United States Courts Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

United States Courts has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, technology infrastructure, and administrative operations.

Committed to the impartial administration of justice, United States Courts maintains a robust framework for legal proceedings and public access to federal judicial information across the nation.

Leadership Roles at United States Courts

  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Ronald Hudson
  • Chief Financial Officer - Shawn Swim
  • Chief Operating Officer, Service & Business Management Staff - Patricia Herrera
  • Chief Technology Officer - Edward Blanchard
  • Chief of Staff - Arianne Waldron
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer - Darnita Trower
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Michael Smith
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Brandi Lowe
  • Department of Administrative Services Chief of Staff - Kevin Lee
  • Chief of Staff To the Deputy Director - Brian Lynch
  • Ronald Hudson - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

    Ronald Hudson, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer at United States Courts, directs high-level strategic initiatives to ensure the efficient administration of federal justice. Hudson oversees the alignment of judicial resources with constitutional mandates, facilitating seamless operations across diverse jurisdictional boundaries. By coordinating with the Judicial Branch leadership, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer optimizes case management workflows and enhances the delivery of legal services to the public. This leadership role involves managing complex institutional requirements to maintain the integrity of the federal court system. Ronald Hudson drives organizational excellence by implementing policies that support impartial legal proceedings throughout North America. Through rigorous oversight of administrative functions, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer secures the operational stability necessary for the judiciary to function effectively. Hudson maintains a focus on long-term institutional goals, ensuring that all federal court activities adhere to the highest standards of constitutional compliance and public service.

    Shawn Swim - Chief Financial Officer

    Shawn Swim, the Chief Financial Officer at United States Courts, manages the fiscal health and budgetary allocations for the federal judiciary. Swim architects comprehensive financial strategies that support the essential legal services provided by the institution. Overseeing the distribution of resources across various court facilities, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and accountability in the use of public funds. This role involves collaborating with legislative bodies to secure necessary appropriations for judicial operations. Shawn Swim drives fiscal efficiency by implementing robust auditing processes and financial reporting standards. By monitoring expenditures and forecasting budgetary needs, the Chief Financial Officer maintains the financial infrastructure required for the consistent administration of justice. Swim secures the economic foundation of the organization, allowing the courts to focus on the interpretation of laws and the management of federal cases without interruption. The Chief Financial Officer remains dedicated to maintaining the highest level of financial integrity.
    Shawn Swim

    Patricia Herrera - Chief Operating Officer, Service & Business Management Staff

    Patricia Herrera, the Chief Operating Officer, Service & Business Management Staff at United States Courts, manages the operational logistics and business management functions of the federal judiciary. Herrera architects service delivery models that improve the efficiency of court operations and administrative support. Overseeing the coordination of business management staff, the Chief Operating Officer, Service & Business Management Staff ensures that all facilities operate in accordance with federal guidelines. This role involves streamlining internal processes to support the daily activities of the courts and the delivery of legal services. Patricia Herrera drives operational improvements by implementing best practices in service management and resource allocation. By managing the operational aspects of the institution, the Chief Operating Officer, Service & Business Management Staff enables the judiciary to focus on its core mission of administering justice. Herrera maintains a focus on service quality, ensuring that all administrative and business functions support the effective functioning of the federal court system.

    Edward Blanchard - Chief Technology Officer

    Edward Blanchard, the Chief Technology Officer at United States Courts, directs the digital transformation and technological infrastructure of the federal judicial system. Blanchard architects secure, scalable platforms that facilitate public access to court information and legal documents. Overseeing the integration of advanced software solutions, the Chief Technology Officer ensures that judicial proceedings remain efficient and accessible in a digital-first environment. This leadership role involves protecting sensitive legal data through rigorous cybersecurity protocols and modernizing legacy systems to meet contemporary demands. Edward Blanchard drives innovation by deploying digital resources that support the daily operations of federal courts across the nation. By managing the technological backbone of the institution, the Chief Technology Officer enables seamless communication between judicial staff and the public. Blanchard maintains a focus on technological resilience, ensuring that the federal judiciary remains equipped to handle the complexities of modern legal administration through reliable and secure digital tools.

    Arianne Waldron - Chief of Staff

    Arianne Waldron, the Chief of Staff at United States Courts, coordinates executive operations and facilitates communication across the leadership team. Waldron architects internal processes that streamline decision-making and ensure the effective execution of judicial policies. Overseeing the daily management of the executive office, the Chief of Staff aligns departmental goals with the broader mission of the federal judiciary. This role involves managing high-level projects and serving as a primary liaison between the leadership and various administrative divisions. Arianne Waldron drives organizational cohesion by fostering collaboration and ensuring that strategic priorities receive consistent attention. By managing the flow of information and resources, the Chief of Staff supports the efficient functioning of the court system. Waldron maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the leadership team remains responsive to the evolving needs of the federal courts. The Chief of Staff secures the alignment of all administrative functions with the constitutional mandate of the institution.

