The Judicial Council awarded San Bernardino Superior Court Executive Officer Nancy Eberhardt with the 2022 Distinguished Service Award Aug. 24.
Eberhardt has served as CEO since April 2015, according to the court. The court announced she will retire in September, after 30 years of court service.
“I’ve been able to work with many committed individuals who have dedicated their talent to serving the public,” Eberhardt said through court spokesperson Julie Van Hook, who relayed the comment through email. “During the last several years, the court system has had numerous challenges to health and safety, as well as with fiscal soundness. Following the lead of our extraordinary Chief Justice, courts have exhibited determination, perseverance and flexibility over many exhausting months. It has been an incredible journey, and I am grateful to have been a small part in advancing access to justice.”
The Judicial Council listed her leadership during the pandemic, her expansion of service for self-represented litigants and San Bernardino’s massive size as reasons for the award: “At her court, she expanded assistance to self-represented litigants, created a new probate division, and oversaw the addition of children’s waiting rooms. At the statewide level, Eberhardt has served on statewide committees on court budgets, courthouse facilities, information technology, access and fairness, and probate and mental health.”
San Bernardino Superior Court said in a press release that Eberhardt ensured the court kept a “can-do” mindset by implementing a new online case management system and enabling remote hearings. Under her leadership, the court also reopened courthouses in Needles and Big Bear.
She has also served on budget, facilities and information technology hearings at the state level. She served as chair of the Council’s Court Executives Advisory Committee during the first two years of the pandemic, according to the court.
“Congratulations on a well-deserved award,” said Presiding Judge R. Glenn Yabuno, in the court’s press release. “Thank you for your seven years of dedicated service to SBSC and over 30 years to the California court system.”
The Judicial Council also gave the Distinguished Service Award to retired Alameda Superior Judge Brenda Harbin-Forte, Humboldt Superior Judge Joyce Hinrichs, Los Angeles Superior Court Executive Officer Sherri Carter and California Fiscal Policy Adviser Diane Cummins.
