Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera visited Dorchester and Wicomico counties to tour the local courthouses and facilities. Accompanied by State Court Administrator Pamela Harris, the visit began at the Dorchester County Circuit Court in Cambridge, where they were welcomed by County Administrative Judge Brett Wilson.
Judge Wilson noted, “This is the first time since my investiture in June 2004 that the chief judge has visited our court, and I know it meant a lot to our staff and was a great morale booster.” He added that Chief Judge Barbera was genuinely interested in how their court operates.
The tour included an introduction to Clerk of the Dorchester County Circuit Court Amy J. Craig's staff. Craig expressed her excitement about the visit: “We were all blissfully excited that the chief judge and the state court administrator visited us.”
Chief Judge Barbera also met with Register of Wills Doris Lewis before visiting Dorchester County District Court, where she interacted with District 2 Administrative Judge Gerald Purnell. Judge Purnell remarked on the importance of such visits for strengthening connections within Maryland’s judicial network.
In Salisbury, Chief Judge Barbera toured Wicomico County's District Court led by Judge Bruce Wade. She met judges John Rue and Daniel Mumford as well as other court staff. Wade commented on her engagement: “I was greatly impressed by Chief Judge Barbera’s questions and the sincere interest she has in how each court works.”
The final stop was Wicomico County Circuit Court on North Division Street, where meetings were held with several officials including County Administrative Judge Kathleen Beckstead. Beckstead highlighted how these visits help share information directly: “It was a rare and wonderful opportunity to have our chief judge visit.”
Mark S. Bowen from Wicomico’s Clerk of Court office appreciated their attention: “Being from a smaller county, it was wonderful to see their genuine interest in my staff.” The day concluded with positive reflections from Chief Judge Barbera herself who acknowledged meeting many dedicated professionals across both counties.
Visiting all State’s Circuit and District Courts remains one of Chief Judge Barbera's priorities since her appointment last July by Governor Martin O’Malley.