Awarded to: Nebraska County Court Association Clerk Magistrate Orientation Committee, Sara Fowler of Hall County, Ellen Faltys of Colfax County, Cathy Reiman of Boyd County, Debra Hand of Cherry County, and Vicki Kuhlmann of Washington and Burt Counties.

In response to the increasing turnover among clerk magistrates across the state, the Nebraska County Court Association Orientation Committee proactively sought opportunities to collaborate with Judicial Branch Education to redesign the mentorship process easing the transition of new clerk magistrates as they assume their role and learn the duties required of their position. Members of the Orientation Committee assist in the coordination of in-person and remote coverage, train staff in a variety of case types and courtroom clerk responsibilities and are responsible for assisting in the selection of mentors but often volunteer to serve as mentors themselves.

In addition to providing support to new clerk magistrates, the Orientation Committee members guide other clerk magistrates who also serve as mentors, determine the information to be provided by the mentors, and develop content to facilitate the process.

The work done by the Orientation Committee is essential to build strong relationships with new clerk magistrates and set them up for future success as leaders within the Judicial Branch.

Recipients of the innovation award are recognized for their contribution of effectiveness, efficiency, or economy of Nebraska Judicial System operations.

Photo, from left: Debra Hand, Sara Fowler, Ellen Faltys, and Chief Justice Mike Heavican – not pictured are Cathy Reiman and Vicki Kuhlmann.