Retired New Mexico State Court Administrator Artie Pepin honored with Kenneth R. Palmer Distinguished Service Award
COSCA President Regina deChabert Petersen presented retired New Mexico State Court Administrator Artie Pepin with the Kenneth R. Palmer Distinguished Service Award during the annual conference in Maine.
Retired New Mexico State Court Administrator Artie Pepin was recognized with the Kenneth R. Palmer Distinguished Service Award last week during the CCJ/COSCA annual conference in Rockport, Maine. Before his retirement in August 2024, Pepin served as the state court administrator for 18 years.
"His efforts have enhanced the standing of the New Mexico judiciary, increased access to the courts, and improved the lives of all New Mexicans," wrote New Mexico State Court Administrator Karl Reifsteck in his nomination. "His efforts have received national recognition and have helped spur justice reforms around the country."
The award honors current or retired members of COSCA who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and excellence in judicial administration, or have significantly advanced at least one of COSCA's purposes.
Achievements noted in Pepin's nomination include:
- Led the effort to improve language access services in New Mexico, including providing interpreters to jurors.
- Implemented a statewide case management system and a pretrial justice program throughout the state.
- Led the judicial branch's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Increased the judiciary's recurring legislative appropriations by over 76%.