Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera announced the appointment of Cecil County Administrative Judge Keith A. Baynes as the new Administrative Judge for the Second Judicial Circuit. This circuit includes Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties. The appointment will take effect on October 2, 2017. Judge Baynes succeeds Judge Thomas G. Ross, who served in this role for over eight years and will continue his duties as County Administrative Judge for Queen Anne’s County.
Circuit Administrative Judges oversee court administration within their circuit, while County Administrative Judges manage court operations at the county level, including budgets and trial calendars to ensure timely case resolution.
“We are grateful to Judge Ross for his exemplary service both as a Circuit Administrative Judge and County Administrative Judge for Queen Anne’s County Circuit Court,” said Chief Judge Barbera. She praised his leadership in launching Maryland's electronic courts initiative and expanding Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in Maryland courts.
Judge Baynes expressed his gratitude: “I am honored that Chief Judge Barbera has the trust and confidence in me to serve as a Circuit Administrative Judge.” He thanked Judge Ross for setting an excellent example.
Appointed to the Cecil County Circuit Court on January 21, 2011, Baynes has been serving as its administrative judge since January 1, 2014. His legal career began after earning a Bachelor of Science from St. Vincent College in 1976 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1979.
Judge Baynes has presided over Cecil County's Adult Drug Court program since August 2011 and is involved with several judicial committees related to technology and specialty courts.
Judge Ross was appointed to Queen Anne’s County bench on January 9, 2004, serving as Second Judicial Circuit's administrative judge since April 7, 2009. Reflecting on his tenure he said: “It has been an honor to serve the Second Judicial Circuit and the State of Maryland.” He commended Baynes' suitability based on temperament and work ethic.