimony.
  • Collaborate with agency leadership and colleagues to support consistency, quality control, and process improvement within the hearing division.
  • Interpret and apply regulatory changes, legal precedents, and administrative rules to evolving policy contexts.
  • Uphold the integrity of Michigan's administrative adjudication system and contribute to the fair delivery of public benefits.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Wayne County- State Prosecuting Attorney
01.2019 - 01.2022
    • Prosecute felony-level criminal cases, with a specialization in criminal sexual conduct, on behalf of the State of Michigan.
    • Apply Michigan criminal law to complex factual records and present cases in accordance with statutory requirements and constitutional protections.
    • Ensure due process and ethical prosecution while managing a demanding felony caseload from charging through trial and sentencing.
    • Maintain courtroom professionalism while examining witnesses, introducing evidence, and delivering arguments before judges and juries.
    • Coordinate with law enforcement agencies, victim advocates, and forensic experts to develop and execute effective trial strategies.
    • Interpret and apply evolving legal standards, evidentiary rules, and appellate decisions to strengthen prosecutorial practices.
    • Promote public safety and justice by securing lawful convictions, protecting victims' rights, and upholding the integrity of the criminal justice system.

Senior Vice President of Operations

Arab-American & Chaldean Council (ACC)
01.2015 - 2018
  • Managed a team of 140 staff across 40 site locations, delivering essential services to low-income families through a wide range of community programs.
  • Collaborated with federal, state, and local agencies, schools, and community partners to expand awareness and access to ACC services.
  • Developed and maintained strategic partnerships to strengthen service delivery and advance the organization's mission.
  • Worked closely with the CEO and program managers to define program priorities and align operations with organizational goals.
  • Led continuous improvement efforts by identifying program strengths, gaps, and areas for strategic investment.
  • Provided clear leadership and direction to ensure team roles and responsibilities supported both operational efficiency and community impact.
  • Designed and proposed fundable projects, crafting professional, competitive grant submissions to secure sustainable program funding.
  • Expanded revenue-generating initiatives to support current services and enable future program growth.
  • Assessed emerging opportunities and challenges to guide resource allocation in alignment with ACC's values and long-term vision.

Senior Executive Projects Manager

Wayne County- Executive Office
01.2012 - 01.2014
  • Directed county-wide special projects requiring innovative, cross-sector solutions to improve service delivery and economic outcomes for residents and taxpayers.
  • Supervised a multidisciplinary team of 15, developing internal structures and workflows to manage high-impact initiatives.
  • Generated and implemented strategic concepts for economic development, infrastructure improvement, and public-private partnerships.
  • Contributed to the Aerotropolis initiative, supporting the creation of globally competitive airport services to attract business investment and promote regional growth.
  • Advised on the planning, development, and enhancement of Wayne County's jail facilities, providing strategic input on site selection and infrastructure design.
  • Led community outreach efforts to engage stakeholders, gather public input, and build support for county initiatives and capital projects.

Director

Wayne County- Patient Care Management System (PCMS)
01.2011 - 01.2012
  • Supervised a team of 15 to support the health and welfare of low-income residents and small businesses through county-based health plan services.
  • Led care management operations and supported the implementation of innovative healthcare solutions tailored to underserved populations.
  • Collaborated with executive leadership, management teams, and front-line staff to design and execute accessible health care products for economically vulnerable families and small business employees.
  • Represented Wayne County in engagements with external partners, fostering effective collaboration with Care Organizations, Care Coordination Entities, and service providers.
  • Ensured seamless coordination among stakeholders to enhance enrollee outcomes and strengthen the delivery of community-based health services.

Chairperson (Director)

State of Michigan - Michigan Liquor Control Commission
01.2003 - 01.2011
  • Appointed by the Governor of Michigan to lead the MLCC, with full strategic and operational oversight of agency staff, licensing programs, regulatory enforcement, and public engagement.
  • Directed a workforce of 189 full-time employees and managed a department budget of $942 million.
  • Oversaw licensing and regulation of over 16,000 retail establishments, ensuring regulatory compliance while supporting economic development and job creation.
  • Led a three-member panel as Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), conducting regular hearings on contested matters involving liquor licenses and regulatory enforcement.
  • Implemented technology-driven reforms to modernize licensing procedures, improve customer service, and expand access to public information through the agency website.
  • Collaborated with law enforcement agencies, educators, business leaders, and local governments to promote responsible alcohol sales and service across Michigan.
  • Ensured high standards in budgeting, communications, administrative systems, and regulatory operations while balancing enforcement duties with fairness, transparency, and economic opportunity.

City Council Member & Council President

City of Southfield, Michigan
01.1997 - 01.2003
    • Elected to the Southfield City Council for two consecutive terms (1997–2005), serving as Council President for two years.
    • Led initiatives to improve the city's bond rating and supported major economic and residential development projects, including the construction of a state-of-the-art public library.
    • Oversaw and managed the City Council's multimillion-dollar budget, ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship and alignment with community priorities.
    • Collaborated with municipal departments, local stakeholders, and fellow council members to advance policies that strengthened public services and infrastructure.
    • Provided legislative leadership and strategic direction on city planning, financial oversight, and constituent engagement.

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Macomb County- State Prosecuting Attorney
01.1993 - 01.2003
  • Prosecuted felony criminal cases as lead attorney in both Circuit and District Courts, managing all phases from charging through trial and sentencing.
  • Served as a consultant in a specialized three-person division focused on the prosecution of juvenile and adult sexual assault cases.
  • Handled cases across multiple jurisdictions, including Juvenile and Probate Courts, with additional responsibilities in consumer protection and fraud prosecutions.
  • Applied in-depth knowledge of criminal law, evidentiary standards, and courtroom procedures to secure convictions while ensuring fairness and due process.
  • Collaborated with law enforcement agencies, victim services, and legal teams to develop case strategies and promote community safety.

Education

Juris Doctor -

Detroit College of Law
Detroit, Michigan
01.1991

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration

Marygrove College
Detroit, Michigan
01.1987

Skills

  • Multilingual communication proficiency, including Arabic and Aramaic
  • Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite and administrative systems
  • Strong docket and caseload management capabilities
  • Exceptional organizational skills and acute attention to detail
  • Clear, structured, and persuasive legal writing
  • Self-directed with a high degree of professional accountability
  • Maintains strict confidentiality and ethical integrity
  • Effective problem-solving and sound decision-making under pressure
  • Collaborative team member with demonstrated leadership in cross-functional settings
  • Empathetic, active listener with a client- and community-centered approach

Timeline

Administrative Law Judge, Unemployment Hearings

State of Michigan
01.2022 - Current

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Wayne County- State Prosecuting Attorney
01.2019 - 01.2022

Senior Vice President of Operations

Arab-American & Chaldean Council (ACC)
01.2015 - 2018

Senior Executive Projects Manager

Wayne County- Executive Office
01.2012 - 01.2014

Director

Wayne County- Patient Care Management System (PCMS)
01.2011 - 01.2012

Chairperson (Director)

State of Michigan - Michigan Liquor Control Commission
01.2003 - 01.2011

City Council Member & Council President

City of Southfield, Michigan
01.1997 - 01.2003

Assistant Prosecuting Attorney

Macomb County- State Prosecuting Attorney
01.1993 - 01.2003

Bachelor of Arts - Business Administration

Marygrove College

Juris Doctor -

Detroit College of Law

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