On November 18, 2003, the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals issued an Administrative Order establishing the Conference of Orphans' Court Judges. On September 28, 2015, the Chief Judge issued an Administrative Order to harmonize the structure of the Conference within the governance structure adopted by the Chief Judge. On September 18, 2019, the Chief Judge issued an Administrative Order altering the terms of appointment to the Conference.
The Conference consults with the Chief Judge on matters that affect the Orphans' Court, while offering advice and making recommendations on judiciary policy and legislation that impacts the Orphans’ Court. It also provides a forum for exchanging ideas and the mentoring of new Orphans’ Court judges. The Conference consists of 14 members appointed by the Chief Judge who serve two-year terms:
Hon. Athena Malloy Groves, Chair | Orphans’ Court of Prince George’s County |
Hon. Juliet G. Fisher, Vice Chair | Orphans’ Court of Baltimore County |
Hon. Darlene M. Breck | Orphans’ Court of Charles County |
Hon. Debra A. Breeding | Orphans’ Court of Washington County |
Hon. Melissa Pollitt Bright | Orphans’ Court of Wicomico County |
Hon. Wendy A. Cartwright | Orphans’ Court of Prince George’s County |
Hon. Kimberly J. Cascia | Orphans’ Court of Queen Anne’s County |
Hon. Kathleen L. Crossan | Orphans’ Court of Somerset County |
Hon. Michael T. Diffendal | Orphans’ Court of Worcester County |
Hon. William L. Harris | Orphans’ Court of Cecil County |
Hon. Michele E. Loewenthal | Orphans’ Court of Baltimore City |
Hon. William Mattingly | Orphans’ Court of St. Mary’s County |
Hon. Bonnie L. Nicholson | Orphans’ Court of Frederick County |
Hon. David J. Wheeler | Orphans’ Court of Talbot County |