Gattari-Ross recognized for contributions to district court

WARREN — The court administrator at the 37th District Court in Warren and Center Line was recently recognized for her work simplifying the public’s access to the court.

The Michigan Court Administration Association recently recognized Annette Gattari-Ross as its Court Administrator of the Year. The award is given annually to a court administrator who makes significant contributions to court administration and management.

“I was completely surprised and quite honored to receive this award from the Michigan Court Administration Association,” Gattari-Ross said in an email. “I have met so many hard-working and dedicated court administrators throughout the state. The court administrators from Macomb County are a great group as well.”

In the past three years, Gattari-Ross has implemented changes at the court, allowing for easier public access, including electronic filings and online case information. She also incorporated Michigan court rules to support remote proceedings and facilitated a new website for the court that is expected to launch soon.

Gattari-Ross also works with other courts and local law enforcement agencies to improve training operations and review procedures.

The judges at the 37th District Court agreed that Gattari-Ross is deserving of the recognition. In a press release, District Court Judge Suzanne Faunce said the award acknowledges Gattari-Ross’ “visionary thinking, continued leadership and commitment to the field of court management.”

“The 37th District Court judges and staff congratulate Annette on her award and thank her for her dedication and contribution to court administration,” District Court Judge Michael Chupa said in the release.

Chief Judge John Chmura said Gattari-Ross is a tireless worker who advocates for the court while always putting the public first.

In addition to her role as court administrator, Gattari-Ross also serves as a magistrate. In this role, she conducts arraignments and traffic matters, reviews search warrants and performs wedding ceremonies. Prior to this position, she was an assistant city attorney for the city of Warren for over 23 years.

Gattari-Ross is a graduate of the Michigan Judicial Institute’s Court Leadership Team Academy and also completed the court management program through the National Center for State Courts and has achieved the status of certified court manager.

“The 37th District Court has a significant caseload, and the judges and court staff work extremely hard and well together to make sure that cases are processed fairly, timely and in accordance with the laws and court rules,” Gattari-Ross said. “I am very fortunate to work with so many exceptional people.”