Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has appointed Judge William V. Tucker as the new administrative judge of the Circuit Court for Howard County. This appointment follows the retirement of Judge Lenore R. Gelfman, who served over 29 years on the bench. Judge Tucker will assume his new role effective September 30.
“Judge Gelfman led the Circuit Court for Howard County through the complex planning and successful implementation of the Maryland Electronic Courts,” stated Chief Judge Barbera. She added that they were fortunate to have had her in a leadership position and expressed confidence in Judge Tucker's ability to excel in this important role.
The responsibilities of county administrative judges include overseeing court administration, managing budgets and procurement functions, and ensuring efficient trial calendar management for timely case resolutions.
Judge Tucker expressed gratitude to Chief Judge Barbera for her trust and support. He also thanked Judge Gelfman for her exemplary leadership, stating, “She has been county administrative judge since I began my time on the bench and has set an excellent example of effective leadership.”
Judge Tucker holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law, obtained in 1991. His career includes roles such as law clerk to Judge James B. Dudley, assistant state’s attorney for Howard County, chief of the juvenile division, attorney with Shapiro & Tucker, P.A., sole practitioner, master in chancery for Howard County Circuit Court, and associate judge since December 2011.
In addition to his judicial duties, he is a member of both the Drug and Alcohol Abuse Council in Howard County and serves as subcommittee chair for the Judicial Council’s Juvenile Law Committee. Recently, he was named by Chief Judge Barbera to a state task force focused on studying gangs and recommending legal enhancements to Governor Larry Hogan.
Reflecting on her tenure, Judge Gelfman said it was an honor to serve her community and work with dedicated professionals within both circuit and district courts. She expressed confidence in Judge Tucker's capabilities based on their years working together.