Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has appointed two judges to new leadership roles within the state's judicial system. Judge Fred S. Hecker has been named circuit administrative judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit, which includes Anne Arundel, Carroll, and Howard counties. Concurrently, Judge Glenn L. Klavans has been appointed as county administrative judge of the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County.
These appointments follow the elevation of Anne Arundel County Administrative Judge and Administrative Judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit Laura S. Ripken to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals by Governor Larry Hogan on January 6, 2021. The new designations for Judges Hecker and Klavans took effect on January 11, 2021, upon Judge Ripken's swearing-in.
County administrative judges are responsible for overseeing court administration, budget management, procurement functions, and trial calendar coordination to ensure efficient case handling. Circuit administrative judges coordinate these efforts across multiple counties.
Chief Judge Barbera expressed her confidence in the newly appointed judges: “I congratulate Judge Laura Ripken on her appointment to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals... With Judge Ripken’s elevation, I am pleased to designate the Hon. Fred S. Hecker Circuit Administrative Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit and the Hon. Glenn L. Klavans, County Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County.”
Judge Hecker will continue his role as county administrative judge for Carroll County while assuming his new responsibilities in the Fifth Judicial Circuit. Since joining as an associate judge in 2014, he has also served as presiding judge of Carroll County's Adult Drug Treatment Court and chaired several judiciary committees.
Judge Hecker stated: “I am honored by the trust and confidence that Chief Judge Barbera has placed in me... I look forward to continuing to work together with my distinguished colleagues in the Fifth Judicial Circuit.”
Judge Klavans brings extensive experience from his tenure as an associate judge since 2015 at Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. His previous roles include serving as a designated judge for business and technology cases and coordinating juvenile court matters.
Expressing gratitude for his appointment, Judge Klavans said: “I am truly honored and grateful to Chief Judge Barbera for her trust... I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Maryland in this new administrative role.”
Both judges have significant legal backgrounds with academic credentials from Gettysburg College and Drew University respectively before earning their law degrees from the University of Baltimore School of Law.