MJC Annual Meeting
MJC President Matthew J. Machera introduces new leadership award honoring former SJC Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants.
November 2, 2022
Judges convene at the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA
2022 Annual Meeting & Awards
The 2022 annual meeting included numerous firsts for the MJC. Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito were the first chief executives of the Commonwealth to attend an MJC meeting since the organization was founded in 1982. Another first was the creation of the MJC Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants Leadership Award. The inaugural award was posthumously awarded to Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants (1954-2020) and was accepted by his wife, Northeastern University Law School Professor Deborah Ramirez. The first recipient was awarded to former Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey.
Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants (1954-2022) pictured at the 2019 Annual Meeting.
Former Trial Court Chief Justice Paula M. Carey spoke about Chief Justice Gants’ impact on access to justice in Massachusetts.
Presentation of MJC’s Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants Leadership Award
Northeastern University Law School Professor Deborah Ramirez, wife of Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants accepting the award on his behalf.
MJC President Matthew J. Machera offers opening remarks and welcomes Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Judiciary Committee Chairs Representative Michael Day and Senator James Eldridge.
Juvenile Court Chief Justice Amy Nechtem, Lt. Governor Polito and Clerk Magistrate Sharen Casey (former Executive Director of the Judicial Nominating Commission).
Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd shared her memories and appreciation for former Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants.
District Court Judge Cesar A. Archilla and Superior Court Judge William M. White.
Marine Corps Veteran Judge Jeffrey Clifford leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
Lt. Governor Karyn Polito accepting MJC vest from MJC President Matthew J. Machera.
Superior Court Judge Thomas Drechsler, Superior Court Judge Edward McDonough Jr. and Juvenile Court Chief Justice Amy Nechtem.
Lt. Governor Karyn Polito shares her perspective as the Chair of the Governor’s Council and as an attorney.
Retired Probate and Family Court Judge and MJC Board Member Susan Ricci Cohen and District Court Judge James G. Haddad.
Probate and Family Court Judges Katherine Field and Janine D. Rivers
Past Judicial Excellence Award Recipient videos
Following are two of many Judicial Excellence Profiles produced by the MJC throughout the years.
Video Tribute to Judge Richard Chin.
Video Tribute to Judge Sydney Haslon.