Announcements

2026 Employee of the Quarter (July-September) – Allison Katz

CONGRATULATIONS!

Please join us in congratulating Allison Katz, Senior Court Operations Consultant, on being selected as Employee of the First Quarter for July through September 2026.

This recognition reflects Allison’s outstanding dedication, professionalism, and untiring commitment to the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit. Since beginning her career with the Circuit on April 18, 2005, as a Family Court Case Manager, she has consistently demonstrated excellence in every role she has held. She transferred to the Drug Court Division as a Court Program Specialist II on November 6, 2012, and was promoted to Manager of Drug Court on August 26, 2014, where she distinguished herself through exceptional leadership and service.

Throughout her career, Allison has earned the respect of judges, court staff, and our justice partners through her remarkable work ethic and willingness to do whatever is necessary to ensure the success of the programs she oversees. She is exceptionally dedicated, hardworking, and organized, and she is committed to continuously learning and implementing best practices to improve the operation of our problem-solving courts. She consistently brings a positive attitude to every challenge and has shown an unwavering commitment to excellence by staying late, arriving early, working weekends when needed, and always putting the circuit’s needs first.

Her leadership has been particularly evident in overseeing the Drug Court laboratory and its operations. When Court Administration placed the urinalysis laboratory under her supervision, she immediately embraced the challenge. She devoted countless hours to mastering the laboratory’s technical and operational procedures, successfully revamped the laboratory budget, brought chemical and reagent expenditures under control, and ensured the program’s continued efficiency. In addition, she routinely steps in to operate the laboratory during staffing shortages and frequently travels throughout Monroe County to supervise and coordinate sample collection and transportation for analysis. Her willingness to assist wherever needed exemplifies her dedication to the court’s mission.

Beyond her technical expertise, Allison is a trusted leader and valued colleague. She has built strong working relationships with court staff, laboratory personnel, and justice partners, and has earned the confidence to take on expanded managerial responsibilities. Through her professionalism, initiative, and genuine commitment to delivering high-quality services, she has significantly enhanced the effectiveness, efficiency, and accuracy of the Circuit’s problem-solving court programs.

On behalf of the judges and employees of the Sixteenth Judicial Circuit, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to Allison for her many years of dedicated service. Her commitment to excellence, strong leadership, and wholehearted support of our mission make this recognition truly well deserved. Congratulations, Allison, on this honor, and thank you for your exceptional service and dedication to the 16th Judicial Circuit.

2026 Employee of the Quarter (January – March) – Nico Concepcion

CONGRATULATIONS!

Please join us in congratulating Nico Concepcion, Judicial Staff Assistant, on being selected as Employee of the Third Quarter for January-March 2026.

Nico began his career with the 16th Judicial Circuit on September 8, 2025, shortly after graduating from college with degrees in Political Science and Psychology. From the very beginning, it was clear that Nico was a remarkable addition to our Circuit family. He quickly distinguished himself through his professionalism, dedication, integrity, and exceptional work ethic. His eagerness to learn and his genuine commitment to understanding the judicial system earned him the respect and admiration of judges, attorneys, and court personnel alike.

Soon after joining the Circuit, Nico stepped into the role of Judicial Assistant to Judge Bonnie Helms following the retirement of her longtime assistant. Without hesitation, he embraced the additional responsibilities and adapted seamlessly while continuing to support two other judicial offices. Shortly thereafter, Nico again rose to the occasion by assuming the role of Judicial Assistant to Judge Koenig after his former assistant relocated out of the county. In true “Nico fashion,” he welcomed the challenge and thrived in the fast-paced environment of managing the demands of multiple judicial offices with professionalism, poise, and efficiency.

Nico also played an instrumental role in training newly hired judicial assistants. He thoughtfully prepared detailed notes, guides, and procedural manuals to help ensure their success and smooth transition into their positions. More importantly, he trained his new colleagues with patience, encouragement, and genuine enthusiasm, always making himself available to answer questions and provide guidance. His willingness to share his knowledge and invest in others’ success reflects the kind of teammate and leader he naturally became within our Circuit.

