The District Court of Maryland in Hyattsville recently hosted Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera from the Maryland Court of Appeals. The visit, which took place on September 19, was organized by Judge Tiffany H. Anderson, Administrative Judge for District Five in Prince George’s County. This event was part of Chief Judge Barbera's ongoing tour to familiarize herself with court facilities across the state since her appointment by Governor Martin O’Malley in July 2013.
During her visit, Chief Judge Barbera explored various areas of the court, including the commissioners' office and the jail. She met Commissioners Eva Mejia, Xerxes Grant, and Alyce Rojugbokin and interacted with attorneys involved in the Appointed Attorneys Program. The program is designed to provide legal representation to indigent defendants during their initial appearances.
Judge Anderson expressed enthusiasm about introducing Chief Judge Barbera to Hyattsville's staff and judges. "This was a wonderful opportunity to introduce Chief Judge Barbera to our exceptional personnel and four of our 15 judges who sit in Hyattsville," she said. "Our staff is dedicated and hardworking, and they continue to work collaboratively to serve the citizens of Prince George’s County."
Chief Judge Barbera also met with several judges including Clayton A. Aarons, G. Richard Collins, Mark T. O’Brien, Gregory C. Powell, as well as retired Judges Alice P. Clark and Louis D. Harrington who are recalled for cases.
Administrative Clerk Robert Prender praised Chief Judge Barbera's approach during her visit: “I was impressed by both her sincere interest and her excellent questions,” he noted.
Reflecting on her time at Hyattsville, Chief Judge Barbera acknowledged the leadership of Judge Anderson: “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet with Judge Anderson as she begins this new challenge... I enjoyed meeting with my colleagues on the bench.”
Judge Anderson became administrative judge in June this year.