The District Courts in Howard and Carroll Counties welcomed Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera for a visit today. The tour included facilities in Ellicott City and Westminster, where she was accompanied by State Court Administrator Pamela Harris.
Judge JoAnn Ellinghaus-Jones, Administrative Judge for District 10, expressed satisfaction with the visit. "We were very happy to have Chief Judge Barbera and State Court Administrator Pamela Harris visit today. I was especially pleased to be able to spotlight the hard work and dedication of the people I have the privilege of working with," she stated.
Judge Ellinghaus-Jones highlighted their ranking near the top of the state for case time standards, emphasizing efficiency in moving cases forward as part of providing timely access to justice.
In Howard County, Chief Judge Barbera and Harris met with Judges Pamila J. Brown, Sue-Ellen Hantman, Mary C. Reese, and Ricardo D. Zwaig. During this visit, Nancy E. Mueller introduced them to various court staff members before her retirement next month after 44 years with the District Court of Maryland.
Mueller commented on the significance of the visit: "We’ve never had the ‘chief-chief’ judge visit our courts, so this is a wonderful event." She emphasized how such visits help judiciary leaders connect with day-to-day court operations.
M. Kay Smith, who recently assumed duties as Administrative Clerk for District 10, led a tour in Carroll County. Reflecting on her new role during this important occasion, Smith said: "I just started my duties as administrative clerk yesterday, so this was a thrilling and very memorable way to begin."
Judge Ellinghaus-Jones remarked on how Chief Judge Barbera's visit validated clerks and staff efforts: "It would be easy to overlook them, and Chief Judge Barbera is showing how much they are valued."
Chief Judge Barbera also took time to commend Judge Ellinghaus-Jones' leadership while expressing gratitude towards Mueller's service: “I was privileged to meet Ms. Mueller and thank her for her many years of excellent service.”
Since being appointed by Governor Martin O'Malley last July as head of Maryland’s court system, visiting all Circuit and District Courts has been one priority for Chief Judge Barbera.