Jeff Chapple
Court Administrator
O’Fallon (Missouri) Municipal Court
Lake St. Louis and Weldon Spring (Missouri) on contract
2 Judges
NACM Member since 2013
NACM Board of Directors Member for three terms (2015-2018, 2019-2022, 2024-present)
What do you consider your greatest challenge as a court administrator?
My biggest challenge is working in a nonunified state but with limitations from the state court offices in software and operations.
What has been your greatest reward?
Being recognized as a leader and a resource within the Municipal Courts of Missouri for legislation assistance, operational advice, or just a partner. I received the Award of Merit from the Missouri Association for Court Administration in 2015 for my work on legislation after the unrest in Ferguson.
How do you juggle the administration of three courts?
Good time and project management skills. I have always been one to analyze and prepare but am willing to adapt as circumstances require. I research others and take the positives and adjust from their obstacles. The biggest thing is to stay in constant communication with all the judicial partners of each organization.
What advice do you have for Early Career Professionals?
Build your network. There are thousands of court professionals nationwide. We are all in it together and can learn from one another. Whether your court is large, urban, or small and rural, we offer each other opportunities to learn, share advice, and direction.
How has your membership with NACM impacted your career?
NACM has broadened my network and built long-lasting friendships amongst other court professionals. The opportunity to connect with people from Florida to Alaska, New Jersey to Hawaii, and even states I haven’t been to yet, like North Dakota (and I travel a lot), has been quite rewarding. I have found that they all operate slightly differently, but I have learned so many great things. The opportunity to bring our state to the national level but also bring the national perspective and resources back to Missouri with the CORE trainings is amazing.
If you could change one thing from your early career, what would it be?
I would honestly say that I would not change anything. I graduated from the University of Missouri with a BA in hotel and restaurant management and thereafter managed hotels for many years before joining the public sector. All of my experiences prior to joining the courts helped me grow into the professional I am today. It is important to have a willingness to learn, adapt, and grow as circumstances require. Business, personal, and professional growth will be useful in all aspects of your career.
Fun fact:
I have a hobby of creating weekly cocktail videos on Instagram and TikTok. Follow #StlSundaySipper for inspiration or a demonstration of your classic favorite.
ABOUT THE EDITOR
Carlene Redmond is court program administrator, Juvenile Court Unit, Restorative Programs Division, Cobb County, Georgia.
