The appointments are for two-year terms beginning Jan. 1, 2000. Chief judges are the chief executive officers of their courts. They are responsible for financial and personnel management, coordinating workload, and managing relations with county or city funding units, other justice agencies, and the public. They also are responsible for ensuring that the Supreme Court's administrative policies are carried out within their jurisdictions.
Chief judges administer guidelines and standards to improve court performance.
In selecting chief judges, the Supreme Court seeks individuals well qualified to assume the responsibilities of the position as described in Michigan court rules. The Court bases its selections on judicial experience, training, and leadership qualities. It also considers the ability to motivate and work collegially with fellow judges and court administrative staff and foster a climate of innovation and change. The Court assumed the responsibility of appointing chief judges in 1995 to increase accountability and responsiveness within the judicial system and foster consistent judicial services in all state courts.