Georgia Council of Court Administrators News

Follow Us on Twitter for the Latest GCCA News!

Colin Slay — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 18:04:36 GMT

For the latest news from GCCA, please follow us on Twitter!

Reconnecting

Colin Slay — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 20:49:35 GMT

Nearly 90 GCCA members from across the state reconvened March 27-30, 2022, at Brasstown Valley Resort and Spa, for the first in-person GCCA conference since 2019. It was great to see everyone. Thank you for making it a great conference.

Our next conference and annual meeting will be held September 11-14, 2022, at the Westin Jekyll Island. GCCA will celebrate it's 25th Anniversary at the 2022 GCCA Fall Conference.

We are returning to in-person Conferences in 2022

Colin Slay — Tue, 22 Feb 2022 21:10:27 GMT

The Officers and Board Members are pleased to announce that GCCA is returning to in-person conferences for 2022.

The 2022 GCCA Spring Conference will be held March 27-30, 2022, at Brasstown Valley Resort & Spa. Registration is now open.

The 2022 GCCA Fall Conference will be held September 11-14, 2022, at the Westin Jekyll Island. Please save the date!

We look forward to seeing you at our 2022 GCCA Conferences.

New Officers and Board Members Elected

Colin Slay — Thu, 08 Oct 2020 18:29:34 GMT

The membership of GCCA elected its Executive Board at the 2020 Virtual Fall Conference on October 6, 2020.

The 2020-2021 Officers include:

Robin Rooks, President
Lynn Ansley, President-Elect
Joshua Weeks, Vice-President
Stephanie Hines, Immediate Past President
Lenora Hawkins Ponzo, Treasurer
Colin Slay, Secretary

The 2020-2021 Board Members include:

Kimberly Ciccaglione
Christopher Hansard
Kriste Pope
Dr. Will Simmons

Congratulations to our new Executive Committee!

Early-Bird Member Registration for 2020 Spring Conference Closes Soon!

Colin Slay — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 20:29:05 GMT

Discounted Early-Bird Member Registration for the 2020 Spring Conference closes on January 30, 2020. For more information and to register, please visit our 2020 GCCA Spring Conference page.

ICM to host Leadership 2019 in Atlanta, Sept. 25-27, 2019

Colin Slay — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 14:50:19 GMT

Update: This ICM course has been postponed due to low interest. It will be rescheduled in the future. We will be adding the ICM course Caseflow and Worlkflow in November. Check out the Events page for additional information.

The National Center for State Court's Institute for Court Management will host Leadership 2019 in Atlanta, September 25-27, 2019. The Leadership course will be offered at the Administrative Office of the Courts in Atlanta. GCCA's very own TJ BeMent will serve as the course instructor. This course meets a requirement for Level II of the Certified Court Executive Program (CCE).

Early Bird Discount: Register and pay by July 31, 2019, $695.

After July 31, $745.

Register here: https://courses.ncsc.org/node/213

Registration for GCCA's Spring Conference is Open

Colin Slay — Tue, 26 Feb 2019 22:32:28 GMT

Registration for the 2019 Spring Conference is now open. Early Bird Registration ends on March 22, 2019.

Sponsorship opportunities and exhibitor registrations are also open.

Both event pages can be accessed here.

AOC Endorses Language Assistance Services Model Administrative Protocol

Colin Slay — Mon, 25 Feb 2019 13:56:48 GMT

The following is a message from John Botero at the Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts:

Good afternoon,

On Friday, the Judicial Council of Georgia voted to endorse the Model Administrative Protocol from the Commission on Interpreters. In his presentation, Justice Blackwell, commission co-chair, stated that the main purpose of this document is to serve as a guide for all levels of court when assessing and implementing a local language access plan and is not a mandate from the Supreme Court.

As a form of background, In 2015, the Georgia Supreme Court’s Commission on Interpreters received a $15,000 technical assistance grant to develop a model administrative protocol for court interpreting services. The National Center for State Courts made funding for this project available as part of a larger national initiative supported by the State Justice Institute. This grant allowed the Commission to draft an optional, locally adaptable, and step-by-step administrative guide for the provision of language services. The goal of this guide is to help state courts meet their obligations to provide interpreters and other language services. As the first of its kind in Georgia, the Model Administrative Protocol will promote the reliable and efficient provision of language services in state courts throughout Georgia both for persons with limited English proficiency and for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, or if there is anything we can do to assist in helping you develop a local language access plan. We ask you to please disseminate this document to your stakeholders.

