Minnesota State Court Administrator Jeff Shorba was honored with the Mary McQueen Award for his significant contributions to justice. The award, presented at the Conference of Chief Justices and Conference of State Court Administrators, acknowledges individuals who have significantly improved the administration of justice over time.
The Mary McQueen Award is jointly awarded by several organizations, including the Conference of Chief Justices and the National Association for Court Management. Greg Sattizahn, president of the Conference of State Court Administrators, praised Shorba's work: “Jeff Shorba is nationally recognized for his work in Minnesota and his service to the Conference of State Court Administrators. He is a trusted leader with an impressive record of accomplishments.”
Both Shorba and Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Natalie Hudson were surprised by the recognition. Chief Justice Hudson remarked, “This award is so well deserved. Jeff Shorba has made extraordinary contributions to Minnesota’s judiciary—and, by extension, to other states that have implemented the leading-edge ideas he has helped to bring to fruition here.”
Under Shorba's leadership as State Court Administrator since 2012, Minnesota's Judicial Branch has achieved several milestones. These include completing the eCourtMN Initiative for electronic case records, expanding virtual self-help services, launching a Legal Paraprofessional Pilot Project, and enhancing protections against financial abuse through specific programs.
The state also nearly doubled its treatment court programs and adapted court operations during COVID-19 by transitioning hearings online. This transition led to Minnesota's commitment to remote hearings through its oneCourtMN Hearings Initiative.
Shorba began his tenure with the Minnesota Judicial Branch in 2002 as Deputy State Court Administrator before assuming his current role.