Southeastern NC judge to run state court agency

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A local judge will head up the administrative agency that oversees North Carolina’s courts.

Chief Justice Mark Martin has appointed Judge Marion Warren as interim director of the NC Administrative Office of the Courts. Judge Warren will begin duties effective upon the retirement of current director Judge John W. Smith on May 1.

“Judge Warren has served as a district court judge for nearly 15 years, and I am confident that he will bring the skills, experience and leadership necessary for the successful administration of the courts,” Chief Justice Mark Martin said in a news release.

Warren will serve until a new director is appointed. Chief Justice Martin will announce the formation of a search committee to review candidates to be considered for appointment as the next director of the NCAOC. Smith has served in the position since 2009, and is retiring after more than 40 years of service to the state’s courts.

Warren has served as a district court judge in Judicial District 13 (Bladen, Brunswick, and Columbus counties) since 2000.