Third Branch eNews

Eighth Judicial Administrative District Chief Judge Carrie A. Schneider, Outagamie County Circuit Court, has been named as the new leader of the Chief Judge Committee. Judge Schneider was selected for this prestigious role by her fellow chief judges, effective August 1. She will replace outgoing committee chair Jason A. Rossell, who will have exhausted his eligibility as chief judge, a position he has held since 2017.

Judge Schneider was appointed to the bench in 2017 by former Governor Scott Walker, was elected in 2018, and re-elected in 2024. She was first appointed as the Chief Judge of the Eighth Judicial District by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 2022 and reappointed in 2024. Before that, she served as the Deputy Chief Judge.

The Supreme Court appoints a chief judge for each of the nine judicial administrative districts to oversee administrative matters. The chief judge is assisted by a district court administrator. The duties and authority of the chief judges are specified under SCR 70.19, 70.20, and 70.21. As the new leader of the Chief Judge Committee, Schneider will play a pivotal role in shaping administrative policies and practices that impact courts statewide.

"I am honored to serve in this new role and work with our amazing group of Chief Judges, District Court Staff and the Director's Office," said Chief Judge Schneider. "The next year will bring a focus again on court efficiencies, the attorney shortage across the State, and providing support to our exceptional circuit court judges and staff. "

Prior to her judicial career, Schneider served as the District Attorney for Outagamie County, a position she held from 2003 until her appointment to the bench. During her tenure as a prosecutor, she established the county's first domestic violence prosecution unit. Beyond her judicial responsibilities, Schneider is deeply involved in community service. She is the founder and chair of the Fox Cities Exchange Club, an organization dedicated to preventing child abuse.

Schneider graduated from Marquette University and the University of Wisconsin Law School. The Eighth Judicial Administrative District includes Brown, Door, Kewaunee, Marinette, Oconto, Outagamie, and Waupaca counties.