The Mary McQueen Leadership Award is given biennially in recognition of an individual (Citizen, Judge or Justice, Administrator, or Lawyer) who has made extraordinary contributions to improving the administration of justice at the local, state and/or national level for a sustained period of time. Accomplishments worthy of recognition will transcend an individual state, community, or organization. The Award is given jointly by the Conference of Chief Justices, the Conference of State Court Administrators, the National Association for Presiding Judges and Court Executive Officers, and the National Association for Court Management.
Mary McQueen has served as President of the National Center for State Courts since 2004, and previously served with distinction in the courts of Washington, the District of Columbia, and Kentucky. Throughout her career, Ms. McQueen has been an advocate for court and judicial reform, has advanced the field of court administration significantly in her service to the court and justice community, and has demonstrated leadership excellence at the national, state, and local levels of judicial administration.
Award Criteria:
- Will have played a major leadership role in a significant reform or improvement initiative within a state or the nation by coordinating action among state and/or national justice system partners.
- Is recognized by their peers as one who is committed to preserving fair and impartial courts, improving public trust and confidence in the justice system, reducing cost and delay, improving access and securing adequate funding for the judiciary.
- Has consistently displayed vision and passion, has served as a mentor and inspiration to others in the field, and has contributed to court improvement in ways that are noteworthy and enduring.
The nomination period for the 2024 award is now closed. The next nomination period will open in the spring of 2026.