Santa Ana, CA – David H. Yamasaki, a statewide leader in court administration, has been selected as Court Executive Officer of the Superior Court of Orange County. “Mr. Yamasaki’s exceptional experience with court administration in California will be an asset for his leadership role in our Court,” said Presiding Judge Charles Margines. Mr. Yamasaki’s appointment will be effective December 2, 2016.

Mr. Yamasaki has served as the Court Executive Officer of the Superior Court of Santa Clara County since July 2008. Recently, he has been instrumental in the development, planning, and opening of a new Family Justice Center courthouse in San Jose. He has overseen the implementation of a new civil case management system and e-filing for the Superior Court of Santa Clara County. He was also a member of the statewide Trial Court Budget Working Group from 2009 to 2013. Prior to his current position, Mr. Yamasaki served as Assistant Executive Officer of the Superior Court of San Diego County for 10 years.

The Judicial Council of California presented Mr. Yamasaki with its 2015 Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor given by the state court system’s governing body. The award recognizes those who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and made significant contributions to the administration of justice. The Judicial Council’s announcement stated:

David H. Yamasaki has been a statewide leader in addressing some of the most challenging issues facing the judicial branch. As a Judicial Council member from 2011-2014, and as chair of the council’s Court Executives Advisory Committee for two consecutive years, Mr. Yamasaki was at the forefront of, and continues to be an important contributor to, major policies and strategic initiatives implemented by the courts, including sustainable funding, equal access and procedural fairness, and technology to improve service and operational efficiency.

Mr. Yamasaki holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from San Diego State University.

Chief Executive Officer Alan Carlson, who has had a distinguished court management career, including eight years with the Superior Court of Orange County, plans to retire in October 2016.