Announcement, Press Release |
Chief Judge Charles S. Beach II today announced a restructuring of the Circuit Court of Cook County with the creation of three deputy chief positions. The new deputy chiefs of criminal operations, civil operations, and first appearance court operations will provide guidance on important court matters and serve as a resource to judges across the Circuit. The restructuring is part of a broader effort to strengthen court operations, support the judiciary and reinforce public trust in the Court.
The Hon. Erica L. Reddick will serve as the Deputy Chief of Criminal Operations. The Hon. Michael B. Barrett will serve as Deputy Chief of Civil Operations. The Hon. Mary C. Marubio will serve as Deputy Chief of First Appearance Court Operations.
“Each of these judges shares my commitment to strengthening access to justice for all,” said Chief Judge Beach. “I look forward to working with them to enhance efficiency and fairness across Cook County.”
Included in today’s orders, Chief Judge Beach appointed four new presiding judges: Hon. Michael T. Mullen for the Chancery Division; Hon. Tom S. Sianis for the First Municipal District; Hon. Mary C. Marubio for the Second Municipal District; and Hon. Susana L. Ortiz for the Pretrial Division.
The following presiding judges were reappointed to their positions:
• Hon. Maureen Ward Kirby for the County Division;
• Hon. Thomas V. Lyons II for the Law Division;
• Hon. Daniel B. Malone for the Probate Division;
• Hon. Regina A. Scannicchio for the Domestic Relations Division;
• Hon. Judith Rice for the Domestic Violence Division;
• Hon. Donna L. Cooper for the Juvenile Justice Division;
• Hon. Andrea Buford for the Child Protection Division;
• Hon. Erica L. Reddick for the Criminal Division;
• Hon. Jill C. Marisie for the Third Municipal District;
• Hon. Geary W. Kull for the Fourth Municipal District;
• Hon. Kerry M. Kennedy for the Fifth Municipal District; and
• Hon. Tommy Brewer for the Sixth Municipal District.
Chief Judge Beach also signed an order appointing three deputy presiding judges: Hon. Anjana Hansen for the Second Municipal District; Hon. Kent A. Delgado for the Probate Division; and Hon. Kathryn M. Vahey for the Juvenile Justice Division.
Consistent with the structure used in the suburban municipal districts, the Traffic Division will merge into the First Municipal District. The following judges will serve as supervising judges for the First Municipal District: Hon. Sondra Denmark for Trials;
Hon. Daniel Gallagher for Branch Courts; and Hon. Diann K. Marsalek for Traffic. The Hon. Ankur Srivastava will serve as Supervising Judge for the Pretrial Division. The Hon. Neil H. Cohen will serve as Supervising Judge for the Chancery Division. The Hon. Abbey Fishman Romanek will serve as Supervising Judge for the Domestic Relations Division. All other currently appointed supervising judges will remain in their roles.
Today’s restructuring also includes the creation of the New Judge Orientation and Training Section to assist new judges as they take the bench. In addition to her role as supervising judge, Hon. Diann K. Marsalek will chair the new section. The Hon. Adrienne E. Davis will serve as vice chair.
The three deputy chief appointments are effective immediately. All other judicial appointments are effective January 5, 2026.
All orders will be available on the Circuit Court website.
Media Contact: ocj.press@cookcountyil.gov
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