Judge Macias (center) with Diane Geraghty and Bernadine Dohrn

• NCJFCJ recognized Bernardine Dohrn, Director of the Children and Family Justice Center at Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago, and Diane C. Geraghty, Director of the CIVITAS Child Law Center at Loyola University Law School in Chicago, “in recognition of outstanding contributions to justice for children and families.”
• NCJFCJ recognized Judge Maurice B. Cohill, Jr., who served as Chair of the National Center for Juvenile Justice’s Board of Fellows for 36 years, since its inception in 1973. Judge Cohill retired as Chair in April 2009.
• NCJFCJ Executive Director Mary Mentaberry was presented with the “Heart and Soul Award” in recognition of her “unparalleled dedication and service,” presented by NCJFCJ’s Executive Committee, on behalf of the Board of Trustees.
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  Judge Macias and Mary Mentaberry
  NCJFCJ out-going President Judge Patricia Macías presented three President’s Awards, including one to Chief Judge Judith Kaye for “inspirational leadership and commitment to justice for children and families.” The “Spirit of Texas” President’s award was given to NCJFCJ Treasurer Judge Michael Nash for his qualities of “boldness, independence, strength of character and fidelity to the organization and its members.” Judge Macías presented NCJFCJ Communications Manager Jackie Ruffin with “The Pen is Mightier . . .” award for her work in supporting the Council’s publications and communications efforts.

Read more about the 72nd Annual Conference.