Orange County Clerk of Superior Court Mark Kleinschmidt has been recognized with two awards – one statewide and one national – in recognition of his service.

Kleinschmidt received the North Carolina Guardianship Association’s Trailblazer Award last week in Asheville, recognizing his two terms as Clerk of Superior Court and Probate Judge. In legal terms, guardianship refers to when a court concludes a person can no longer make or communicate safe or sound decisions, and is often described as an option of last resort.

“The reason Mark stands out and is worthy of recognition is his exceptional ability to do what is most difficult: to implement meaningful changes on the ground and encourage others to do so as well,” said Carol Kelly, who presented Kleinschmidt with his award.

“Adult guardianship has become a passion of mine,” Kleinschmidt said, “and I am humbled and honored to accept this award.”

In addition, Kleinschmidt is set to receive the Isabella Award at the National Probate Judges Conference in Williamsburg, VA next month. The Isabella Award is named after pioneering judge Isabella Horton Grant and is presented annually to individuals who have made “exceptional, lasting contributions” in the field of probate and guardianship law.

“Clerk Kleinschmidt has exercised leadership as a convener of stakeholders committed to improving guardianship systems and practices,” said Meredith Smith, an associate professor in the UNC School of Government. “Through his convening and legislative efforts, Clerk Kleinschmidt has contributed to improvements in guardianship practice that support sound capacity determinations, less restrictive interventions and effective court oversight — without compromising neutrality.”

Kleinschmidt has served as Orange County’s Clerk of Court since 2018. Previously, he served on the Chapel Hill Town Council from 2001 through 2009 and then served three terms as town mayor from 2009 through 2015. He lost re-election to Pam Hemminger by less than 900 votes in 2015.

 

Featured image via Mark Kleinschmidt

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