Judge Cynthia Z. Mackinnon: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Cynthia Z. Mackinnon (Ret.) served as a judge for the 9th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. Mackinnon was appointed to the bench by former Governor Lawton Chiles in 1994. She retired in 2011.

The 9th Judicial Circuit encompasses Osceola County and Orange County. Over the course of her judicial career, Mackinnon helped to establish “A Place for Children,” an on-site childcare facility for families attending court.

Mackinnon received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Emory University. She spent the next several years working as the Executive Director of Hospice of Central Florida before completing a J.D. at the University of Florida, Fredric G. Levin College of Law.

After law school, Mackinnon entered into private practice, working as a partner at Fisher Rushmer, P.A. She supplemented her practice with service as an instructor at Valencia College.

Her memberships have included the boards of Winter Park YMCA and the Winter Park Community Redevelopment Association. She has also been involved with the Junior League of Orlando/Winter Park and the Board of Directors of the Holocaust Memorial Resource & Education Center.

Mackinnon was raised in Orange County, where she attended Edgewater High School. She is a longtime resident of Winter Park, Florida. She and her husband, Alex, have two sons and six grandchildren. They attend All Saints Episcopal Church.