NCSC, CCJ statement on the passing of Chief Justice Mark Cady of Iowa

Williamsburg, Va., Nov. 16, 2019 – National court leaders are stunned and saddened by the untimely loss of Chief Justice Mark Cady of Iowa, who passed away unexpectedly on November 15. Chief Justice Cady had ascended to the roles of President of the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and Chair of the Board of the National Center for State Courts in July of this year.

"Chief Justice Cady earned a reputation as a national leader who was dedicated to fairness, access and transparency in the justice system,” said Mary McQueen, President of the National Center for State Courts. “Our hearts go out to his entire family, and especially his wife Becky.”

"On behalf of all of his colleagues in the Conference of Chief Justices, we send our condolences to Mark’s wife, children and grandchildren,” said Chief Justice Nathan L. Hecht of Texas. “Mark was recognized nationally for both his intellect as a jurist, and for his commitment to making the court system a place where everyone could get the justice they sought.” Chief Justice Hecht had been serving as President-elect of CCJ. Under CCJ by-laws, Chief Justice Hecht becomes President of CCJ.

In addition to serving as President of CCJ, Chief Justice Cady also served as the Chair of its committee on Courts, Children and Families, and as a member of the committee on Judicial Selection and Compensation. He also recently chaired a major national effort, the Family Justice Initiative, and served as co-chair of a workgroup on Children and Families for the National Judicial Opioid Task Force.

His colleagues in the national court community offered heartfelt tributes.

"I was proud to call Mark Cady not just a colleague but a friend,” said Chief Justice Paul L. Reiber of Vermont, who preceded Cady as President of CCJ. “You simply won’t find a kinder, gentler soul than Mark.”

"Our justice system was made better because of Chief Justice Cady’s tireless commitment to making the courts a place where justice would be done, particularly for children and families,” said Joseph Baxter of Rhode Island, President of the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA).

The National Center for State Courts, headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., is a nonprofit court 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.