Today I presented Chief Justice Ronald M. George with the CSAC 2010 President’s Award. Chief Justice George is retiring at the end of the year after a distinguished 38-year career on the bench, the last 14 of which he has served as the Chief Justice. His tenure has been marked by extraordinary achievements, and he leaves an enormous legacy of solid court reforms, strong advocacy, and exemplary collaboration.

There are so many things that can be said about the Chief. His biography is extraordinarily impressive. The bottom line is that he is just an amazing human being. He’s a true leader. He offers a unique mix of compassion, wisdom, vision, and courage. He’s energetic and innovative. Committed and conscientious. He’s the kind of person you would like, well, as Chief Justice of the largest and most complex court system in the nation. His accomplishments in the area of court administration alone are phenomenal, not to mention his contributions to the body of law.

Many people will miss Chief Justice George when he leaves office, and county officials across the state are among them. We deeply appreciate the friendship he has offered counties throughout times of extraordinary change. Mostly, we wish him the very best as he takes on life’s new adventures in this next chapter. He is most deserving of the CSAC 2010 President’s Award. And it is a distinct honor for me to have presented it to him today. Thank you, Chief.