Williamsburg, Va. (Feb. 25, 2010) — Ronald G. Overholt, chief deputy director of the California Administrative Office of the Courts, is the recipient of a 2009 Distinguished Service Award, one of the highest recognitions given by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). The Distinguished Service Award is presented annually to those who have made significant contributions to the judicial administration field and who have supported the mission of the NCSC.
“Over his 30-year career in judicial administration, Ron Overholt has worked diligently to enhance the quality of justice and the court’s service to the people of California,” said Mary C. McQueen, NCSC president. “Ron also has been actively engaged with other state court leaders across the country, discussing policies and sharing knowledge that helps to improve court operations and enhance the public’s trust and confidence in the courts.”
Donna D. Melby, a partner in the Los Angeles office of Paul, Hastings, Janofsky and Walker LLP and a member of the National Center’s Board of Directors, will present the Distinguished Service Award to Overholt on Thursday, Feb. 25, during the California Judicial Council’s meeting in San Francisco.
Overholt has served as chief deputy director of the California Administrative Office of the Courts since October 2000. During a time where state courts nationwide have faced severe budget shortfalls, he has played a key role in achieving greater financial stability for the California Judicial Branch. He also has helped the judicial branch build an administrative, technological, and physical infrastructure that will enable it to continue providing fair and equal justice despite future fiscal concerns.
Prior to joining the California Administrative Office of the Courts, Overholt was court executive officer, jury commissioner, and clerk of the court for the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda. During his tenure there, he oversaw the unification of the Alameda Superior and Municipal courts into a single-level trial court and was a key player in the transition of California’s trial courts from being funded by the state and counties to being fully funded by the state.
Nationally, Overholt has worked with the Conference of Chief Justices, Conference of State Court Administrators, and National Association for Court Management to provide training sessions on the most recent innovations in court management. He also supports the NCSC’s work by leading an annual orientation on the National Center’s services for new members of California’s Judicial Council — the policymaking body for the state’s courts — and executive staff of the California Administrative Office of the Courts.
The National Center for State Courts, headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., is a nonprofit court reform organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to the state courts. Founded in 1971 by the Conference of Chief Justices and Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger, NCSC provides education, training, technology, management, and research services to the nation’s state courts.
National Center for State Courts, 300 Newport Avenue, Williamsburg, VA 23185-4147