The Charleston County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) has named their new director, Charleston County Magistrate Judge Ellen Steinberg. Steinberg began her new role on August 12, 2022. Prior to becoming a magistrate judge, she worked as an assistant solicitor for the ninth circuit, an assistant public defender, a family court attorney, a prosecutor for the Department of Social Services, and as a teacher in the paralegal department at Trident Technical College. She was also a founding member of the CJCC and a prior CJCC vice chairwoman. She is also a founding member of the Tri-County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council, serves on several local boards, and participates in attorney and judge mentorship programs. Steinberg will replace Kristy Pierce Danford who successfully launched and led the CJCC since 2015.

“We are excited to welcome Judge Steinberg to Charleston County’s Public Safety Directorate,” said Deputy County Administrator of Public Safety Eric Watson. “I am confident she is the right person to continue to carry out the CJCC’s mission to improve public safety and better this community.”

“Judge Steinberg’s experience practicing law, serving on the CJCC, and as a judge makes her an ideal director for the CJCC,” said CJCC Board Chairman Jason Bruder.

“I am honored to be chosen for this position and am passionate about the CJCC’s vision and mission,” said Judge Steinberg. “I am excited to work with this Council to identify challenges and continue to improve the criminal justice system."