JPEC names Jeremy Brown executive director; lays out website, mission and survey work

Jeremy Brown, the commission’s new executive director, introduced himself and told the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission he plans to prioritize a public-facing website, a clear mission statement emphasizing transparency and nonpartisanship, and early outreach to vendors that can run the judicial performance survey required by Senate Bill 45.

Brown said he has begun researching SB 45 and the practices of similar programs in other states, and recommended establishing survey parameters and vendor methodologies as early tasks so the commission can meet statutory timelines. “We need to start the website up, get the mission statement squared away for what the commission is here to do and outline how we’re going to — in general terms,” Brown said.

Commissioners spent the introductory session describing their backgrounds — former legislators, judges, prosecutors and law enforcement officials — so Brown would have context for whom he is working with. Commissioner Jeff Laszloffy said the panel includes members from legislative, executive and judicial backgrounds; Commissioner Swandell and Justice (ret.) Mike Wheat described courtroom and appellate workflows relevant to survey design.

The commission asked Brown to collect contact information for state IT staff who can help host or build a site. Commissioner Doan said the DOJ IT division can assist; DOJ staff indicated they will coordinate with Brown. Brown said he will share his commission email with members after orientation.

Why it matters: The website and mission statement will be the commission’s primary public-facing tools for explaining the scope and method of judicial performance evaluations mandated by SB 45. Brown told commissioners that establishing vendor contacts and survey methodology early is essential to meet procurement timelines.

What’s next: Brown will continue orientation, share contact details for DOJ IT, and begin outreach to Utah and Colorado programs and potential vendors to return recommendations to the commission.