Judge Sullivan Ends Commanding Run as Performance Measures Committee Chair

By Deb Marks, Management Assistance, State Court Administrative Office

 

Concluding a nine-year run as chair of the Trial Court Performance Measures Committee, Judge Paul Sullivan of the 17th Circuit Court in Kent County recently passed the baton to Judge Shana Lambourn of Ogemaw County Probate Court.  Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephen Markman stopped by to recognize Judge Sullivan for his service and to thank the entire committee—on behalf of the Court—for providing standards that are consistent and uniform, yet flexible.  He commented that if the people of Michigan understood the impact Judge Sullivan has had on the performance of the judiciary, they would also applaud his work, impact, and legacy. 

Judge Sullivan expressed his appreciation for the support of the Justices and the work of SCAO staff, stating that looking at and working on our own performance has resulted in an improved image and that the judiciary is now held in better esteem with the legislature.

Judge Lambourn acknowledged that Judge Sullivan had the hardest part of the job because performance measures were not looked upon favorably, but they are well accepted now and we are now seen as a judiciary taking care of itself.  She said she looks forward to continuing the work put into motion by Judge Sullivan, who stated, “I’ll be watching to see how things go in the future!”