Lorri Montgomery
Director of Communications
National Center for State Courts
757.259.1525
Chief Justice of Texas Supreme Court named to lead two national court organizations
Williamsburg, Va., August 3, 2020– Texas Chief Justice Nathan Hecht began his term as president of the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and chair of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) Board of Directors – positions he assumed in November 2019 brought on by the sudden death of Iowa Chief Justice Mark Cady, who was holding both positions at the time of his death and Chief Justice Hecht was president-elect. The renewal of these positions took place last week as part of CCJ’s annual meeting, which was held virtually.
Founded in 1949 and comprised of the top judicial officers of each state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories, CCJ promotes the interests and effectiveness of state judicial systems by developing policies and educational programs designed to improve court operations. CCJ also acts as the primary representative of the state courts before Congress and federal executive agencies.
“Chief Justice Hecht has earned a national reputation as a judicial leader who is dedicated to access, equity, and transparency in the justice system,” said NCSC President Mary C. McQueen. “His work reflects this commitment. He has successfully advocated for increased legal aid for the poor and our military veterans. He promotes public trust and confidence in the justice system by building relationships within the legal community, business groups, community leaders and legislators. The nation’s state court community is fortunate to have Chief Justice Hecht at the helm.”
Chief Justice Hecht brings years of stability and excellence to these leadership positions. He has been elected to the Texas Supreme Court six times, first in 1988 as a justice, and most recently in 2014 as chief justice. He is the longest-serving member of the supreme court in Texas history and the longest-tenured Texas judge in active service. A native of New Mexico, he earned an undergraduate degree in philosophy from Yale University and a law degree from the Southern Methodist University School of Law.
The National Center for State Courts, headquartered in Williamsburg, Va., is a nonprofit court organization dedicated to improving the administration of justice by providing leadership and service to the state courts. Founded in 1971 by the Conference of Chief Justices and Chief Justice of the United States Warren E. Burger, NCSC provides education, training, technology, management, and research services to the nation’s state courts.
National Center for State Courts, 300 Newport Avenue, Williamsburg, VA 23185-4147