Covington, Virginia Maria Hernandez Born 1955 in Tampa, FL Federal Judicial Service: Judge, U.S. District Court, Middle District of Florida Nominated by George W. Bush on April 20, 2004, to a seat vacated by Ralph W. Nimmons, Jr.. Confirmed by the Senate on September 7, 2004, and received commission on September 10, 2004. Education: University of Tampa, B.S., 1976 University of Tampa, M.B.A., 1977 Georgetown University Law Center, J.D., 1980 Professional Career: Trial attorney, Federal Trade Commission, 1980-1981 Assistant state attorney, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, Florida, 1982-1983 Assistant U.S. attorney, Middle District of Florida, 1983-2001; Civil Division, 1983-1988; chief, Asset Forfeiture Section, Criminal Division, 1989-2001 Judge, Florida District Court of Appeal, Second District, 2001-2004