It is a wonderful thing to be able help share great news like the fact that DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Gregory Adams has been elevated to chief judge of the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit and administrative judge of the 4th Judicial Administrative District.

The new year will usher in Judge Adams’ two-year term. In addition to his work as a Superior Court judge, he will assume judicial administrative responsibility for the circuit and district. According to a release from the county, Adams will also serve on the executive committee of the Council of Superior Court Judges and the Judicial Council of Georgia.

This is an election by his peers who recognize the superior (no pun intended) talents Judge Adams has exhibited on the bench and in his personal affairs. As a member of the State Bar of Georgia for nearly 20 years, Judge Adams has demonstrated the leadership qualities of character, ethics, exemplary powers of reasoning, fairness and balance.

His ascension to the position of chief judge is yet another step in a remarkable story of nearly unparalleled respect on the bench that began in DeKalb County Juvenile Court. Judge Adams served as chief judge of Juvenile Court for 10 years. His innovations and service were so stellar the new Juvenile Justice Center built in 2007 was named in his honor—a first for any DeKalb County judge. Adams was first elected to the DeKalb Superior Court bench in 2005 and has held several leadership roles in local and state legal circles including the Georgia Supreme Court.

Earlier this year he became somewhat of a celebrity as the eyes of the nation and the world were glued to televisions watching him preside over the sensational Dunwoody daycare murder trial. Engineer Hemy Neuman is now serving the sentence Adams imposed of life without parole for killing the husband of his colleague and alleged lover. Rusty Sneiderman was gunned down in the parking lot of his son’s Dunwoody daycare center just after he dropped off the boy.

Back in Judge Adam’s courtroom is another bizarre twist in the case. Sneiderman’s widow, Andrea, is now charged with conspiracy in the murder of her husband and accused of yet another lover. Joseph Dell is a witness whom prosecutions claim has been Andrea Sneiderman’s live-in boyfriend during her pending trial. Adams ruled recently that Andrea could have no contact with Dell during her pending trial. Her trial is expected to garner as much national media attention as did Neuman’s.

Judge Adams is unfazed. He is solid and rooted—home grown. He received both his undergraduate and law degrees from Georgia State University. He is a great family man, and a stalwart in the community who can often be seen giving back.

Whether the Dunwoody daycare murder trial becomes Judge Adams’ most memorable case remains to be seen. This well-deserved appointment is but another step in his bright future. Georgia Supreme Court? U.S. Supreme Court? Here comes the judge! Pat him on the back then congratulate and thank him for his service when next you see him.

Steen Miles, The Newslady, is a retired journalist and former Georgia state senator. Contact Steen Miles at Steen@dekalbchamp.com.