Bohlander recognized for 40 years at Judicial Branch



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Colorado Judicial Branch

Mary J. Mullarkey, Chief Justice

Gerald Marroney, State Court Administrator

March 14, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Karen Salaz

303/837-3633

1-800-888-0001 Ext. 633

Bohlender recognized for 40 years at Judicial Branch

Colorado marble lines the Weld County Courthouse reflecting the tradition and pride of bygone days. Inside these walls, lives have been changed through a diligence and commitment to justice that has filled the courtrooms, hallways and offices since 1917. Newspaper headlines track the lives of those coming before the bench, and a pride that resonates from every corner reflects the dedication of those behind the courtroom doors making it all happen.

In 1962, fresh out of Colorado State University, a young graduate entered the Weld County Courthouse looking for a temporary job to carry her over until she could become a stewardess. That was 40 years ago, and that graduate is still there.

“I spent the first six months realizing what the real world is all about,” says Mary Bohlender, who was recently recognized for her 40 years of dedicated service to the Colorado Judicial Branch. “In college you study and learn, but it’s not the real world. I learned very quickly what a working and productive environment was – it was the turning point in my life. This ever-changing field quickly became one I dearly loved.”

As the judicial district’s first and only district administrator, a position created in 1970, Bohlender has embraced change in the 19th Judicial District with enthusiasm and vigor. Her commitment to finding better ways of doing business is reflected in the progressive programs now in place.

“I love this job because it’s always changing – the law, all the different facets and areas, human resources, facilities management, security, fiscal management, procurement, and technology,” chuckles Bohlender. “You have to make things happen, go the extra mile.”

Bohlender’s contributions and achievements have caught the attention of her colleagues. Chief Justice Mary Mullarkey recognizes Bohlender for her forward approach. “I have always appreciated Mary’s willingness to participate on committees addressing Judicial Branch issues,” says Mullarkey. “Her openness to new ideas shows a freshness of thinking and lack of cynicism that would be admirable in any employee much less one with 40 years of experience.”

District 19 Chief Judge William West works directly with Bolhender. “It is hard to imagine undertaking the Chief Judges job, without Mary Bohlender at my side,” says West. “She is the quintessential employee – hard working, conscientious, efficient, accurate, dependable, pleasant, loyal, intelligent, and articulate just to mention a few of her outstanding qualities. Each day she faces a multitude of challenges, and meets them calmly; quietly solving problems with great skill and knowledge, continues West. “After 40 years her ‘institutional’ memory is almost indispensable.”

Bohlender’s dedication to progress, resolution in finding new ways of conducting business and continual search for better ways to serve constituents are reflective of her 40 years of dedication. When she first came onboard, penmanship was an important skill because all the records were kept by hand in large ledgers. Today, computer technology has pushed her toward a new goal – the quest for a completely paperless courthouse.

Bob Roper, Integrated Information Services Director for the Judicial Branch, has worked closely with Bohlender in her continual quest for a more effective and efficient court system. “Mary’s insights into the value of technology and information systems for the Branch have been instrumental in helping the Judicial Branch solve many business issues.”

Retirement is not on the near horizon for Bohlender – “There are too many exciting things happening in the district,” smiles Bohlender. “This has been a very rewarding field. Every day I come to work energized and refreshed and I go home knowing I’ve done something for the system and for individuals – that I’ve made a difference.”

This information is provided as an e-mail service of the Colorado State Judicial Branch, Office of State Court Administrator, 1301 Pennsylvania Street, Suite 300, Denver, Colo. 80203. To discontinue this service, or update your e-mail address, please respond to this message with your name, contact information and any comments

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