Chair-Elect Appointed to Georgia Commission on Dispute Resolution

Atlanta, GA - On August 14, the Supreme Court of Georgia's Commission on Dispute Resolution (GCDR) announced the appointment of Judge Carrie B. Markham of Coweta County Probate Court as its new Chair-elect. Judge Markham has been a respected member of the GCDR since her appointment in 2022.

Hon. Carrie B. Markham Coweta County Probate Court

Judge Markham brings to her new leadership role 14 years of experience as a litigation attorney, followed by her appointment as an Associate Probate Judge in 2019. When an opportunity arose to fill the unexpired term of a retiring probate judge, Judge Markham stepped into the more anchored role in service to Coweta County, continuing a longstanding commitment to her community. That dedication is reflected in other activities as well: membership in the Central Baptist Church of Newnan, where she teaches youth Sunday School, involvement in the Newnan Kiwanis Club, sustaining member of the Newnan Junior Service League, and participation in the 2010-2011 Leadership Coweta class through the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce. In recognition of her exemplary service, Judge Markham received the Outstanding Probate Judge of the Year Award from the Council of Probate Judges of Georgia in 2023 and was recently re-elected to her second full term as Probate Judge.

Judge Markham has played a significant role in the GCDR's Probate Court Working Group, contributing to the expansion of mediation into probate cases. Her continued involvement promises to further the work's impact.

At the GCDR meeting on August 14, Justice John J. Ellington presided over the swearing-in ceremony, extending his congratulations to Judge Markham, remarking, "We are confident that the Commission will continue to thrive under strong leadership."

The Supreme Court established the Commission on Dispute Resolution to administer a statewide comprehensive Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Program; oversee the development and ensure the quality of all court programs; develop guidelines and approve court programs; develop criteria for training and qualifications of neutrals; and establish standards of conduct for neutrals. The 19-member Commission is comprised of representatives of all appellate and trial courts, a representative from both the General Assembly and the State Bar of Georgia, approved trainers and registered neutrals, a court ADR program director, and other professionals with an interest in dispute resolution.

For more information on the Commission, please click here.