Nico is truly an anomaly in the best sense of the word. He integrated effortlessly into the 16th Circuit team and quickly developed a deep understanding of both his role and the Court’s broader mission. His inquisitive nature and genuine thirst for legal knowledge demonstrated how deeply he cared about the quality and accuracy of the work he produced each day. He not only excelled in his own duties but also became a trusted resource and mentor to new judicial assistants and colleagues alike. His strong sense of ownership, unwavering professional ism, and pride in our Circuit’s reputation are evident in everything he does. Nico consistently holds himself and his work to the highest standards.

We would also be remiss if we did not mention Nico’s impeccable professionalism and appearance. Every day, he arrives dressed in the utmost professional manner, complete with a tie and jacket, exemplifying the dignity and respect that reflect the Circuit’s important work. Nico not only talks the part, but he also dresses and carries himself as a consummate professional.

Nico’s positive attitude and energy have had a lasting impact on those around him-what many have come to call the “Nico Effect.” His optimism, kindness, and dedication inspire others daily. While he will certainly be difficult to replace as he begins his journey to Wake Forest law school, we know he has an incredibly bright future ahead. Nico is truly one of a kind, one of those rare individuals whose impact will long be remembered. His service to the 16th Judicial Circuit reflects the very best of who we are as a Circuit.

Congratulations, Nico, on this well-deserved honor, and thank you for your exceptional service and dedication to the 16th Judicial Circuit.

2025 Employee of the Quarter (October-December) – Raquel Galvan

CONGRATULATIONS!

Please join us in congratulating Raquel Galvan, Judicial Assistant to Judge Bonnie Helms, on being selected as Employee of the Quarter for October – December 2025.

Raquel is known throughout the Circuit as the very heart of our courthouse. With her gentle, humble spirit, unwavering kindness, and genuine care for every person she encounters, she brings warmth and stability to our workplace each and every day. Her presence is not only felt but also relied upon.

Raquel began her career with the 16th Judicial Circuit in May of 1989, giving her more than 36 years of devoted service to this Circuit. Over more than three and a half decades, she has demonstrated the highest levels of professionalism, dedication, and integrity. Her strong work ethic and quiet leadership have earned her the deep respect of judges, attorneys, and court personnel alike.

She began as a secretary and soon transitioned into the role of Judicial Assistant for Judge Sandra Taylor, where she quickly distinguished herself with purpose and grace. Over the course of her career, Raquel has served as a Judicial Assistant to three judges, each time adapting seamlessly to new expectations, styles, and challenges. Remarkably, she not only excelled but also became a trusted guide, teaching each new judge countless tips, procedures, and practices that ensure success in the courtroom.

Beyond her official duties, Raquel is a teacher, a mentor, and a steady source of wisdom. Whether assisting a new Judicial Assistant, a Case Manager, or a colleague in need, she generously and thoughtfully shares her knowledge. Her institutional knowledge is truly immeasurable. She instinctively understands court processes, anticipates issues before they arise, and safeguards the integrity of our work through careful attention to detail.

It is not uncommon for judges and staff to seek guidance on procedures, orders, or notices. Her willingness to help, her strong sense of ownership, and her deep pride in this Circuit’s reputation are evident in everything she does. She holds herself and the work of this Circuit to the highest standard.

Beyond her extraordinary competence, Raquel’s positive attitude and gentle sense of humor bring light and inspiration to those around her, creating a workplace that is welcoming, supportive, and grounded in respect.

Raquel’s service reflects the very best of who we are as a Circuit. She is irreplaceable, not only for what she knows, but for who she is. Her knowledge, her generosity with her time, and her unwavering commitment have left a lasting and permanent mark on the 16th Judicial Circuit.

Congratulations, Raquel, on this well-deserved honor, and thank you for more than 36 years of exceptional service to this Circuit.