ABOUT KAREN

Karen Bushell was appointed and took the oath of office on April 1, 2021, as the newest Clerk of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland, Karen is filling the remainder of the previous Clerk’s term upon her retirement.  When Ms. Bushell took office, she brought with her a distinguished, respected career and 20 years of experience with the Maryland Judiciary.  While working with (retired) Clerk Meiklejohn as her Chief Deputy Clerk since 2014, Karen helped with the day to day operations of the Clerk’s office, including the management of nine departments and over 185 employees.

Throughout her career, Ms. Bushell has both volunteered and been selected to serve on a variety of State-wide committees, all with the common goal of enhancing and improving the Maryland Court system for all Marylanders, and specifically for the residents of Montgomery County, Maryland. Ms. Bushell continues to serve on the following Committees and Boards:

• Member of the Major Projects Committee, Administrative Office of the Courts;
• MDEC (Maryland Electronic Courts) Advisory Committee;
• Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission;
• Courthouse Security Committee, Circuit Court for Montgomery County;
• Forms Committee for the Domestic Law Committee, Administrative Office of the Courts;
• Court Restructuring Committee, Circuit Court for Montgomery County;
• President of the Kevin Bushell Foundation, Inc.

Ms. Bushell’s ongoing commitment to service and dedication to the Maryland Judiciary and Court system has earned her the respect of colleagues and other leaders statewide.  With the same level of professionalism and dedication, Ms. Bushell’s priority remains focused on the citizens of Montgomery County, Maryland, as they come to the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, seeking resolution of their legal issues. Her steadfast goal is to ensure that the Clerk’s Office provides accurate, knowledgeable information to all in a prompt, professional and courteous manner.

Montgomery County is the next county in Maryland to go live with MDEC (Maryland Electronic Courts) in October 2021.  Karen and her management team have been involved in every aspect of preparation for a successful implementation.

In 2021, Ms. Bushell graduated from the Institute of Court Management Program, a four-year program developed by the National Center for State Courts.

Ms. Bushell has lived in Montgomery County, Maryland, for over 36 years.  She is married to Annie Shane and together they have raised six children and are blessed to now have six grandchildren.  Tragically, in 2017, they lost their youngest son, Kevin, while he was serving in the US Navy. He was one of ten sailors that lost their lives when an oil tanker collided with the USS John S. McCain while in the Singapore Strait.