Madison County trio completes certified court manager training
Madison County Circuit Judge Patrick King (left) congratulates Circuit Clerk Patrick McRae following the Certified Court Manager graduation ceremony June 26 at the Illinois Supreme Court. (submitted photo)
Circuit clerk, chief deputy circuit clerk, trial court administrator earn nationally recognized credentials
By Tribune Staff • Strong leadership helps build stronger courts.
Madison County Circuit Clerk Patrick McRae, Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk Missy Bickmore and Trial Court Administrator Ryan Anderson completed the certified court manager (CCM) program, earning nationally recognized credentials through the Illinois Judicial College and the National Center for State Courts’ Institute for Court Management.
The three received their Certified Court Manager credentials during a graduation ceremony at the Illinois Supreme Court on June 26. Madison County Circuit Judge Patrick King attended the ceremony in support of their accomplishment.
“Investing in professional development strengthens our leadership and helps us provide the highest level of service to the people of Madison County,” McRae said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and appreciate being nominated by the Illinois Supreme Court.”
The certified court manager program is the first level of a nationally recognized professional certification track for court leaders. Designed for managers and administrators within the judicial branch, the program equips participants with the knowledge and leadership skills needed to improve court operations while enhancing public confidence in the justice system.
Participants complete an intensive curriculum covering leadership, strategic planning, case flow management, budgeting, workforce management, project management, court performance, ethics and accountability. The program also emphasizes innovation, organizational effectiveness and customer service to help courts better meet the needs of the public.
“The program brings together court professionals from across Illinois to exchange ideas and best practices,” McRae said. “Those conversations give us practical tools to strengthen court operations and better serve the people of Madison County.”
The Illinois Judicial College administers the program in partnership with the National Center for State Courts’ Institute for Court Management. Participants are nominated through the Illinois Supreme Court and selected based on their commitment to excellence in court operations and their potential to lead positive change within Illinois’ judicial system. Training is funded by the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts.
McRae said the program provided practical strategies that can be implemented locally to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Madison County court system.
“It means I have a new set of tools to implement at the Madison County Courthouse,” McRae said.
McRae thanked Judge King for taking time to attend the graduation ceremony. He also expressed appreciation for the support of his family throughout the program.
“I’m grateful to my wife and our kids for celebrating this milestone with me,” McRae said. “None of these accomplishments happen without the love, support and sacrifices of our family.”
The Certified Court Manager credential serves as the foundation for continued professional development in court administration. McRae said he plans to pursue the Certified Court Executive designation, the advanced level of the National Center for State Courts’ certification program, as he continues strengthening leadership and service within the Madison County court system.
“Our responsibility is to keep looking for ways to improve the services we provide,” McRae said. “Every opportunity to grow professionally helps us better serve the judges, our justice partners and, most importantly, the people of Madison County.”
Patrick McRae was elected as the circuit clerk in 2024, succeeding his father, Thomas McRae, who had retired. Prior to defeating Stephen Adler in the primary election that year, Patrick McRae had served as deputy treasurer in the office of Treasurer Chris Slusser who was chosen by the voters as county board chairman also in 2024.
Trial Court Administrator Ryan Anderson (left), Circuit Clerk Patrick McRae (center) and Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk Missy Bickmore display their Certified Court Manager credentials during a June 26 graduation ceremony at the Illinois Supreme Court. The trio completed the nationally recognized leadership program through the Illinois Judicial College and the National Center for State Courts’ Institute for Court Management. (submitted photo)
