The late world-renowned Poet Dr. Maya Angelou famously stated,   "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."   This quote truly resonates in my heart and spirit in this moment. As Chief and Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Prince George's County and the Seventh Judicial Circuit of Maryland for nearly 12 years, the talented employees, leaders and visitors to the Courthouse have made me feel proud to serve our illustrious County. It is a position that I value and treasure. In fact, it has been the perfect culmination of my 40 year legal career.   Therefore, I deem it the most fitting time to announce that I will be retiring from the Maryland Judiciary effective December 31, 2022.   This, of course, was not an easy decision. I have pondered it for a few years. However, I am now ready to make the transition. I look forward to spending more time with my husband, children, grandchild, community endeavors and organizations that I hold dear.

This is a photo of my beloved family that I treasure! (Left to right)Timothy J. Adams, Jr., my son; Kayla R. Adams, my daughter; Timothy J. Adams, my husband; and my late daughter, Tiara D. Adams

I love this photo that I took with my grandson, Nehemiyah! He brings so much joy to my life.

While serving as Chief and Administrative Judge, I am proud of the accomplishments that we have made. We were able to create a broader and more inclusive vision statement for the Circuit Court that accurately exemplifies our goals when providing judicial services: "The Circuit Court Welcomes All - A Forum for Justice." This statement has guided every initiative, program, goal and service that we provide. We lead with this vision, and we live and breathe it daily.   Part of my commitment to the County has been strengthening the importance of rehabilitation and second chances. I am proud that under my tenure, the Veterans, Re-Entry and Juvenile Diversion Courts were created and have made life-changing strides when it comes to helping veterans, people who struggle with substance issues, students with truancy struggles and formerly incarcerated citizens looking for a second chance. We have also ensured that the Court is a haven of hope for the abused by creating the Family Justice Center, an initiative of the Circuit Court. The Center serves hundreds of citizens who have experienced Domestic violence, Elder abuse and even Sex trafficking.   The Circuit Court for Prince George's County has become a major piece of the tapestry of my legal career that started in 1982 when I graduated from the exceptional Howard University School of Law. I can remember early in my career being hired as an Assistant State's Attorney where I prosecuted cases and helped victims receive justice or some type of closure.   The Circuit Court was a very different place at that time. In fact, I was only the second Black female Assistant State's Attorney in the County. The Courthouse was much smaller and consisted of only the Duvall Wing, and the County was much more rural. Yes, I faced some challenges, but for the most part it was a wonderful growing experience where I made lifelong friends and forged professional relationships that have lasted decades. I persevered because the love for the law has always been in my heart. I knew I wanted to be a lawyer in the seventh grade when a Black female attorney spoke at an assembly at my middle school. I will never forget that moment. I was also inspired by the late Barbara Jordan who was a brilliant lawyer, educator and political powerhouse during the Civil Rights movement.

This is the day I was sworn in as an Assistant State's Attorney in Prince George's County. (Left to right) Judge James H. Taylor, me and Arthur M. “Bud” Marshall

As I steadfastly climbed the career ladder with women such as Ms. Jordan as inspiration, I will never forget being appointed by then Governor William Donald Schaefer as the first Black woman to the District Court of Maryland in Prince George's County in June 1993. I served in that capacity for three years before I was elevated to the Circuit Court for Prince George's County.   Then, I was appointed to my current position, Administrative Judge, on September 4, 2010 by then Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Robert M. Bell. I must admit I never imagined holding this position, especially following behind my mentor, The Honorable William D. Missouri. However, God saw otherwise, and I, at that moment, decided to give it all I had to ensure that the Circuit Court and Seventh Judicial Circuit continued to succeed and flourish.

This is the official photo that was taken when I became a District Court Judge.

A newspaper article was published about me becoming the first Black female judge in Prince George's County. In the top picture, my father and mother, George and Mary Tillerson are with me. In the bottom picture, my sister, Janice Q. Tillerson Bowser is pictured with me.

Yes, I will admit some days the job was challenging, but I was always inspired by the talented people around me who have made coming to work each day in this Courthouse as a Judge for the past 29 years a joy. From the judges to the bailiffs, deputies and courtroom clerks that worked alongside me in the courtrooms to my executive administrative aides, paralegals and law clerks that have worked in Chambers with me over the years. In addition to the talented professionals in Court Administration, the directors, managers and all of the staff of this Courthouse, the Clerk of the Court, the Office of the Sheriff, to our Justice Partners and County support departments with whom we work so closely. I have truly been blessed to be a part of this team.   We have led this Courthouse through expansions, floods, fires, a worldwide pandemic and now MDEC, and we are stronger today than ever before. We have looked adversity right in the eye, learned from it and used our collective creativity to thrive from the lessons learned.   Over the years, I have received many awards, recognitions and honors. While I am extremely grateful for each one, I am even more proud of the hundreds of people that I have served and worked with as an attorney and judge. I have worked with some of the most talented, inspiring and highly skilled people in Prince George's County. I have also had the chance to mentor many law clerks and interns through the Summer Law Links Internship Program. I am proud to say that many of my former law clerks and interns are successful attorneys and even judges today. What a legacy!

I am pictured with a group of my law clerks from over the years. I have treasured being able to mentor them throughout their careers even after their clerkships with me ended.

When I look back over my legal career, I am extremely grateful to say that my career has been very rewarding and gratifying. I have loved coming to work every day, notwithstanding the issue of the moment. I will miss all of you and the work that I do on a daily basis. However, I am excited to start a new chapter and create new dreams, plans and goals. Life is all about reinvention and embracing change, and I am ready to forge ahead.   Prior to my retirement at the end of the year, Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Matthew J. Fader will name a new Administrative Judge that will take the helm in Prince George's County and the Seventh Judicial Circuit. I will only be a phone call away for the newly appointed Administrative Judge, if needed.   I love Prince George's County, and I love this Courthouse. I hope my tenure has made an impact and that I have made you proud as a leader and made you feel proud to serve in your respective capacities. In closing, I look forward to seeing your faces in-person or virtually over the next five months as I prepare to depart. It will truly be an end of a joyous era for me!   So, this is not goodbye, I am just keeping you informed of my plans and hopefully reinforcing to you how much each of you matter in my life. Thank you for your continued service to this Court! The best is yet to come!