The Friend of the Court Association celebrated the 100th birthday of Michigan’s friend of the court (FOC) system with service awards, among other events, for directors across the state. Following that trend, the Pundit began asking FOC directors for information on their employees with the most years of service to the FOC. Two names were put forward, each with more than 50 years of service, and they were asked to share some observations with readers on the evolution of FOC operations. Both also shared a pre-21st century ‘throwback’ career photo.
Longest-serving FOC Employee: Cleveland Marshall
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| Cleveland Marshall |
Began FOC employment: “Some 2 score and 10 years ago,” when Hazen Kunz was serving as Wayne County’s second Friend of the Court.
Motto: “To get what you want, you have to help others get what they want.”
Reflecting on his time with the office, Cleveland says that he enjoys the downtown Detroit location of the Wayne FOC at the historic Penobscot Building, and especially the office’s view of the Detroit River. He has seen many changes over the years and says that most notably, converting hard copy files to electronically imaged files has simplified the “chase for documents.”
Cleveland also says that the Wayne County Circuit Court administration is making great strides in access to justice through information provided online and at outreach events.
Runner-up: Kristine Vollmar
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| Kristine Vollmar |
Began FOC employment: September 1968.
Motto: The Golden Rule – “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.”
Kristine has most enjoyed her colleagues at the Oakland FOC, describing them as consistently “warm and friendly.” She says that today it seems FOC clients have a better understanding of the FOC’s role and more appreciation for the office than in her early years on the job, which has resulted in better child support collections. She attributes this shift to staff being more helpful and compassionate, recognizing the role of both parents in a child’s life.
