Georgia Council
of Court Administrators

Episode Description

Episode 1 discusses the proposed juvenile legislation encompassing HB 440, HB 439 and HB 438. Judge Amber N. Patterson, who is currently serving as chair of the task force assigned to this legislation by the Council of Juvenile Court Judges, informs us on what each bill is seeking to change, and how if passed, would affect current juvenile procedures. 

Originally published on September 25, 2020

Episode 3: Florida Courts have been leading the nation in social media with 90 percent of their jurisdictions utilizing social media platforms. Joining us for this episode we have Craig Waters, who has been credited for this accolade. Waters is the current director of the Public Information Office at the Florida Supreme Court, where he has worked for the last 34 years. 

Originally published on February 11, 2021

Episode Description

Episode 4: Jurors are vital to the function of the court system and help courts resolve many cases each year. To help us understand how courts are reimplementing jury trials the episode features, the Bell-Forstyh Judicial Circuit Chief Judge, Jeffery S. Bagley, and Cobb Judicial Circuit Jury Administrator, Wendy Portwood. 

Originally published on June 4, 2021

Episode Description

Episode 5 features Josh Weeks, the new president for 2022. In this episode, we learn how Josh began his career in the court system. He is currently the Juvenile Court Administrator in the Conasauga Judicial Circuit. The circuit covers both Whitfield County and Murray County. 

Originally published on February 17, 2022

Episode Description

Episode 6: The courts are peoples first experience dealing with their government. Sometimes difficult situations come up as people don’t understand the process of the courts. Today, we speak with Matt Milligan, an attorney and public speaker who focuses on topics such as dealing with difficult people and negotiating. 

Originally published on June 10, 2022

Episode Description

Episode 7: Meet the new podcast hosts; Chad Smith, Justin Dobson, Josh Weeks, and Jennifer Lehr.  Education Committee Chairs, Tracy Johnson and Kriste Pope, discuss upcoming spring conference in Callaway. 

Originally published on March 13, 2023

Episode Description

Episode 8: The importance of having an emergency plan was a reality all courts faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.  In this episode, we will talk with courts that faced other types of emergencies, such as natural disasters, infestations, and water damage.  We will learn firsthand from their experiences how we can be better prepared in the event of an emergency in our own courts. Panelists include:

• Judge Billy Tomlinson - Bryan County State Court
• Elisa Zarate - Court Administrator, Athens-Clarke County Courts
• LeNora Hawkins Ponzo - District Court Administrator/Trial Court     
      Administrator, DeKalb County Superior Court

Originally published on May 8, 2023

Episode Description

Episode 9: What makes a great leader?  During this episode we discuss the pillars of effective leadership with two of GCCA's very own seasoned court administrators. Panelists include:

• T.J. Bement - District Court Administrator, Tenth Judicial Administrative District
• Lynn Epps - Retired Trial Court Administrator 

Originally published on August 22, 2023

Episode Description

Episode 10: During this episode, InRecess hosts Chad Smith and Josh Weeks speak with GCCA President LeNora Hawkins Ponzo - District Court Administrator DeKalb County Superior Court. LeNora shares her experiences while serving GCCA over the years and also her vision for the organization during her presidency.  Listeners will also receive information regarding upcoming conferences. 

Originally published on January 8, 2024

Episode Description

Episode 11:  In this episode, we delve into a fascinating topic that many can relate to: the dynamics that shift when a colleague transitions into a supervisory role.  During the discussion, we explore the unique challenges and nuances that arise when someone who was once a friend becomes your boss. Our guests, Tahnicia Phillips from Cobb County and Porche Kelley from Chatham County, share their valuable insights and personal experiences on this subject.  

Originally published on March 19, 2024

Episode Description

Episode 12:  Justin and Jennifer sit down for an entertaining discussion with Georgia attorney and Nationally Certified Legal American Sign Language Interpreter, Paul Panusky about our state’s recently updated statutory requirements for court interpreters.  Listeners will gain important knowledge about the necessity for certified interpreters in a court setting as well as our new licensing requirements and how to verify your interpreter has them. 

Originally published on September 13, 2024

A big thank you to our episode sponsor, the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program at Kennesaw State University.  To learn more about their amazing program, visit their website here.

Episode Description

Episode 13: Josh and Justin sit down with Stacey Valrie Peace, Georgia State ADA Coordinator, to discuss all things ADA.  During the episode Mrs. Peace talks about the new ADA Legislation, addresses the specific code sections court administrators should be aware of, and also discusses the types of support her organization is able to offer the court system.  

Originally published on November 15, 2024

To view the resources from this episode, click here. 

Episode Description

Episode 14:  On this episode, we talk with our new president Tim Ezell and education co-chairs Mallory Minor and Kimberly Wright. This group of court professionals brings in all the leadership experience. Ranging from Municipal Court, Magistrate Court, and Superior Court you will learn about their leadership perspectives and their vision for GCCA.   

Originally published on March 3, 2025

A big thank you to our episode sponsor, the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program at Kennesaw State University.  They have a wide range of professional degrees that can help your professional growth. To learn more about their amazing program, visit their website here.