Kane's next chief judge excited, honored to take reins of 16th Circuit

Susan Clancy Boles, a Kane County judge since 2007, was elected by her colleagues to serve as the next chief judge of the 16th Judicial Circuit.

Boles, 50, said she is excited about her new role, which will include overseeing the implementation of the county's new case management system next year.

“I am truly thrilled, and I am honored to be taking on this responsibility,” said the St. Charles native, who practiced law for 17 years before becoming a judge. “I appreciate the vote of confidence from by colleagues.”

Boles was elected by fellow circuit court judges late Wednesday afternoon in a secret ballot. Judge David Akemann, a former Kane County state's attorney, also was on the ballot.

Boles said the new position will allow her to continue to give back to the community.

As a graduate of St. Charles High School, Boles has been active in speaking at all levels of public schools, and she hopes to continue with her current felony court call for a few months after she assumes her new role in December.

“I am approachable and I'm personable in the sense that people in my courtroom are not usually there by choice,” she said.

Judge Judith Brawka, who will end her tenure as chief judge but remain on the bench, said Boles is an “excellent selection.”

“Judge Boles is, and always has been, an outstanding jurist — very active in reaching out from the bench to the community,” Brawka said. “I think she'll be just fabulous.”

Brawka said that, in addition to the new case management system, Boles also must focus on a long-term plan to bring all court services to one campus.

Kane is the only circuit in which the circuit clerk's office is separate from the main courthouse, Brawka added. The Illinois Supreme Court also wants leaders to improve access to the court system and lawmakers want a review of the state's criminal justice system and a focus on rehabilitation as an alternative to prison, Brawka said.

“Just locking people up does not work because most of those people get out (of prison) and have not been rehabilitated,” Brawka said.

Circuit Judge John Dalton said Boles is well respected by her peers, has a sharp legal mind and served as acting chief judge when Brawka was sick, out of town or unavailable.

“I think Susan is going to do a great job, and I'm looking forward to working with her in this new capacity,” Dalton said.

Boles will be sworn in Dec. 7 and her term lasts two years.