Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride and the Illinois Supreme Court announced Tuesday the appointment of Michael J. Tardy as Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts. His appointment is effective immediately.

Mr. Tardy, who has served with the Administrative Office for nearly 24 years, had been acting director since last September.

"He has been a longstanding, loyal and hardworking staff member for decades," said Chief Justice Kilbride. "Since he's taken over as the acting director, he has been masterful in working through the transition. "

The Administrative Director, as the office also is called, is authorized by Article VI of the Illinois Constitution to assist the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court in fulfilling their administrative duties. The director prepares and presents agenda issues to the Court for discussion and deliberation to assure that the business of the judicial branch is timely and thoroughly managed.

"I am both grateful and very humbled by the opportunity that the Supreme Court of Illinois has afforded me," Mr. Tardy said. "I am, of course, honored by the appointment and very thankful for the privilege to serve the Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court.

"I am thrilled by the challenge and commit my every resource to the work of the Court," said Mr. Tardy. "And I am very fortunate to have available to me the capable and competent staff of the AOIC in doing our work for the Court."