Introducing our Rosie In Action series! The women of Rosie are out in our community, making a difference in their organizations, serving on boards, living into their passions, and positively impacting the world around them. We want to share their stories with you. For our first profile, we talked to Joey Powell about her appointment to the Judicial Performance Review Committee by the Missouri Bar Association. Read below to hear from Joey about the process, what she’s learned, and advice for fellow Rosies.
Tell us about yourself!
I am a die-hard morning person, a news junkie, and a horrible cook. My favorite room at home is the bedroom my husband converted into a dance studio for me, and I only have a kitchen because it came with the house (and to make coffee!)
Prior to landing the absolute best job in Springfield—PR and marketing director for Dickerson Park Zoo/Friends of the Zoo—I worked as a copywriter for a local ad agency and as a choreographer for Springfield Little Theatre.
The Judicial Performance Review Committee exists because of the Nonpartisan Court Plan. What is the Nonpartisan Court Plan, and what led you to apply for the committee?
Interestingly, my interest in the judiciary and the Nonpartisan Court Plan began long before I met my husband, retired Judge Mark Powell. We have been married for nine years, and I have learned so much about the legal system and the judiciary from him and other judges and attorneys. Often, I’m surrounded by lawyers or judges, and I really enjoy listening to them and learning from them.
Missouri adopted the Nonpartisan Selection of Judges Court Plan in 1940, and Greene County voted to adopt the plan in 2008. When I first read about the plan more than 16 years ago, I wasn’t a fan and thought the plan would take away the right to vote. However, when I started researching the Nonpartisan Court Plan, it made perfect sense. The plan takes campaigning and campaign contributions out of the judiciary. I firmly believe the judiciary is a branch of the government with tremendous responsibility, and this responsibility should not be mixed with raising money to get or keep your job.
Going from a skeptic of the plan to a full-blown believer, and after sitting through interviews of those applying to become a judge in Greene County, I decided to apply for the Judicial Performance Review Committee. My husband actually encouraged me to apply. At this point, he had retired; so I did. The committee is composed of retired judges, lawyers, and laypeople like myself.
Tell us more about the function and work of the Judicial Performance Review Committee.
As a committee member, I read more than 60 opinions submitted by Missouri Supreme Court Judges, Appellate Judges, Circuit Court, and Associate Circuit Court Judges up for retention this year. The appointment to the committee is six years. As a first-time member, I didn’t know what to expect, nor did I realize how much time it would take. Some opinions were 30+ pages–and not being an attorney, I had to look up a lot of terms!
However, I think this is one of the impressive points of the Nonpartisan Court Plan. Can a layperson like myself read and grasp the judge’s ruling? The committee does not read to agree or disagree with the ruling but to decide if the opinion is well written and if there is case law supporting their decision. All names and certain information are redacted, so I did not know whom I was reviewing. It is a well-thought-out process that removes bias.
I also reviewed jury surveys and lawyer surveys about the judge, where applicable. The opinions of the lawyers carried a lot of weight with me, as they are the ones actually in front of the judges.
So, when you vote in November, there will be judges on the ballot. You will have the opportunity to vote “yes or no” to retain. The committee’s recommendations can be found at https://yourmissourijudges.org/
I encourage everyone to read the recommendations of the Judicial Performance Review Committee and be informed before voting!
Why do you believe it’s important for women to get involved in community leadership roles?
Women are extremely capable leaders, and we should seek out opportunities to lead and get involved in the decisions that will affect our lives and the lives of others. I just finished reading The Woman They Could Not Silence about the life of Elizabeth Packard. Her story really opened my eyes to how much I, as a woman, take for granted. Think about all the amazing, intelligent and strong women who never got to share their opinions or have a “seat at the table”.
Women are blessed today to have the opportunity to contribute, and we have a responsibility to do so.
What lessons have you learned or wisdom gained since your appointment?
Serving on the Judicial Performance Review Committee has increased my faith in the Nonpartisan Court Plan as well as my faith in the judicial system. Some may go their entire lives without needing a lawyer or standing before a judge. However, if you find yourself in such a position, it is stressful and consumes so much of your time and energy. The Nonpartisan Court Plan helps ensure judges are ethical, fair, knowledgeable, competent, and respectful–and not just the person who could raise the most money and win an election.
A piece of advice or inspiration for fellow Rosies thinking about applying for a board or committee?
To any fellow Rosies thinking about getting involved with any board or committee, I encourage you to read Elizabeth Packard’s story. Then, really ask yourself what drives you, what is something you really believe in? Someone is going to fill a position on a board or a committee—why shouldn’t it be you?
–
Do you have a story you’d like to share? A woman you’d like to celebrate? A recent accomplishment, board appointment, or career milestone you or someone you know has experienced? Let us know by submitting an Empowered Women Empower Women celebration!