HARTFORD -- The Honorable Joseph H. Pellegrino, Chief Court Administrator, today announced the appointment of Judge Michael A. Mack as Chief Administrative Judge for Juvenile Matters. Judge Mack succeeds Judge Christine E. Keller.

Judge Mack will administer a division that is responsible for hearing juvenile justice and child protection cases. Since fiscal year 1996-97, nearly 30,000 cases have been added annually to Juvenile Court.

"Judge Mack’s dedication to the principles of justice and his ability to handle difficult administrative responsibilities makes him uniquely qualified to serve as the head of the Judicial Branch’s juvenile matters division," Judge Pellegrino said. "I have every confidence that Judge Mack’s intricate knowledge of legal matters affecting children will serve him well in this new capacity."

Judge Keller, who has held the post since 1997, has been widely recognized for her extraordinary leadership in leading the juvenile court system at a time when these cases have received increased attention.

"Judge Keller’s tireless work as the Chief Administrative Judge for Juvenile Matters is to be applauded," Judge Pellegrino said. "She has served in this post with distinction, administering a division that has some of the most troubling and heartbreaking cases. The Connecticut Judicial Branch is grateful to her for her contributions."

In her new assignment, Judge Keller will preside over criminal cases in Hartford Superior Court.

Judge Mack, 65, of North Stonington, received his B.A. from St. Mary’s Seminary-University in Baltimore, Maryland, and his J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law in 1962. Judge Mack was engaged in the private practice of law from 1962-1983. His practice emphasized civil litigation, and also included tort, real estate, zoning, family law, aviation law, and municipal and administrative law. In 1983, Judge Mack was appointed to the bench by Governor William O’Neill, and served until June of 1990. During portions of this tenure, Judge Mack served as the Administrative Judge for the Tolland and Windham Judicial Districts.

In 1990, Judge Mack left the Superior Court and accepted a position at Aetna Life & Casualty Co., serving as the Vice President of the Claim Legal Department. In 1998, Judge Mack returned to the Superior Court, appointed by Governor John G. Rowland, and has subsequently served as the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court for Juvenile Matters in Windham.