Thank you,

John H. Botero

Program Manager, Office of Court Professionals

Judicial Council / Administrative Office of the Courts

Model Administrative Protocol, Final Version copy.pdf

NACM Releases 2019 Plain Language Guide

Colin Slay — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 14:23:41 GMT

Improve access to justice and increase public trust in the courts by adopting plain language. NACM's 2019 Plain Language Guide is available free to NACM members. Not a member? You can purchase a copy for $10. Click the link above for more information.

Withers v. Schroeder Update

Colin Slay — Mon, 10 Sep 2018 14:54:51 GMT

Message from the President

Attached is the Supreme Court decision in the Withers vs. Schroeder case. As you may recall, Mr. Schroeder sued DeKalb County Recorder’s Court after a clerical error resulted in Mr. Schroeder’s arrest and incarceration. The case was heard in DeKalb County Superior Court and dismissed.

However, the Georgia Court of Appeals reversed the dismissal and directed the DeKalb County Judge to reinstate a number of Schroeder’s claims. The panel ruled that Judge Withers and her court administrator were not entitled to judicial and official immunity, as they had been negligent in executing specific administrative duties.

In a decision issued today, the Supreme Court of Georgia ruled that both Judge Withers and Court Administrator Thompson were immune from suit based on judicial immunity and quasi-judicial immunity, respectively.

We are both relieved and thankful that the Supreme Court recognizes the importance of judicial immunity for not only judges, but also court staff acting at the judge’s direction in fulfilling judicial functions.

Yours in service,

Tracy

Withers v Schroeder Supreme Court Decision.pdf

NACM Fun Run & Bootcamp, T-Shirt Pre-Order

Colin Slay — Mon, 14 May 2018 13:19:55 GMT

http://nacmconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/NACM_AC_2018_Activity_Reg_Form-NACM.pdf

Or just get the t-shirt alone for $20 via pre-order:

http://nacmconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/tshirtorderform.pdf

All proceeds support scholarships for attendees to NACM conferences.

Judicial Council Seeks Comments on Proposed Policies & Fees for Court Reporting in Civil Cases

Colin Slay — Tue, 01 May 2018 15:16:04 GMT

The Judicial Council of Georgia is seeking comment on proposed policies and fees for court reporting in civil cases. The comment period begins May 1, 2018 and ends on June 14, 2018. For more information, please see the linked press release below:

Press Release for Policies and Fees for Civil Cases (CRMC).pdf

NACM Conference Registration Open

Colin Slay — Wed, 14 Mar 2018 14:59:23 GMT

Registration for NACM's Annual Conference is now open: http://nacmconference.org/

The conference is in Atlanta, July 22-26, 2018. We hope you will consider joining other court management professionals from all over the country at this national conference. The theme for this year's conference is Mind the Gap: The Power of Active Engagement.

Also, don't forget, as the host state, GCCA is looking for volunteers for the NACM conference. If you are interested in volunteering, please let Will Simmons know. A list of volunteer opportunities can be accessed at the link below:

2018 NACM Annual Conference Volunteer Events.pdf

NACM Conference Volunteers Needed

Colin Slay — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 18:16:25 GMT

GCCA Members,

As you know, NACM's Annual Conference will be held in Atlanta, from July 22-26, 2018, and we need your support!

Attached is a list of volunteer opportunities; please take a look and let Will Simmons know if you are willing to help out.

2018 NACM Annual Conference Volunteer Events.pdf

Thank you!

ICM Purposes & Responsibilities of Courts - Registration Open

Colin Slay — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 16:26:05 GMT

ICM INSTITUTE FOR COURT MANAGEMENT

Registration is now open for:

Purposes and Responsibilities of Courts

2 and ½ day training program

Date: April 16, 2018 – April 18, 2018

Location: Hampton Inn & Suites

3954 River Place Drive

Macon, Georgia 31210

478-803-5000

Those GCCA members with at least 40 CE hours will be given first opportunity

for the limited registration slots available. Registration may be completed on the GCCA website.

Lodging is available beginning April 15, 2018 at a group rate of $125/night.

