The Mary C. McQueen Award for Excellence and Leadership in Justice System Improvement

In 2015, the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ), the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA), the National Association for Court Management (NACM), and the National Association for Presiding Judges and Court Executive Officers (NAPCO) jointly created the Mary C. McQueen Award for Excellence and Leadership in Justice System Improvement. Mary McQueen has served as President of the National Center for State Courts since 2004, and previously served with distinction in the courts of Washington, the District of Columbia, and Kentucky. Throughout her career, Ms. McQueen has been an advocate for court and judicial reform, has advanced the field of court administration significantly in her service to the court and justice community, and has demonstrated leadership excellence at the national, state, and local levels of judicial administration.

Pursuant to the protocol adopted by the board of directors of the four sponsoring organizations, the Mary McQueen Leadership Award is to be given biennially (every even-numbered year) commencing in 2016 in
recognition of an individual (Citizen, Judge or Justice, Administrator, or Lawyer) who has made extraordinary contributions to improving the administration of justice at the local, state and/or national level for a sustained period of time. Accomplishments worthy of recognition will transcend an individual state, community, or organization. The ideal candidate will meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Will have played a major leadership role in a significant reform or improvement initiative withina state or the nation by coordinating action among state and/or national justice system partners.
  • Is recognized by their peers as one who is committed to preserving fair and impartial courts, improving public trust and confidence in the justice system, reducing cost and delay, improving access and securing adequate funding for the judiciary.
  • Has consistently displayed vision and passion, has served as a mentor and inspiration to others in the field, and has contributed to court improvement in ways that are noteworthy and enduring.

Nominations for the award shall be solicited biennially (every even-numbered year) from the membership of Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ), Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA), National Association for Court Management (NACM), National Association for Presiding Judges and Court Executive Officers (NAPCO) and by posting on the website of the National Center for State Courts, no later than the first day of May. The Selection Committee consists of the Presidents of the respective organizations or their designees.

Please send a letter of nomination and any supporting materials no later than June 15, 2020.

Nominations should be sent to:
Ms. Nikiesha Cosby
National Center for State Courts
300 Newport Avenue
Williamsburg, VA 23185-4147

Questions? Contact Hon. Nathan Hecht, President, Conference of Chief Justices (512) 463-1348 or .