Carson City administrator honored as Court Executive of the Year

Randall Soderquist, president of the Nevada Association of Court Executives (NACE) and court administrator for Elko Township Justice Court and city of Elko Municipal Court, and Julie Wise, assistant clerk of court, Second Judicial District Court and NACE board member, presented the 2016 Court Executive of the Year Award to Max Cortes at the Carson City Courthouse on April 24.

The NACE membership consists of 69 court administrators and managers representing Nevada courts. Since 2005, NACE has recognized outstanding court leaders by presenting the Court Executive of the Year Award.

Present were James T. Russell, District Court Judge, John Tatro, Justice of the Peace/Municipal Court Judge, Thomas R. Armstrong, Justice of the Peace/Municipal Court Judge, Evie Lancaster, Administrative Office of the Courts, court staff from the First Judicial District Court, Carson City Justice/Municipal Court, Carson City Juvenile Services and family members.

Randall Soderquist stated, “Max is the person to call when you have a question whether you are in the District Court, Justice Court or Municipal Court. She is never too busy and provides assistance to colleagues throughout the state. She is not only extremely knowledgeable but a great friend.”

Cortes was surprised to receive the award as the judges, court staff, and her family kept it a secret until the award could be presented on her birthday.

“I am extremely honored. People ask me how I am able to manage multiple courts. My reply is that the judges I work for are supportive, provide tremendous guidance, are patient, cooperative, and they are always willing to listen. The staff is amazing, dedicated, and they all take great pride in their work. This combination makes my job pretty easy and I am very proud to work here,” Cortes said.

Cortes has served as the Court Administrator for the First Judicial District Court and the Carson City Justice/Municipal Court since November of 2006. Since 2010, she has served as the Education Chair for NACE and coordinates education training to Nevada court administrators and managers throughout the state.

Judge Russell said the Carson City Courts are extremely proud of their court administrator and the award is well deserved.