by David Chapman
Staff Writer
It’s just court administrator now.
After six months of serving as acting court administrator following the departure of Britt Beasley, Joe Stelma had the “acting” title lifted after notifying the Florida Supreme Court Thursday.
“It’s an honor, it’s exciting and a new venture,” said Stelma. “Without all the hard working people in place already here though, I don’t know if I would have attempted the position.”
Though just announced, the decision was actually made Aug. 14 following a majority approval of all County and Circuit Court Judges in the 4th Judicial Circuit.
The approval of the judges Stelma helps is comforting as he takes the role to the next level.
“It feels good to know that I have the confidence of the judiciary,” he said. “It’s my job to support them and make things run smoothly and I’ll continue to do so.”
The outcome of the vote and the job he’s done made it an easy choice for the rest of the judges, said one judge who works with him daily.
“He was doing a good job,” said Chief Judge Donald Moran. “It’s just a title change and all the people under and around Joe really liked and respected him.”
Handling the day-to-day operations of the court is no easy task, said Moran, and one that many judges and others don’t fully understand. When everything is working right, oftentimes a court administrator isn’t seen – it’s only when things aren’t successful that the position is publicized, he noted.
Moran is happy Stelma was approved and believes uncertainty with the position can make it difficult on people within the courts.
Stelma said he will continue to stress the teamwork, respect and idea sharing as he did as acting court administrator to ensure the continued smoothness of day-to-day operations.
Daily meetings with division heads – instead of weekly or monthly – and receiving ideas from everyone involved in the process are just part of the things Stelma deems necessary to keep things on the right track.
“There are a lot of wonderful people around me with a lot of ideas,” said Stelma. “If their ideas help the process and the courts then we should always try to pursue it.”
An open line of communication isn’t the only thing on his agenda.
Refurbishing courtrooms, handling Courthouse staff relocation and planning investitures for recently elected judges while assisting with the retirement of departing judges are all in the works.
Making sure judges get what they need is important to Stelma and he has an eye on the future Courthouse plans to further help with accommodating judges and staff.
Until it’s built and everything is settled, he’ll continue to work with what he has.
Stelma isn’t the only one who was promoted, though, as Mia Heiney of the Unified Family Court Services division was named Chief Deputy Court Administrator.
Stelma formerly held that second-in-command role and is looking forward to hearing Heiney’s ideas on how to help the courts.
“She’s definitely done a wonderful job,” said Stelma. “Now she will definitely have more of a say.”
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