2002-05-08
PRESS RELEASE
May 8, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Superior Court of California, County of Alameda
Oakland, California. Harry R. Sheppard, Presiding Judge and Arthur Sims, Executive Officer, Superior Court of California, County of Alameda announce Barbara J. Fox, Chief Assistant Executive Officer, will leave the Court in June 2002 to assume the position of Court Executive Officer, Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz.
Ms. Fox stated, "I look forward to working with the judges, commissioners, staff and justice partners in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Cruz, and continuing my affiliations with others in the judicial branch throughout the state to develop business solutions to improve the administration of justice. The Superior Court in the County of Santa Cruz has a tradition of advancing excellence in the administration of justice, through its judges, commissioners and staff, as well as active participation in advisory committees of the California Judicial Council. I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the Court Executive Officer during these exciting and dynamic times."
Barbara Fox serves as a member of the executive management team in the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda and is active in advisory and working groups of the California Judicial Council, including serving on the Governing Committee of the Center for Judicial Education and Research, California Judicial Council. Knowledgeable in all aspects of administration of non-judicial staff and line functions, she is key executive staff to the many judicial policy committees in the Court.
Joining the Court in 1991, Barbara played a major leadership role in support of the judiciary, the staff and the public in the evolution and business practice re-engineering of the unified superior court that now includes 69 judges, 16 commissioners and 900 employees and contractors in 15 locations throughout Alameda County. She has worked in the Trial Court Services Division, Administrative Office of the Courts and chaired a statewide task force that developed a Model Classification Plan for trial court personnel.
Judge Sheppard noted that Barbara "will be deeply missed by the judges, commissioners and staff of the Court, those in other branches of government in Alameda County and representatives in local professional associations and community organizations. She has demonstrated her ability to successfully develop and apply sound solutions to complex court business problems and promote excellence in the administration of and access to justice. She is a consummate dedicated professional and is highly valued by the judges, commissioners and court staff for her knowledge, strategic thinking, dedication and assistance."
Arthur Sims, Executive Officer of the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda said "although Barbara's departure will be a great loss, we are all extremely excited for her. She is most deserving of the opportunity to serve as Chief Executive Officer for the Santa Cruz Court and we are confident that the Court will benefit greatly from her leadership."
Ms. Fox indicated "my affiliation with the Court in Alameda County has been professionally challenging and personally satisfying. I will always treasure my associations with the judges, commissioners and staff of the court."
Prior to joining the Superior Court in Alameda County in 1991, Barbara was a management consultant to the three branches of government and the private sector for ten years. Between 1972 and 1982, she served in various key management positions in the County of Orange, including Assistant Director of the General Service Agency and Business Manager in the Probation Department. This followed previous assignments in municipal government and the educational attainment of a Master of Public Administration degree.
Throughout her career, she has received numerous commendations for outstanding leadership and public service and has authored several professional publications.
Ms. Fox will assume the Court Executive Officer duties formerly performed by Christine Patton, who was appointed to the position of Regional Director/Bay Area/Northern Coastal region, Administrative Office of the Courts.
The contact for this information release is Cynthia Warren, Executive Assistant at (510) 272-6504.