Please contact the Hampton Inn & Suites to reserve your room.

Registration for the class is free to participants. Participant/Employer is responsible for lodging/per diems/travel.

Law Day Coloring/Poster Contest

Colin Slay — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 15:38:54 GMT

In celebration of Law Day, the Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts, Georgia Council of Court Administrators, and the Georgia Department of Education are pleased to announce our annual coloring/poster contest.

The contest is open to all private, public, and homeschool students in Georgia. Submissions will be judged based on the category in which they participate (Coloring for Pre-K - 2nd Grade, 3rd - 5th Grade; Original poster: Middle School and High School). The top three entrants in each category will receive trophies. First place winners will receive a $20 gift card.

Deadline for entries is March 30, 2018. Please feel free to share with teachers in your area.

Click this link for additional information: http://georgiacourts.gov/content/2018-law-day-coloringposter-contest

Announcing GCCA's 2018 Fall Conference

Colin Slay — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 16:16:34 GMT

The 2018 Fall Conference will be held October 22-24, at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront Hotel. This year's theme will focus on operational management and include topics on infrastructure and support, access and direct services, and programs and special services.

We are excited to debut a new conference schedule stretching our conference from the customary two-and-a-half day format to three full days. We plan to kick things off with a welcome reception the evening of Sunday, October 21. Conference sessions will begin the morning of Monday, October 22, and conclude the evening of Wednesday, October 24. Tuesday will be a half day to give everyone the opportunity to enjoy some time in Savannah. Please note on the attached draft agenda, we are planning a social event and closing ceremonies on Wednesday evening.

GCCA 2018 Fall Conference Draft Agenda.pdf

You may now reserve your hotel room for the conference at the following link:

Book your group rate for the Georgia Council of Court Administrators

* Be sure to reserve your room through Wednesday evening to check out on Thursday so not to miss the closing activities.

Conference registration will begin on May 1. We hope you plan to attend this fall!

Sponsor Registration for 2018 Fall Conference Opens Feb. 23rd

Colin Slay — Wed, 21 Feb 2018 19:14:39 GMT

Our sponsors and exhibitors help GCCA provide quality educational programs and conference experiences for our members, and we are very grateful for their loyal support in the past. We have restructured our sponsorship/exhibitor opportunities for the 2018 Fall Conference to increase their value and impact.

You can find out more about the sponsorship/exhibitor opportunities by clicking the following link: GCCA Fall Conference Sponsorship Opps 2018.pdf

Registration for Diamond-level sponsors and special sponsorship opportunities opens on Friday, Feb. 23, 2018.

The full sponsor/exhibitor registration schedule is as follows:

Diamond Sponsor Registration opens on February 23, 2018
Platinum Sponsor Registration opens on March 9, 2018
Gold Sponsor Registration opens on March 23, 2018
Silver Sponsor Registration opens on April 6, 2018
Bronze Sponsor Registration opens on April 20, 2018
Exhibitor Registration opens on April 27, 2018
Special Sponsorship Opportunities Registration opens on February 23, 2018
All Sponsorship/Exhibitor Registrations close on June 29, 2018

Click here to register as a sponsor/exhibitor.

WEEKLY LEGISLATIVE REPORT - FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2018 (WEEK 6)

Jeff West — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 15:16:55 GMT

To review the Weekly Legislative Report for Friday, February 16 (Week 6), please click here. To view more legislation pertaining to the judiciary, as well as bill summaries, previous reports, and committee meeting schedules, please visit the Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts legislative tracking website at legislation.georgiacourts.gov.

The General Assembly will reconvene on Tuesday, February 20, for Legislative Day 23. Chief Justice P. Harris Hines will deliver the State of the Judiciary address on Thursday, February 22, at 11 a.m. from the House Chamber.

Best,

Tracy Mason
Assistant Director, Governmental & Trial Court Liaison
Judicial Council/Administrative Office of the Courts
(404) 463-0559 office
(404) 831-8368 mobile
www.georgiacourts.gov

GCCA Rolls Out Refreshed Website

Colin Slay — Thu, 15 Feb 2018 13:53:53 GMT

Check out our new website!

Our new website is up and running. While we are still working to update some of the content, we are excited to roll out some new features for you, our members.

