The judges and administrative staff form a collaborative leadership structure that combines judicial expertise with administrative management to effectively operate the court and its departments. The judges and the court administrator’s office use a shared leadership model with distinct but complementary functions. The presiding/ administrative judge provides judicial perspective and maintains final authority over daily operations in consultation with the other judges, while the court administrator’s office contributes management expertise, benchmarking and research capabilities as well as handling operational implementation. Successful collaboration requires clear communication, mutual recognition of respective expertise, and shared commitment to serving the community while maintaining judicial integrity.
The Presiding/Administrative Judge's Function
The presiding/administrative judge is typically elected annually by all the judges of the court. The presiding/administrative judge’s responsibilities are set out in statute and the Rules of Superintendence of the Court of Ohio. In addition to facilitating regular judges’ meetings, the presiding/administrative judge also performs administrative duties on behalf of the bench.
The Court Administrator’s Office provides specialized management expertise to court operations. This staff of professionals typically possess advanced education, significant experience and special training related to court administration or their relative area of expertise. Administrative responsibilities focus on operational management including human resource management for non-judicial personnel, budget development and financial oversight, technology planning and implementation, security, and facilities maintenance. The court administrator’s office also executes pilot programs and initiatives as well as facilitates inter-agency relationships.
