Maryland’s Chief Judge Visits Baltimore County District Court Locations

(CATONSVILLE, Md. – Sept. 19, 2014) Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera met with judges and court professionals at the Catonsville and Essex locations of the District Court of Maryland on Wednesday, September 17. Judge Alexandra N. Williams, Administrative Judge for District Eight (Baltimore County), hosted the chief judge’s visit to the District Court locations.

Chief Judge Barbera toured the Towson court location earlier in the year. She has made visiting and learning about each court facility a priority since she was named in July 2013 by Governor Martin O’Malley to lead Maryland’s courts.

“It was such a privilege to welcome Chief Judge Barbera today,” Judge Williams said. “These locations are busy and relatively large, and our judges and their staff work very hard to serve the people in our community. It was wonderful to be able to introduce the chief judge to these dedicated professionals and have their hard work recognized by the leader of the state’s judicial branch. Chief Judge Barbera made sure to talk with each person individually. She was genuinely warm and interested in knowing what each person’s role was. This visit was a tremendous morale booster for all our employees, and a reminder of why we all do what we do.”

In the morning, Chief Judge Barbera toured the Catonsville court, then moved on to Essex in the afternoon. Administrative Clerk Mike Esposito said that the chief judge saw every area of the courts, from holding facilities to judges’ chambers. “Chief Judge Barbera wanted to see what people do and what resources they need to do their jobs better. She was very down-to-earth and introduced herself to everyone,” Esposito said. “How she interacts with people is tremendous. It is obvious that she cares about them and how they do their jobs.”

In addition to meeting each member of the court staff, Chief Judge Barbera met with Judge Marsha L. Russell, Judge Kimberly M. Thomas, and Judge Steven D. Wyman in Catonsville. In Essex, the chief judge met Judge Stacy A. Mayer and Judge Norman R. Stone III, and observed proceedings before Judge Michael T. Pate.

“Each person I met today is a vital part of our Judiciary, and I welcomed the opportunity to meet and thank them personally for their service,” Chief Judge Barbera said. “I was pleased to be able to thank Judge Williams in person for her excellent leadership. These judges and talented court professionals in Baltimore County are wonderful representatives of Maryland’s court system. I have learned a lot today.”

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