Washington Courts: News and Information

Kitsap Administrator Named Court Manager of the Year

Noted for his hard work, calming presence and compassion during a "rocky time" for his court, Kitsap County Superior Court Administrator Frank Maiocco has been named 2012 Court Manager of the Year by the Court Management Council. Maiocco was surprised with the award at a December joint meeting of the Court Management Council and the Board for Judicial Administration.

The Court Manager of the Year Award is presented to a manager or administrator who demonstrates leadership on a regional or statewide basis that is beyond what is expected of an individual court manager. Maiocco was nominated for the award by Kitsap County Superior Court Presiding Judge Anna Laurie, along with all members of the superior court bench.

"There is not a single administrator in this state that does not daily perform miracles by maintaining the courts with dwindling resources," Laurie wrote in the nominating letter, in which she said Maiocco exemplifies that work. Under his direction, the court undertook the "arduous task" of purchasing, modifying and overseeing implementation of a court calendaring program. He also developed processes to ensure guardians ad litem were complying with requirements of Title 11 and Title 26, including a program to fund custody investigations for indigent families. Maiocco mentors staff, works closely and efficiently with county officials on resources and budgeting for the court, and works on statewide justice issues in addition to his long days overseeing the court's daily operations, Laurie wrote.

Laurie also praised Maiocco's work and presence during a difficult 2012 for the court in which Judge Theodore Spearman died unexpectedly after a short illness, while at the same time a long-time court scheduler retired and a new presiding judge was just beginning, all while the court had committed to helping cover work at Jefferson County Superior Court during a judge's treatment for an extended illness. "His calming presence, his ability to work three jobs at once and his grace and compassion kept this court on a steady course during a very rocky time," Laurie wrote.