GCCA Forum: You now have the ability to post messages through the forum. You can also subscribe to receive alerts when something new has been added. Have a question? – post it on the forum. Need some information? – post your request on the forum. Shared information will be readily available for all members now and in the future.

* Please note that the listserv email system is being deactivated so you will no longer be able to send emails in that manner.

GCCA News: We are transitioning from our e-newsletter distributed by email to an online news feature. This will ensure prompt delivery of all important and any time-sensitive information. You will now be kept up-to-date with happenings in our organization and across the state. GCCA is also on social media so check us out on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Take a minute to peruse your new website. More information regarding our fall conference will be posted soon so make sure you subscribe to the News.

GCCA Seeks 2018 Board

Tracy BeMent — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 15:10:28 GMT

GCCA seeks nominations for our 2018 Board. This includes candidates seeking positions of President-Elect, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and multiple at-large Board positions. Please consider applying to be part of this dynamic organization and join us in our efforts to be the voice of court administration professionals in Georgia. Applications are due by September 15th.

2018 Declaration of Candidacy

NACM Annual Conference Group Discount

Tracy BeMent — Thu, 11 May 2017 19:06:47 GMT

Interested in the annual NACM conference? If so, you can get a discount as part of the GCCA Group. Use the attached registration form and e-mail or mail in your registration. For more on the conference, please visit www.NACMconference.org

NACM_AC_2017_Reg_Form-Group-NACM_IACA-Fillable.pdf

GCCA Board Vacancy - Call for Nominations!

Tracy BeMent — Fri, 14 Apr 2017 15:35:27 GMT

Fellow GCCA Members,

We need your VOICE on the GCCA Board. There is currently a vacancy on the GCCA Board for the term ending in fall 2017. If you are interesting in applying, please complete the Nomination Form and submit it as noted on the form by Friday, May 5th. If you would like to nominate another member or support their candidacy, please e-mail me directly at TJBeMent@gmail.com and I will reach out to the member and encourage them to apply. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. We need YOU, so please join us!

P.S. - Applications for the 2018 Officers and Board will be announced in late spring!

Spring 2017 Conference Update

Tracy BeMent — Tue, 04 Apr 2017 19:34:40 GMT

The final agenda for Lake Lanier is now available!

Spring 2017 Conference

Tracy BeMent — Fri, 10 Feb 2017 14:14:33 GMT

Conference and hotel registration is open and a draft agenda is available. See you a Lake Lanier!

2016-2017 Committee Conference Call Schedule

Tracy BeMent — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 15:41:39 GMT

The 2016-2017 Committee Conference Call Schedule is now available! Please see the link below for details. Join a call and get involved in your Council!

GCCA COMMITTEE CONFERENCE CALL SCHEDULE

Fall Conference Attendee Evaluation

Tracy BeMent — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 14:55:01 GMT

Please click the link below for attendee evaluation for the Fall 2016 conference:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GCCA2016FallConference

GCCA Seeks Program of the Year Nominations

Tracy BeMent — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 14:47:42 GMT

Program of the Year

The Program of the Year award may be given to a program in the state of Georgia that demonstrates a benefit to a local community or the state and which exemplifies the administration of justice in a cost effective manner. The nominations should include the following:

1. Cover Letter. The cover letter should not be more than two pages in length, should briefly state the purpose and the success of the program.

2. Program Submissions. The program submissions should not be more than five (5) pages in length, and should include the following:

· An explanation of the existing process and problem.
· An outline target group.
· List of the team members who worked on process or project.
· Describe solutions and alternative solutions (if appropriate).
· Describe program details.

3. Nominations will be evaluated on the following:

Transferability of Programs
Uniqueness of Program - Creativity / Innovation
Durability of Program
Goals met in Program
Cost Analysis – “Bang for the Buck”

Please remember to submit only programs that have actually been implemented and evaluated. Awards are announced at the Fall Conference.

********************************************************

Please remit all nominations before August 26, 2016 by e-mail to:

MyGCCA@gmail.com

GCCA Seeks Board Nominations

Tracy BeMent — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 14:34:58 GMT

Do you have a vision for the future? Do you feel you can lead others toward an inspiring goal? Do you have a passion for your job and promoting leadership within the court system? If so, please consider submitting your name as a candidate for serving on the 2017 GCCA Executive Committee. DEADLINE for submission is August 12th - application and/or resume must be emailed to Brad Butler, Immediate Past Presi-dent at bbutler@whitfieldcountyga.com by the deadline date.

