Atlanta, GA — its December 10 meeting in Dalton, the Supreme Court of Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution (“Commission”) recognized Chief Judge M. Cindy Morris for her exemplary service as Chair and further honored four members whose terms have concluded: Hon. Clarence Cuthpert Jr., N. Staten Bitting Jr., Esq., Nicole W. Hull, Esq., and Peggy McCoy Wilson.
Chief Judge Morris, who joined the Commission in 2018 and became Chair in 2021, was commended for her steady leadership and the significant advancements achieved during her tenure. Under her direction, the Commission created the Probate Mediation registration category – the newest in decades – and is advancing the development of an additional category for Judicially Hosted Settlement Conferences. Commission Chair-Elect Judge Carrie B. Markham praised Chief Judge Morris’s impact, noting that “[Chief Judge Morris] helped shape some of the most meaningful advancements in Georgia’s dispute resolution landscape” and “brings steady, thoughtful, and forward-looking leadership” to every initiative.
She also highlighted Chief Judge Morris’s long-standing commitment to alternative dispute resolution, grounded in her service as a superior court judge and her many prior years as a trained mediator.
Chief Judge Morris was presented with a resolution from Chief Justice Nels S.D. Peterson of the Supreme Court of Georgia in recognition of her service. The Commission also recognized four outgoing members for their dedication and contributions; their collective impact was acknowledged with Chief Judge Morris’ reminder that “the Commission is only as strong as the people who choose to serve on it,” and that the work requires “time, judgment, patience, a sense of humor, and a real commitment to improving the way Georgians resolve their disputes.”
Hon. Clarence Cuthpert Jr., N. Staten Bitting Jr., Nicole W. Hull, and Peggy McCoy Wilson were each thanked for their service, leadership, and support of the statewide ADR system. Their efforts have strengthened programs, shaped policy, and advanced the mission of the Commission in lasting ways.
The Supreme Court established the Commission on Dispute Resolution to administer a statewide comprehensive Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program; oversee the development and ensure the quality of all court programs; develop guidelines and approve court programs; develop criteria for training and qualifications of neutrals; and establish standards of conduct for neutrals. The 19-member Commission is comprised of representatives of all appellate and trial courts, a representative from both the General Assembly and the State Bar of Georgia, approved trainers and registered neutrals, a court ADR program director, and other professionals with an interest in dispute resolution.
For more information on the Commission, please click here.