(Annapolis, MD— November 23, 2004)  The Maryland Conference of Circuit Judges elected Prince George’s County Circuit Court Judge William D. Missouri as its next chair at a meeting Nov. 15. Howard County Circuit Judge Diane O. Leasure was named vice chair of the Conference. Judge Missouri and Judge Leasure will begin their newly elected positions effective Dec. 4.

Judge Missouri has been Circuit Administrative Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit since 1997, and the County Administrative Judge since 1992. He has served as vice chair of the Maryland Conference of Circuit Judges since 2003. Judge Missouri is a member of the Criminal Law and Procedure Committee, Maryland Judicial Conference, and the Court of Appeals Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure. He has chaired the Legislative Committee for the Maryland Judicial Conference since 2001.

The Maryland Conference of Circuit Judges is a policy advisory body to the Hon. Robert M. Bell, Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals; the Court of Appeals; and other judicial branch agencies in all circuit court matters. The conference meets periodically to consider and make recommendations concerning the administration of justice and the circuit courts.

“I am excited about the opportunity my colleagues have afforded me through their votes. I look forward to continuing the wonderful working relationships established among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government by my predecessors, Judge Frederick C. Wright, III, Washington County; Judge Paul H. Weinstein, Montgomery County; and the immediate past chair, Judge Daniel M. Long, Somerset County. It is also my intent, with the able assistance of the conference vice-chair, Judge Leasure, to work hard on behalf of the 146 circuit judges to ensure that their voices are heard wherever and whenever issues arise concerning the circuit courts of the state,” Judge Missouri said. “It is my firm belief that Court of Special Appeals Chief Judge Joseph F. Murphy, newly appointed District Court Chief Judge Ben C. Clyburn, State Court Administrator Frank Broccolina, and I will mesh as a team in providing support to Chief Judge Bell while advancing the issues necessary to the judiciary's well-being.”

The chair of the 16-member Conference is elected to a two-year term. Judge Long, who has served as chair for the past two years, will remain on the conference’s executive committee. 

A photo of Judge Missouri is available to the media. For more information, please call the Court Information Office at 410/260-1488.