Gregory J. Cowan

Court Operations Consultant, Office of the State Courts Administrator

I remember meeting Justice Anstead in the stairs one day during the Court's deliberations.  We had a brief, casual exchange perhaps about travel, cardigans, or some other common interest.  It was one of the many pleasant exchanges I remember having in the halls with many of the justices.  Later that day the Court released one of their major opinions in Bush v Gore.  I just remember how calm he was that day as he participated in the making of history.  Truly a remarkable person.

The other memory that sticks out for me is the leadership provided by Chief Justice Wells.  I had the opportunity to work closely with Chief Justice Wells, and we developed a good relationship.  His leadership of the Court through Bush v Gore, 9/11, the implementation of Article V funding changes, the anthrax scares, and the other challenges during his term as Chief Justice is a model of servant leadership.  I am proud to be able to call him a friend.