Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has appointed Judge Keith A. Baynes as the administrative judge for the Cecil County Circuit Court, effective January 1. This decision follows Judge V. Michael Whelan's tenure in the role since October 2010, as he returns to full-time bench duties.
Administrative judges are responsible for overseeing court administration, including budget and procurement functions, and managing trial calendars to ensure cases are resolved promptly. They also supervise judges, officers, and employees within the court.
Judge Baynes expressed gratitude for his new role: “I am grateful to Chief Judge Barbera for this opportunity,” he said. “It’s a privilege to serve the citizens of Cecil County, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue the high standards established by our courts to ensure timely and fair access to justice." He also thanked Judge Whelan for his leadership during the transition.
Chief Judge Barbera acknowledged Judge Whelan's contributions: “I want to thank Judge Whelan, who has provided exemplary service to the Judiciary and the people of Maryland as administrative judge. I know that Judge Baynes will continue to build on his fine example.”
Judge Baynes has served on the Cecil County Circuit Court since January 2011 and has been presiding over the drug treatment court since August 2011. His previous roles include Assistant State’s Attorney for Cecil County from 1986-2011 and assistant public defender from 1980-1986.
A graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1979, Judge Baynes was admitted to the Maryland Bar that same year. He clerked for Cecil County Circuit Judge H. Kenneth Mackey from 1976-1979 and is an active member of both state and local bar associations.