Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has announced the appointment of two new administrative judges. The Honorable M. Kenneth Long, Jr., currently serving as the administrative judge for the Circuit Court for Washington County, will also take on the role of circuit administrative judge for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, which includes Allegany, Garrett, and Washington counties. Additionally, the Honorable W. Timothy Finan has been named as the administrative judge for the Circuit Court for Allegany County.
These appointments will be effective from November 9, 2015, following the retirement of Judge Gary G. Leasure. Judge Leasure served as both Fourth Circuit administrative judge and administrative judge for Allegany County. His career spanned over 32 years and was noted for his commitment to justice and integrity.
Chief Judge Barbera expressed gratitude towards Judge Leasure: “We are grateful to Judge Leasure for his leadership and service to the people of Western Maryland as a Circuit Court judge for more than 32 years.” She added that with Judges Long and Finan taking over, "the legacy of extraordinary leadership in the western part of our state continues."
Judge Long's judicial career began when he was appointed to the District Court of Maryland by then-Governor Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr., in June 2004. He moved up to the Circuit Court in December 2005 and became county administrative judge in June 2011. He is a member of both the Conference of Circuit Judges and the Court Access and Community Relations Committee of the Maryland Judicial Council.
“I am honored to have been appointed to succeed Judge Leasure as the circuit administrative judge,” said Judge Long. He acknowledged Chief Judge Barbera's confidence in him and expressed his commitment to serving Maryland's people.
Judge Finan was first appointed to Maryland’s District Court by then-Governor William Donald Schaefer in June 1987 before being elevated to Allegany County’s Circuit Court by then-Governor Parris N. Glendening in June 2002. He is part of the Legislative Committee of the Maryland Judicial Conference.
“I am committed to serving the people of Allegany County,” stated Judge Finan upon his appointment as an administrative judge.
Both judges have extensive legal backgrounds with significant experience within Maryland's judicial system.