Administrative Office

The Administrative Office (AO) is organized functionally and by court program areas to carry out its many activities. The major organizational components of the agency are:

• Director
• Deputy Director
• Associate Director and General Counsel
• Judicial Conference Executive Secretariat
• Legislative Affairs
• Public Affairs
• Court Administration
• Defender Services
• Facilities and Security
• Finance and Budget
• Human Resources
• Information Technology
• Internal Services
• Judges Programs
• Probation and Pretrial Services

Because it is a service organization, the agency's resources and functions are often shifted to respond effectively to the changing requirements of the Judiciary.

Each employee of the agency knows that he or she is there to support the judges, the courts, and the Judiciary's mission. To meet the agency's obligations to the courts, the Director established five fundamental goals that embody the values and direction of the AO:

• Good relations
• Openness
• Accountability and achievement
• Leadership
• Service

In addition, the Director establishes specific management priorities each year. Each division and office within the AO develops and implements specific initiatives in support of these goals. Quarterly status reports measure progress against planned milestones, and periodic meetings with senior managers are held to evaluate progress. This system enables the AO to devote its limited resources to achieve the highest priority initiatives.

AO program managers work in conjunction with judges and court managers to address the most pressing needs the courts have for automated systems, space and facilities planning support, administrative improvements, program guidance, long-range planning, court security and emergency preparedness, and other needs.