YUMA, Ariz. – The Arizona Supreme Court has appointed Maria Elena Cruz to be Presiding Judge of Yuma County.
Cruz will take over her new position on March 25th, assuming administrative authority over all courts, judicial officers, and court employees in the county.
Her appointment comes after Judge John Nelson announced his retirement.
“My colleagues and I were impressed with Judge Cruz’s efforts to improve the administration of justice and to serve her community. She has taken on leadership roles and actively participated in various court committees, and she is highly respected by those who have worked with her in legal and non-legal settings,” Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Scott Bales said. “These are qualities that make a good leader and I am confident she will serve Yuma County well in her new role.”
Cruz has been a Superior Court judge since 2009. She was also a judge for the Cocopah Indian Tribe, she also held several attorney titles prior to her roles as a judge.
She graduated from Arizona Western College, University of Arizona, and the University of James E. Rogers College of Law.
Officials with the Arizona Supreme Court say Cruz will serve as Presiding Judge until June 30, 2019.