After serving the Illinois Courts for over forty years, Michael Tardy, current director of the Administrative Office of Illinois Courts (AOIC) is retiring. On August 1st, Marcia Meis, active Deputy Director of the AOIC will take over Hardy’s role with the Illinois Courts.
Michael Tardy was named acting director of the AOIC in 2011, and was formally appointed in 2012. In this role, he oversaw the implementation of e-filing services in Illinois and lead the charge in executing new measures to improve pretrial practices in the state. Tardy also is recognized for his contributions to judicial education and trainings for the Illinois judiciary and for prioritizing the state’s plans for more access to justice initiatives.
Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, Lloyd A. Karmeier, sees Tardy as an invaluable asset to the Court.
“An innovative administrator, a gifted leader, and a skillful diplomat, Mike has helped steer the Third Branch of Illinois government through some of its most difficult challenges. During a period of budgetary uncertainty, social change and rapid technological innovation, Mike has been instrumental in insuring that the judicial system remains available to all who need its protections.”
Michael joined the AOIC in 1988, as a field supervisor with the Probations Services Division, before becoming Director of the division in 1995. In 2002, Tardy was made Executive Assistant to former Director of the AOIC, Cynthia Y. Cobbs, and served in this role until he replaced her as director.
Before beginning his career at the AOIC, Michael Tardy was employed with the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Social Service Department for 13 years. He also served as a part-time faculty member at Loyola University in its Criminal Justice Department.
Tardy received his Bachelor of Arts from DePaul University and earned his Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Illinois Chicago.