NEWS RELEASE

The National Center for State Courts
300 Newport Avenue · Williamsburg, Virginia  23185

California's Chief Justice Named
 Chair of National Center Reform Organization

Williamsburg, VA (Oct. 10, 2003) – Chief Justice Ronald M. George recently was named chair of the National Center for State Courts’ Board of Directors, succeeding Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye of New York. At the same time, George was also named president of the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ), a national organization that represents the top judicial officers of the 50 states and U.S. territories, and of which the National Center serves as executive staff. Both offices are one-year terms. 

“We are honored that Chief Justice George has moved into a leadership role with the National Center and in the nation’s judicial community,” said Roger Warren, president of the National Center. “Chief Justice George has made a significant and positive impact on the California court system through his innovative, problem-solving approach to justice. His knowledge and experience are invaluable to the National Center.”

Chief Justice George said he’s proud and eager to serve in these positions. “I’m very honored to take office as president of this national conference of court leaders at a time in history when so many critical issues confront the judicial branch of government,” George said. “With severe economic issues facing almost every state, many courts are striving to provide basic services – and are determined to preserve many of the innovations that have proved to be of great service to the community. I equally am proud to serve as Chair of the Board of the National Center for State Courts, an organization that has provided invaluable service to state courts for many years.”

Founded in 1949, CCJ is the primary voice for state courts before the federal legislative and executive branches and works to promote legal reforms and improvements in state court administration.

The National Center, headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., is a non-profit court reform organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to the state courts. The National Center, founded in 1971 by the Conference of Chief Justices and Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger, provides education, training, and technology, management, and research services to the nation’s state courts. The National Center also is taking the lead on several key issues facing the justice system. For example, it has established a major civil justice initiative, a multi-year project that is examining best practices in civil case management and how complex litigation procedures can be improved. Other national initiatives being driven by the National Center include judicial selection reform and increasing citizen participation in jury service.  

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