Nineteen North Dakota court employees from across the state began coursework this week toward becoming Certified Court Managers (CCM) through the National Center for State Courts’ Institute for Court Management (ICM). The group completed its first course, Purposes and Responsibilities of Courts, Sept. 22–24 in Bismarck.
The Certified Court Manager program is a nationally recognized credential that builds the core competencies court leaders need to manage effectively. Over the next 14 months, participants will complete six ICM courses covering the purposes of courts, budget and fiscal management, caseflow management, court performance, workforce management and project management.
North Dakota brings the ICM curriculum home by offering the courses in Bismarck, taught by North Dakota court employees who are certified ICM faculty. Delivering the program in-state allows court staff to earn a national credential while learning from instructors who know North Dakota’s courts.
“Our courts depend on skilled, well-prepared people at every level,” said Lee Ann Barnhardt, Director of Education and Communication for the North Dakota Courts. “This group represents clerks’ offices, juvenile court, chambers, Supreme Court staff, and the State Court Administrator’s Office. The knowledge they gain here will strengthen how our courts serve the public for years to come.”
The participants include deputy clerks and clerk supervisors, juvenile court officers, staff attorneys, judicial support staff and administrators from Bismarck, Devils Lake, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, Valley City, Watford City and Williston.
The program will conclude in November 2027 with the final course and a graduation ceremony, where participants will receive their CCM certificates.
About the Institute for Court Management
The Institute for Court Management is the education division of the National Center for State Courts. Since 1970, ICM has provided professional development and certification programs for court leaders and staff across the country and around the world.
2026–2027 Certified Court Manager Participants
Current program participants are as follows: Natasha Carter, Channing Backes, Dixie Holland, Trisha Kinnischtzke, Nicole Volk, Mikan Lovcik, Ryan Thompson, Abigail Small, Lindsey Beto, Robin Johansen, Cassandra McCamy, Claire Paulson, Seferino Hernandez, Gina Roue, Courtney Bartuska, Jessica Cutter, Brandi Zimprich, Monique Keller and Sydney Egeberg.