GCCA CY2017 Declaration of Candidacy.pdf

Spring Conference

Tracy BeMent — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 21:56:17 GMT

Spring Conference registration is active. See Events

Membership Renewal

Tracy BeMent — Fri, 15 Jan 2016 21:55:11 GMT

It's time again to renew your membership! Check your inbox for your renewal notice.

GCCA Seeks Award Nominations

Tracy BeMent — Thu, 23 Jul 2015 15:26:42 GMT

William Herndon Lifetime Achievement Award

The William Barclay Herndon Award may be awarded to a court manager or non-court manager who significantly contributes or contributed to the profession of court management in the state of Georgia over their lifetime.

Program of the Year

1. Cover Letter. The cover letter should not be more than two pages in length, should briefly state the purpose and the success of the program.

2. Program Submissions. The program submissions should not be more than five (5) pages in length, and should include the following:

· An explanation of the existing process and problem.
· An outline target group.
· List of the team members who worked on process or project.
· Describe solutions and alternative solutions (if appropriate).
· Describe program details.

3. Nominations will be evaluated on the following:

ü Transferability of Programs
ü Uniqueness of Program - Creativity / Innovation
ü Durability of Program
ü Goals met in Program
ü Cost Analysis – “Bang for the Buck”

Please remember to submit only programs that have actually been implemented and evaluated. Awards are announced at the Fall Conference.

********************************************************

Please remit all nominations before August 28, 2015 by e-mail to:

MyGCCA@gmail.com

Join the GCCA Executive Committee!

Tracy BeMent — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 15:56:08 GMT

Applications for officer and board positions are being accepted!

Your council desires your participation! If you are qualified (current on dues and in good standing with your level of GCCA certification) and willing to serve, Officer and at-large positions are available on the executive committee. We are currently taking applications for the following positions: President-Elect, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and five (5) other committee positions.

If interested please email your application and supporting documents to Cheston Roney, croney@sandyspringsga.gov by July 24th.

GCCA Declaration of Candidacy.pdf

Website Updates

GCCA — Tue, 19 May 2015 15:40:44 GMT

New changes are coming. Stay tuned for more!

Mentorship Program Launched

Tracy BeMent — Mon, 18 May 2015 12:59:03 GMT

Why Seek Mentorship In GCCA?

GCCA is the premier forum for court management and leadership in Georgia. Our organization includes the most diverse court leaders in the state from all disciplines within the field of court administration. GCCA retains more than 200 active members across the state who work for every class of court, both general and limited jurisdiction.

What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is a partnership between an experienced GCCA member (the Mentor) and a GCCA member in good standing (the Mentee) who desires additional professional knowledge, expertise or guidance. The partnership is based on trust, respect, confidentiality and a commitment to the administration of justice. Through regular and timely contact, the Mentor will guide and support while answering questions, providing referrals, and sharing experiences and opportunities for growth with the Mentee.

More information

Spring 2015 Conference

Tracy BeMent — Mon, 20 Apr 2015 15:33:42 GMT

leadership conference is underway at Brasstwon Valley...

Board Vacancies Filled

Tracy BeMent — Mon, 13 Apr 2015 15:32:17 GMT

The Board welcomes Stephanie Hines and Robbie Walka to fill two recent vacancies.

2015 Officers and Board Members

Tracy BeMent — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 14:25:10 GMT

A updated list of this year's officers and board members is posted at Executive Board

2014 Program of the Year

Tracy BeMent — Wed, 07 Jan 2015 14:22:32 GMT

The 2014 award goes to the Cobb County Superior Court's Family Law Workshop. For more information, please see Program of the Year Awards

Program of the Year Award Article

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 14:46:18 GMT

The J.W. Fanning Institute published an article on the Athens Peer Court winning the program of the year award.

https://www.fanning.uga.edu/pressroom/press-releases/201403/athens-peer-court-named-2013-program-year

Elections - 2014 Executive Board

Wed, 18 Sep 2013 18:08:55 GMT

The new executive board for 2014 are listed below.

