Court of Appeals of Maryland Chief Judge Matthew J. Fader has appointed Judge Daneeka Varner Cotton as the county administrative judge for the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County. This appointment follows the upcoming retirement of Judge Sheila R. Tillerson Adams, who will step down on December 31, 2022, after nearly three decades on the bench.
“On behalf of the Maryland Judiciary, I thank Judge Adams for her commitment to justice during her tenure as administrative judge and her leadership during this transition period,” said Chief Judge Fader. “Her retirement at the end of the year punctuates an illustrious career as a jurist of nearly 30 years. I am delighted to appoint Judge Cotton as county administrative judge for the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County and I look forward to working together on our common mission of providing fair, efficient, and effective justice for all.”
Judge Cotton expressed gratitude for her new role: “I am honored to be appointed as administrative judge of the Circuit Court for Prince George’s County by Chief Judge Fader.” She added that her eleven years working with Judge Adams have prepared her well and she is committed to continuing to provide equal justice under the law.
County administrative judges are responsible for overseeing court administration, budget management, procurement functions, and trial calendar management to ensure timely case resolutions.
Judge Cotton has been serving as an associate judge in Prince George’s County since October 2011 after being appointed by then-Governor Martin O’Malley. Her earlier roles include serving on the District Court from September 2006 to October 2011 following an appointment by then-Governor Robert Ehrlich.
A lifelong resident of Prince George’s County, Judge Cotton holds a Bachelor’s degree in business management from Hampton University and a juris doctorate from the University of Maryland School of Law. Her legal career began at the Legal Aid Bureau of Maryland.
She is actively involved in various judicial committees and associations including vice-chairing the Judicial Council’s Domestic Law Committee and membership in several bar associations. Additionally, she serves on educational boards such as Bishop McNamara High School's board of directors.
Judge Cotton has received numerous accolades throughout her career including being named one of Maryland's Top 100 Women by Daily Record in 2021.
Reflecting on her career upon retirement, Judge Adams stated: “I leave my service as a judge proud of the strides the Judiciary has made in technology, service and improving access to justice.” She congratulated Judge Cotton saying she is "uniquely qualified" for this role.