By MATT CHANDLER
Buffalo Law Journal

Erie County Surrogate's Court Judge Hon. Barbara Howe was installed as president of the New York State chapter of the National Association of Women Judges at a swearing-in ceremony in New York City over the weekend. Howe, who has been a judge in various Erie County courts over the past 22 years, says the two-year post is a position she never envisioned herself holding, and one she was initially reluctant to accept.

"I was recruited for this, I didn't seek or even hint that it was something I was looking for," Howe said, noting that this leadership role involves a significant time commitment. "I give 200 percent with anything I do, and this is a huge responsibility, even for two years. I would never do it just to be on a letterhead."

Howe, who has served as vice president of the association for the last four years, said she appreciates the opportunity her new post will afford her to raise the profile of Western New York statewide.

"This really gives me an opportunity to do things so that people know the Erie County Surrogate's Court is on the map," she said.

Among the things the new president hopes to accomplish is to bring more association events to Western New York. She said the majority of meetings and events are held in New York City.

"Last summer, at my home, I hosted a membership and networking event for Western New York women judges, and some of the officers from downstate came up," she said. "I'm just hoping to host more events and make sure all of us in Western New York who are part of the court system are remembered up here."

As for the association itself, Howe said she has been a member "almost as long as I have been a judge" and said it has offered her invaluable experience that she has been able to bring home to Buffalo.

Howe highlighted the connections that involvement in the association can bring.

"Up until Dec. 31, on the New York State Court of Appeals, four of the seven judges have been women, and all four have been frequent participants in our programs and events," she said. "It is really a wonderful opportunity to rub elbows with what has been the majority of New York's highest court.

"For the last several years, Chief Administrative Judge Ann Pfau has been an active participant of the group," she added. "That kind of networking has helped me, especially in my work with Judge Townsend."

Townsend, who as administrative judge for the 8th Judicial District is Howe's boss, was asked what it meant to have the next president of the New York State chapter of the National Association of Women Judges come from Buffalo.

"Judge Howe has been a leader in Western New York both as a judge and as a woman," Townsend said. "It is especially rewarding to know that she is recognized as a leader of all women judges across the state."

Howe has been active in the New York State chapter, traveling frequently to New York City for meetings. She said because she has no higher aspirations beyond her current job, she can focus on stewardship in this new role.

"It is a real honor to become president of this organization that I have been a part of for so long," she said.