Officers

President
Cheston Roney
Court Administrator
Sandy Springs Municipal Court
croney@sandyspringsga.gov

President-Elect
Brad Butler
Court Administrator
Conasauga Circuit
bbutler@whitfieldcountyga.com

Vice President
Tracy BeMent
District Court Administrator
10th Judicial Administrative District
TJBeMent@gmail.com

Immediate Past President
Edwin T. Bell, MBA
Deputy Court Administrator
Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit
etbell@dekalbcountyga.gov

Secretary
Jeff West
Gwinnett County
jeff.west@gwinnettcounty.com

Treasurer
Yolanda Lewis
District Court Administrator
5th Judicial District, Atlanta Circuit
yolanda.lewis@fultoncountyga.gov

Board Members

Lynn Ansley
Circuit Court Administrator
Superior Court of Southwestern Judicial Circuit
lynnswjc@gmail.com

Tracy Johnson
Director, 6th District ADR Program
tjohnson@adr6th.org
Kelly Bush
Court Financial Administrator
Henry County Courts
kbelcastro@co.henry.ga.us

Joy Williams
Chief Clerk of Court
Norcross Municipal Court
joy.williams@norcrossga.net

Matthew Sorenson
Superior and State Court Administrator
Clayton County
matt.sorensen@co.clayton.ga.us

Taylor Jones
Director
Piedmont Circuit Specialty Courts
tayvjones@gmail.com

Amended Bylaws

GCCA — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 13:35:25 GMT

As voted by the membership at the September 10, 2013 business meeting, the bylaws were amended.

GCCA Bylaws.pdf

2013 Program of the Year Award Nominations

Tue, 23 Jul 2013 19:19:04 GMT

GCCA is now accepting nominations for the 2013 program of the year award. If you have started a new program or implementing any processes that has improved the court system to those whom the court serves, let us know.

Please remit all nominations before September 1, 2013. The nominations should include the following:

1. Cover Letter. The cover letter should not be more than two pages in length, should briefly state the purpose and the success of the program.

2. Program Submissions. The program submissions should not be more than five (5) pages in length, and should include the following:

· An explanation of the existing process and problem.

· An outline target group.

· List of the team members who worked on process or project.

· Describe solutions and alternative solutions (if appropriate).

· Describe program details.

3. Nominations will be evaluated on the following:

a. Transferability of Programs

b. Uniqueness of Program - Creativity / Innovation

c. Durability of Program

d. Goals met in Program

e. Cost Analysis – “Bang for the Buck”

Please remember to submit only programs that have actually been implemented and evaluated. The winner will be announced at the Fall Conference.

Please mail or e-mail award submissions to:

Cheston Roney

GCCA Court Program Award

7840 Roswell Road, Building 500

Sandy Springs, GA 30350

croney@sandyspringsga.gov

Declaration of Candidacy

GCCA — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 19:14:59 GMT

GCCA always needs involved members to declare their candidacy for the Executive Board and for the open Officer positions. Come and join our team of professionals

GCCA CY2014 Declaration of Candidacy.pdf

President's Message

GCCA — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:49:43 GMT

Welcome to the website of the Georgia Council of Court Administrators. I am honored to serve as the 2012-2013 President of this fine organization. Our members represent every class of court in

Georgia and have been either appointed or elected to the offices that they hold. Having been trusted by the judges we assist and serve, our members collectively bring well rounded experiences and ideas to the organization. Some fifteen years ago, a group of court administrators from across the state got together and decided to form their own council, similar to the ones that were already in existence for the judges in our state. This group of administrators had the foresight to understand that in order to continue operating our courts in the most efficient and effective manner possible, the leaders charged with the day-to-day management of the courts would require ongoing training. They also knew that the only way to collectively share promising trends and best practices was in a professional environment of their peers that shared similar understandings as to the unique challenges of working in a non-unified judicial system. Through the hard work and dedication of these court leaders, our Council was formed and established by state statute in O.C.G.A. 15-5-100 during the 1997 Georgia General Assembly. Our council’s purpose, as expressed in state law, is summarized below:

“It shall be the purpose of the council to effectuate the responsibilities conferred upon it by law, to further the improvement of the courts and the administration of justice, to assist the court administrators and managers throughout the state in the execution of their duties, and to promote and assist in the training of court administrators, managers, and support personnel.”

