Stephen Nash Named State Judiciary’s Finance Director

Monday, April 9, 2007

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Stephen Nash Named State Judiciary’s Finance Director

By a MetNews Staff Writer

Stephen Nash has succeeded Christine M. Hansen as the Chief of Finance for California’s judicial branch, Administrative Director of the Courts William C. Vickrey said in a statement Friday.

Nash, who stepped into his new role last week, formerly served as assistant director of finance for the Administrative Office of the Courts beginning in 2002. As chief financial officer, he will oversee the judicial branch’s fiscal services, which include budget management and planning, procurement and contract services, accounting, and auditing.

“In this new capacity, I very much look forward to working on financial matters with court leaders throughout the state, as well as in coordination with our colleagues in the executive and legislative branches,” Nash said, noting he was “thrilled to be taking on this new challenge.”

Vickrey said of the new financial director:

“While serving as assistant director for Budget Management in the AOC’s Finance Division for the past five years, Mr. Nash has made significant contributions to improving the judicial branch budgeting process and policy development. He has worked successfully with [Hansen] and others to advocate for legislation that has strengthened and stabilized the financial structure of the judicial branch.”

Before joining the AOC, Nash served as the deputy director of administrative services for the California Youth Authority, now the Division of Juvenile Justice of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. His experience also includes work in the state’s department of finance and as a tax auditor with the Employment Development Department.

Vickrey noted Nash is highly regarded for his extensive knowledge of state fiscal polices and procedures.

As of last week, Hansen has transitioned to an executive consultant position in which she will be working on special financial projects for the AOC.

“In my new role as an executive consultant, I will be working part-time on special projects that will enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our fine court system,” Hansen said. “I look forward to continuing to work with the court leadership, their staff, and our various partners.”

During her tenure as director, Hansen established an internal audit program for the courts, launched a uniform, statewide accounting system, established a centralized treasure to maximize court funds, and created a statewide accounting office to support the trial courts. She also developed policies and procedures for the judicial branches, and was instrumental in implementing a new court budget process using the state appropriations limit.

Additionally, Hansen helped establish the uniform civil fee structure, undesignated fees compromise, and security standards for the trial courts.

Her experience prior to joining the AOC includes a decade as deputy secretary of the Trade and Commerce Agency, and heading fiscal and staff services for the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development. She has served the state for over 30 years.

Chief Justice Ronald M. George remarked:

“[Hansen] was instrumental in implementing major budget reforms in the state courts that have led to more secure, predictable court funding and greater access to justice for Californians. While we great that [Hansen] is leaving as director of finance, we look forward to her contributions in her new consultant position.”