In Chambers - Winter 2010


by Christie L. Smith Just prior to this year’s annual conference, Executive Director Mari Kay Bickett announced her pending retirement effective Fall, 2010. In preparing to step down from the Executive Director position, Bickett said, "So much has happened in my life this past year which, in turn, has made me realize there remains so much I have yet to experience." During Bickett’s tenure, the Texas Center has grown, both in staff size and in budget. “When I came here the budget was around $850,000 annually, and there were five staff members. Now, we have 15 full and contract staff, and the budget has grown to $5.5 million in grants and contributions. With the growth in staff and budget, has also come a greater responsibility in managing the affairs of the organization.” Bickett says she feels fortunate that she has been able to serve the excellent judiciary in her native state of Texas in a career in judicial education that has spanned 22 years. She has been the Executive Director of the Texas Center for 16 years. “I’m proud to say that I’m the longest-serving Executive Director of the Center,” she said. But she’s most proud of how the education offerings have continued to improve over time. “Now it’s rare to see a judge out of class once the bell rings. I believe TCJ’s programs are meeting the needs of our judges and that they are relevant and timely.” Recognition for the excellence of the programs offered by the Texas Center has spread, both nationally and statewide. In 2006, Bickett traveled with then-chair Hon. Laura A. Weiser to Hawaii to accept an award from the American Bar Association for Judicial Excellence in Education. In addition, the Texas Center has been recognized by the State Bar of Texas and the Offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor for delivering quality education to the judges of Texas. Bickett says accepting that award was one of her most memorable moments – but she has others. “Moving into our new offices in 2003 was a highlight. We went from a 2,000-square-foot office at the State Bar, to a state-of-the-art 9,000-square-foot facility. We occupy the entire floor and have room for small trainings now.” Another high point happened at the Annual Conference in 2005. Staff members entertained the judges with a rousing rendition of the Gloria Gaynor classic, “I Will Survive.” “It was a great fundraiser, and also one of the best team-building exercises we’ve ever had,” she said. Leaving the Texas Center is not without some sadness for Bickett. “I’ll miss all of the judges that are part of TCJ. So many of them I call close friends.” She also says it will be tough to leave the position she’s been so passionate about for so long. “I believe quality judicial education makes a real difference in giving Texas judges the tools to administer justice with fairness, efficiency and integrity. In my heart, I am a judicial educator…If I did not really believe in TCJ's mission, then this would just be a job.”

by Christie L. Smith

Just prior to this year’s annual conference, Executive Director Mari Kay Bickett announced her pending retirement effective Fall, 2010. In preparing to step down from the Executive Director position, Bickett said, "So much has happened in my life this past year which, in turn, has made me realize there remains so much I have yet to experience."

During Bickett’s tenure, the Texas Center has grown, both in staff size and in budget. “When I came here the budget was around $850,000 annually, and there were five staff members. Now, we have 15 full and contract staff, and the budget has grown to $5.5 million in grants and contributions. With the growth in staff and budget, has also come a greater responsibility in managing the affairs of the organization.”

Bickett says she feels fortunate that she has been able to serve the excellent judiciary in her native state of Texas in a career in judicial education that has spanned 22 years. She has been the Executive Director of the Texas Center for 16 years. “I’m proud to say that I’m the longest-serving Executive Director of the Center,” she said. But she’s most proud of how the education offerings have continued to improve over time. “Now it’s rare to see a judge out of class once the bell rings. I believe TCJ’s programs are meeting the needs of our judges and that they are relevant and timely.”

Recognition for the excellence of the programs offered by the Texas Center has spread, both nationally and statewide. In 2006, Bickett traveled with then-chair Hon. Laura A. Weiser to Hawaii to accept an award from the American Bar Association for Judicial Excellence in Education. In addition, the Texas Center has been recognized by the State Bar of Texas and the Offices of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor for delivering quality education to the judges of Texas.

Bickett says accepting that award was one of her most memorable moments – but she has others. “Moving into our new offices in 2003 was a highlight. We went from a 2,000-square-foot office at the State Bar, to a state-of-the-art 9,000-square-foot facility. We occupy the entire floor and have room for small trainings now.”

Another high point happened at the Annual Conference in 2005. Staff members entertained the judges with a rousing rendition of the Gloria Gaynor classic, “I Will Survive.” “It was a great fundraiser, and also one of the best team-building exercises we’ve ever had,” she said.

Leaving the Texas Center is not without some sadness for Bickett. “I’ll miss all of the judges that are part of TCJ. So many of them I call close friends.” She also says it will be tough to leave the position she’s been so passionate about for so long. “I believe quality judicial education makes a real difference in giving Texas judges the tools to administer justice with fairness, efficiency and integrity. In my heart, I am a judicial educator…If I did not really believe in TCJ's mission, then this would just be a job.”