Judge MacKenzie is the Chief Judge Pro Tem of the 52nd District Court. In his time upon the bench he:

• In 2001, was honored by the Foundation for the Improvement of Justice for significant contributions to the American criminal justice system.
• Received awards for his domestic violence and drunk driving prevention programs.
• Planned the 52-1 District Court's new Sobriety Court.
• Started a program designed to reduce adolescent alcohol and tobacco use.
• Originated a program designed to educate students about the courts by conducting sessions of court in local high schools.
• Directed the creation of the Court's Web site.
• Inaugurated the first judicial Town Hall meetings in the state of Michigan.
  

In 2000, Judge Mackenzie was appointed by The Michigan Supreme Court as coordinating judge for a pilot project involving community outreach and trial court performance standards.

He has lectured nationally about such topics as domestic violence, community collaborations, drunk driving prevention and trial court performance standards. He is also the author of several articles about these same subjects.

After receiving his Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University law School, Judge MacKenzie began serving the public as a Law Clerk at the Michigan Attorney General's Office, Organized Crime Division. Upon graduation and admittance to the practice of law in 1974, he joined the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. In 1979, he returned to the Michigan Attorney General's Office as an Assistant Attorney General where he remained until he was appointed to the 52nd District Court, 1st Division, in March of 1988.

During his term at the District Court, Judge MacKenzie has remained active within the community. He has or is serving as a member of the:

• Novi Library Board
• Board of Directors of the Novi Land Conservancy
• Board of Directors of the Novi Chamber of Commerce
• Huron Valley Network
• Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce
• Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Secretary of the Community Advisory Board of Providence Park Medical Center
  

He is also Chair of Michigan Chapter of Sierra Club and Chair of Michigan League of Conservation Voters.

Judge MacKenzie is married to Karen MacKenzie. They have three children, Kate, David and Breanna.