    Darnita Trower - Deputy Chief Information Officer

    Darnita Trower, the Deputy Chief Information Officer at United States Courts, supports the development and maintenance of critical information systems within the federal judiciary. Trower architects data management strategies that enhance the accessibility of legal records and court documents for the public. Overseeing the implementation of information technology policies, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that digital resources remain compliant with federal standards. This role involves collaborating with technical teams to optimize system performance and reliability across all court facilities. Darnita Trower drives operational efficiency by refining data workflows and improving the user experience for those interacting with the judicial system online. By managing the technical aspects of information dissemination, the Deputy Chief Information Officer facilitates the transparent administration of justice. Trower maintains a focus on system security and data integrity, ensuring that the information infrastructure supports the essential legal services provided by the institution throughout the nation.

    Michael Smith - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Michael Smith, the Chief Human Resources Officer at United States Courts, directs talent acquisition and workforce development for the federal judicial system. Smith architects comprehensive human capital strategies that attract and retain skilled professionals dedicated to the administration of justice. Overseeing the implementation of personnel policies, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the ethical and professional standards of the judiciary. This role involves managing employee relations, training programs, and performance management systems across all court locations. Michael Smith drives organizational culture by fostering an environment of excellence and impartiality. By optimizing staffing levels and professional development opportunities, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the operational capacity of the courts. Smith maintains a focus on workforce stability, ensuring that the institution possesses the human resources necessary to handle complex legal proceedings and provide essential services to the public with efficiency and dedication.

    Brandi Lowe - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Brandi Lowe, the Chief Human Resources Officer at United States Courts, manages compensation, benefits, and organizational health for the federal judiciary. Lowe architects programs that promote employee well-being and professional growth within the court system. Overseeing the administration of human resources policies, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that all personnel practices comply with federal regulations and support the mission of the institution. This role involves developing strategies to enhance workplace diversity and inclusion, ensuring that the workforce reflects the values of the judicial branch. Brandi Lowe drives organizational effectiveness by implementing initiatives that improve employee engagement and productivity. By managing the human capital lifecycle, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the long-term success of the federal courts. Lowe maintains a focus on building a resilient and capable workforce, ensuring that the institution remains equipped to provide high-quality legal services and maintain the integrity of the American judicial system.

    Kevin Lee - Department of Administrative Services Chief of Staff

    Kevin Lee, the Department of Administrative Services Chief of Staff at United States Courts, coordinates the administrative functions that support the federal judiciary. Lee architects internal communication strategies and manages the operational workflow within the administrative services department. Overseeing the execution of departmental projects, the Department of Administrative Services Chief of Staff ensures that all administrative tasks align with the broader goals of the court system. This role involves facilitating collaboration between administrative teams and other departments to ensure the smooth delivery of support services. Kevin Lee drives operational efficiency by refining administrative processes and ensuring that resources are utilized effectively. By managing the daily operations of the department, the Department of Administrative Services Chief of Staff supports the overall mission of the institution. Lee maintains a focus on organizational alignment, ensuring that administrative services remain responsive to the needs of the courts and the public they serve.

    Brian Lynch - Chief of Staff To the Deputy Director

    Brian Lynch, the Chief of Staff To the Deputy Director at United States Courts, manages the executive agenda and strategic priorities for the deputy director's office. Lynch architects briefing materials and coordinates high-level meetings to ensure the deputy director remains informed on critical judicial matters. Overseeing the implementation of executive directives, the Chief of Staff To the Deputy Director ensures that all initiatives align with the constitutional mission of the federal courts. This role involves serving as a key advisor and managing the flow of information between the deputy director and other leadership members. Brian Lynch drives organizational focus by prioritizing key projects and ensuring that executive decisions are executed effectively. By managing the executive office, the Chief of Staff To the Deputy Director supports the efficient administration of justice. Lynch maintains a focus on strategic alignment, ensuring that the leadership team remains cohesive and responsive to the needs of the federal judicial system.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding United States Courts Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads United States Courts?
    United States Courts is led by Ronald Hudson (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Shawn Swim (Chief Financial Officer) and Patricia Herrera (Chief Operating Officer, Service & Business Management Staff).
    Who is part of United States Courts’s executive team?
    The executive team of United States Courts includes leaders such as Ronald Hudson (Deputy Chief Executive Officer), Shawn Swim (Chief Financial Officer), Patricia Herrera (Chief Operating Officer, Service & Business Management Staff) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does United States Courts have?
    United States Courts has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in United States Courts’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of United States Courts includes roles such as Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Service & Business Management Staff, Chief Technology Officer, Chief of Staff.