Dear NACM Family,
The holidays have come and gone, and I hope each and every one of you had an opportunity to spend some time doing something that had meaning to it. Whether that be spending time with family and friends, taking a much-needed vacation, or simply reading a book on the couch with your cat, I hope you feel more rested and relaxed and ready for a great new year!
I hope you enjoy this edition of the Court Manager, which includes some great articles on topics like judicial grants management, internal controls, and diversity and inclusion. Although the judicial branch is a very specific line of work, we still deal with some of the same human problems all sectors deal with on a daily basis. By sharing challenges, solutions, and ideas, we can only improve the work of the judicial branch.
As we look back at 2022, it is difficult to realize that we’re still dealing with some of the previous years’ problems, such as pandemics, racial justice, elections, and politics. One of my priorities for this year was to do work on continuing to restore and strengthen public trust and confidence in the judiciary. By providing access to justice, fair hearings, and equal opportunities, courts can prove to the public that they are a true forum for resolving disputes.
We just had the opportunity to gather together in Minneapolis, Minnesota at NACM’s midyear conference. Colleagues were able to connect and reconnect. Our industry partners showed up to support our organization and continue to be an integral part of the success of the judiciary. The conference theme, Preserving the CORE: It’s all About Justice, guided attendees across conversations that reinforced the importance of maintaining justice at the core of our fundamental purpose.
So, as you move forward in 2023, please continue leaning on each other and supporting our judges in our courts. All of our jobs can be difficult, trying, and tiring, but when you walk out the door at the end of the day, hold your head high and remember the true and tried purpose of courts.
Please enjoy this latest edition of the Court Manager!
Jeffrey Tsunekawa
NACM President, 2022–2023
