After more than thirty years of devoted service in court administration, Patrick G. Brummond, the respected District Court Administrator for the Seventh Judicial District in Wisconsin, is retiring on March 8, 2024.
Since joining the Wisconsin Court System in 1994, Brummond has left an indelible mark on the state's judicial landscape through his unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation. His extensive resume includes roles such as Deputy Director of State Courts for Court Operations and District Court Administrator for the Third and Seventh Judicial Districts, showcasing his leadership and expertise in the field.
"The Wisconsin Court System and the people of Wisconsin are incredibly fortunate to have benefited from Pat's 30 years of dedicated public service," said Holly Szablewski, the Deputy Director of State Courts. "His contributions to the courts and his colleagues are immeasurable. He has been a trusted leader and confidant for our nine district court administrators, as well as many judges, circuit court clerks, and other court system employees, always imparting his invaluable institutional knowledge and wisdom."
Throughout his career, Brummond has emphasized the importance of timely resolution for children and families in crisis, recognizing the profound impact of court decisions on their lives. He has also been a driving force behind many pivotal changes within the court system. One of the most notable advancements he championed was the automation of the court system through the development of the Consolidated Court Automation Program (CCAP) and, more recently, eFiling.
"Wisconsin is fairly unique in our universal use of CCAP for all circuit and appellate courts in the state," Brummond said. "Such a statewide system promotes uniformity in recordkeeping, case management, calendaring, and case processing. We are fortunate; most states can't claim such a system."
Reflecting on his impactful career, Brummond expressed pride in his work during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he and his colleagues played a vital role in swiftly adapting court operations to a virtual environment. His involvement in the Chief Justice's Wisconsin Courts COVID-19 Task Force showcased his leadership and commitment to ensuring the court system continued to serve the citizens of Wisconsin effectively.
"I'm most proud of our work during the initial stages of the pandemic in 2020. In my 36 years of court administration, I have never experienced such a fast pivot in changing fundamental parts of court operations so the system could meet its' mission and constitutional obligations," Brummond said. "I don't think I'll ever see another rapid change such as that again. We found out in subsequent years that Wisconsin was far ahead nationally in transitioning our court system back into the business of serving our citizens."
As Brummond bids farewell to his illustrious career, his advice to those entering the field of court administration resonates deeply: "Never stop learning, and you will have all the tools to succeed; but only by building relationships will you have the ability to implement change.”
“Pat heads into his well-deserved retirement leaving a legacy of unwavering dedication, commitment to excellence, expertise, and camaraderie," added Szablewski.
Those who work with him said Brummond's legacy is one of a trusted leader who could rally people around a shared vision. His retirement marks the end of an era but leaves a lasting impact on the judicial landscape of Wisconsin.