News

State Court Administrator Pines Namedto National Criminal Justice Advisory Board

March 06, 2011

HARRISBURG, March 7, 2011 — Court Administrator of Pennsylvania Zygmont A. Pines has been appointed to serve on a national advisory board that influences federal policy on criminal justice operations and policies. Pines was named to the 34-member Criminal Justice Information Services Advisory Policy Board, which meets twice annually. Comprised of a network of representatives from criminal justice agencies throughout the U.S. and Canada, the board provides guidance to the director of the federal Bureau of Investigation. The board’s service helps provide tactical law enforcement support and enhanced safety for law enforcement officers and citizens. “I cannot think of a more qualified individual to fill a spot on the advisory policy board,” Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Ronald D. Castille said. “His extraordinary service as court administrator obviously has not gone unnoticed, and his membership on this national advisory board will allow him to make a contribution even larger than the one he is making now. It shows that Pennsylvania is taking an important policy role on the national level in addressing concerns of mutual interest throughout the U.S. to law enforcement.” Texas Chief Justice Wallace B. Jefferson appointed Pines to the board on behalf of the Conference of Chief Justices — marking the second time in as many months that the administrator has been tabbed for recognition by a nationwide organization devoted to improving state court systems. Pines was named recipient of the prestigious 2010 Warren E. Burger Award for Excellence in Court Administration — the highest award presented by the National Center for State Courts. The Burger Award is named for the former chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and honors an individual who has made significant contributions to the improvement of court operations with application to courts nationwide. “It is a privilege, and honor, to both serve and represent Pennsylvania on the advisory policy board,” Pines said. “It provides an opportunity for a representative of the state judiciaries to collaborate and share their particular perspectives with the national criminal justice community.” The Conference of Chief Justices is composed of the highest judicial officers of each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealths of Puerto Rico and the Northern Mariana Islands, the Territories of American Samoa, Guam and the Virgin Islands. CCJ’s mission is to provide education and consultation among judicial leaders on issues related to improving the administration of justice. The Williamsburg, VA-based National Center for State Courts serves as secretariat to the Conference.