On January 29, 2024, Melissa Ireland will be appointed as the new Lancaster County Court Judicial Administrator.

Judicial Administrators work under the general direction of the presiding county judge and the State Court Administrator supervising, assigning, and directing the work of all staff within the county court. The position carries a high level of responsibility for ensuring the efficiency of the county court’s administrative functions, which include case and financial management, resource allocation, policy implementation, and staff supervision.

Ireland, who currently is the Director of Court Education for Judicial Branch Education, has over 11 years with the Nebraska Judicial Branch, starting her career in 2012 as a Records Clerk in Lancaster County Court and was promoted to Assistant Clerk. In 2016, Melissa was appointed Clerk Magistrate in Lincoln County Court before taking her position with Judicial Branch Education in late 2017. Ms. Ireland has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin and a Master of Forensic Science from Nebraska Wesleyan University.

“Ms. Ireland brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with judges, courts, stakeholders, and the public. Public trust and confidence in the courts is essential for the proper functioning of our justice system. Ms. Ireland’s ability to leverage others’ strengths to achieve positive outcomes makes her an excellent choice for Judicial Administrator,” said Corey Steel, State Court Administrator.

Ireland replaces former Judicial Administrator Becky Bruckner, who retired on December 6, 2023, after 20 years of service to the court system.