To that end, we provide the professional forum necessary for our members so that they may communicate with peers, judges, legislators and others who share an interest in the effective administration of justice. Our council provides education and training opportunities for its members and promotes the professionalism of court management throughout the state of Georgia .

Unlike all other council’s in Georgia , we have no state budget for paid staff and rely entirely on the tireless efforts of member volunteers. We are only as successful as those that are willing to serve and we can never have enough volunteers willing to lend a helping hand!

I am committed to continuing our push for the professional development of our profession and am willing to help individuals in any way possible.

Feel free to reach out to me or to any member of the Executive Committee. We look forward to talking to you soon!

Edwin T. Bell
President

NACM Dual Membership

GCCA — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 15:30:53 GMT

We are pleased to offer a joint membership with the National Association for Court Management (NACM). If you join both organizations, you get a $25 reduction from each organization. That is, renew/join GCCA for $50 and NACM for $100 and save a total of $50! If you are currently a member of NACM, please indicate that on your application/renewal and we will verify your membership status with NACM. When you get your next renewal notice for NACM, you will be eligible for the reduced dual-membership rate.

See how Georgia compares with other states for membership in NACM!

GCCA's New State Seal!

GCCA — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 17:08:18 GMT

GCCA President Edwin Bell has received approval of GCCA's offiicial state seal.

New Officers and Executive Committee Members

GCCA — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 07:16:57 GMT

All of the new officers and executive committee members are below.

Officers

President
Edwin T. Bell, MBA
Deputy Court Administrator
Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit
etbell@dekalbcountyga.gov

President-Elect
Cheston Roney
Court Administrator
Sandy Springs Municipal Court
croney@sandyspringsga.gov

Vice President
Brad Butler
Court Administrator
Conasauga Circuit
bbutler@whitfieldcountyga.com

Immediate Past President
Philip Boudewyns
Court Administrator
Gwinnett County Judicial Circuit
Phil.Boudewyns@gwinnettcounty.com

Secretary
Dawn Childress
Circuit Court Administrator
Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit
DMChildress@forsythco.com

Treasurer
Tracy Bement
District Court Administrator
10th Judicial Administrative District
TracyBement@co.clarke.ga.us

Board Directors

Yolanda Lewis
District Court Administrator
5th Judicial District, Atlanta Circuit
yolanda.lewis@fultoncountyga.gov

Jeff West
Gwinnett County
jeff.west@gwinnettcounty.com

Lynn Ansley
Circuit Court Administrator
Superior Court of Southwestern Judicial Circuit
lynnswjc@gmail.com

Tracy Johnson
Director, 6th District ADR Program
tjohnson@adr6th.org
Kelly Bush
Court Financial Administrator
Henry County Courts
kbelcastro@co.henry.ga.us

Greetings and Happy New Year!

GCCA — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:36:07 GMT

Greetings everyone and Happy New Year!

I trust that your holiday break was well deserved and that you have all returned to your respective courts to continue the good work of court administration. Your executive committee has been hard at work in preparing for the 2013 year including E-Quill, our quarterly newsletter; the spring conference May 5^th – 8^th at Lake Blackshear Resort; retooling our website to make it more vibrant and user friendly; and various other committee work.

This year, we hope that we can continue getting the input and support from our members that we have grown accustomed to. One way that you can remain involved in the organization, is by serving on one or more of our committees. Maybe the imaginative spark will come from your idea, concern, or knowledge base! See the list of committees and their respective Chair(s) below and free to contact the committee Chair(s) directly:

Education and Training Committee: Co-chairs, Tracy BeMent – Tracy.Bement@athensclarkecounty.com and Tracy Johnson - tjohnson@adr6th.org

Awards Committee: Chair, Cheston Roney – croney@sandyspringsga.gov

Membership Committee: Chair, Brad Butler – bbutler@whitfieldcountyga.com

Publications (newsletter) Committee: Chair, Dawn Childress – dmchildress@forsythco.com

Social Committee: Co-Chair’s, Yolanda Lewis – Yolanda.lewis@fultoncountyga.gov and Kelly Bush – kbelcastro@co.henry.ga.us

Budget Committee: Chair, Tracy BeMent – Tracy.bement@athensclarkecounty.com

Nominating Committee: Chair, Phil Boudewyns – phil.boudewyns@gwinnettcounty.com