Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has appointed Judge Fred S. Hecker as the county administrative judge of the Circuit Court for Carroll County. The appointment will take effect on February 1, 2019.
Judge Hecker will take over from Judge J. Barry Hughes, who plans to retire on April 1 after nearly 15 years on the bench. This change is intended to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
"Judge Hughes has provided exceptional service to the citizens of Carroll County as a jurist and as administrative judge," said Chief Judge Barbera. "Judge Hughes was instrumental in last April’s launch in Carroll County of the Maryland Electronic Courts case management system. We have been fortunate to have him as a member of the Judiciary’s leadership, and we are equally fortunate with his successor. Judge Hecker is well-qualified for this new assignment and brings keen leadership skills, honed by the depth of his experience, to lead the court into the future."
County administrative judges are responsible for overseeing court administration, including budget and procurement functions, and managing trial calendars to ensure cases are resolved promptly.
"I am humbled by Chief Judge Barbera’s support and trust in me as I take on this new responsibility," said Judge Hecker. "I have been very fortunate and privileged to work with Judge Hughes, who has set an excellent example of leadership that I intend to build upon. I look forward to the opportunity to serve my community and the courts in this new capacity."
Judge Hecker joined the Circuit Court for Carroll County in January 2014 and has been presiding over Drug Treatment Court since December 2015. His roles include chairing the Maryland Judicial Council’s Court Technology Committee and being part of both the Domestic Law Committee and Joint Work Group on Human Trafficking. Additionally, he frequently instructs at the Maryland Judiciary’s Judicial College.
His academic background includes a political science major from Gettysburg College followed by earning a Juris Doctor from University of Baltimore School of Law in 1987, gaining admission to the Maryland Bar that same year. His legal career included partnerships at MacDonald & Hecker, P.A., Miller & Truhe, LLC, and Miller & Hecker, LLC across various years until 2013.
A past president of Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service's Board of Directors, he received recognition through awards like Lee A. Caplan Award for Longstanding Commitment to Pro Bono.
"Judge Hecker will do a great job as administrative judge of the Circuit Court for Carroll County," stated Judge Hughes. "He has prepared for this position in recent years through various administrative roles." According to him: "Judge Hecker is respected by attorneys, our court personnel, and judges across state lines; he represents an ideal choice moving forward." Furthermore expressing gratitude towards Chief Justice Barbara's decision-making process while reflecting positively upon experiences working alongside dedicated colleagues serving their community diligently.