Judicial Branch Certification Commission welcomes new director Ron Morgan during meeting

In a meeting marked by camaraderie and a focus on progress, the Judicial Branch Certification Commission (JBCC) convened on February 7, 2025, under the leadership of Chair Sid Harrell. The atmosphere was one of anticipation as the commission welcomed new Executive Director Ron Morgan, who expressed his eagerness to contribute to the mission of the JBCC.

As the meeting commenced, the roll call confirmed a quorum, allowing discussions to unfold on various pressing matters. Judge Harrell took a moment to acknowledge the contributions of his colleagues, particularly thanking Judge Sauter for stepping in during his absence at the previous meeting. The tone was light-hearted, with Harrell humorously noting the challenges of balancing personal commitments with professional duties.

Morgan, who brings over two decades of public service experience, shared insights into his background, emphasizing his commitment to supporting the commission's work. He highlighted the importance of the compliance team, which has been diligently preparing for the meeting and managing a significant number of pending investigations—41 in total—across various regulated professions.

The commission's agenda included discussions on licensing, with Morgan revealing that there are currently 7,200 active licenses, certifications, and registrations. He noted a backlog of over 1,000 applications, particularly among court interpreters and court reporters, and expressed his intention to prioritize addressing these shortages in future meetings.

As the meeting progressed, Morgan reiterated his goal of maximizing efficiency within the commission's operations while ensuring that resources are allocated effectively. He also mentioned plans to engage with stakeholders from various associations to better understand their needs and how the JBCC can support them.

The meeting concluded with a sense of optimism and determination, as members looked forward to tackling the challenges ahead. With Morgan at the helm, the JBCC is poised to enhance its operations and better serve the judicial community in Texas.