Mindy W. Zimmerman was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1980.  She is the child of Donald M. Westbrook (step-mother: Nena Westbrook) and Sandra K. Pruitt (step-father: Eddie Pruitt).  She has two younger siblings; Jonathan and Cassie. 

Judge Zimmerman graduated from Chesnee High School in 1998 and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree, with a major in English, from Wofford College in 2001.  While at Wofford, she was a member of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society and the Pre-Law Fraternity.  She received, in 2005, her Master of Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University and in 2006, her Juris Doctor from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, located at Campbell University.   

Judge Zimmerman began her legal career with the Eighth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office, where she handled a wide array of criminal prosecution in both General Sessions and Family Court.  In 2009, she opened the Law Firm of Zimmerman and Shealy, LLC, in the office previously occupied by The Honorable Eugene C. Griffith, prior to his election to the Circuit Bench.  During her time in private practice, she focused on Family Court.  At various points in her career, Judge Zimmerman represented the Department of Social Services, the Cass Elias McCarter Guardian ad Litem Program and defendants in DSS actions.  She represented parties to private litigation and juveniles charged with criminal offenses.  She was a certified Guardian ad Litem and a certified Family Court Mediator.    

While in Spartanburg, Judge Zimmerman served as a Board Member for the Spartanburg Downtown Association, from which she received the Jill Plemmons Downtown Pride Award.  After moving to Newberry, South Carolina, Judge Zimmerman joined the Newberry Jaycees, and was recognized by receipt of the Outstanding First Timer Award and Outstanding Young Business Leader Award.  She served as a member of the Board of the Newberry Business Alliance and as the Fund Raising Coordinator for the Newberry County 100th Anniversary Girl Scout Celebration Committee.  She has also been a member of the Chambers of Commerce in both Spartanburg and Newberry Counties.  

Judge Zimmerman was elected on February 1, 2017 to fill the unexpired term created by the retirement of The Honorable John M. Rucker. 

Judge Zimmerman is married to Donald F. Zimmerman, who is retired from R.R. Donnelly and Sons in Spartanburg, South Carolina. They live with their two cats in Newberry, South Carolina.  She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family.