Mahoning Valley probate judge selected to lead State Judicial Association

The Ohio Association of Probate Judges (OAPJ) has officially elected Mahoning County Probate Judge Robert N. Rusu Jr. to serve as its new President. In this leadership role, Judge Rusu will head the state judicial organization dedicated to the administration and improvement of Ohio’s probate court system.

The oath of office was administered to Judge Rusu by retired Ohio Supreme Court Justice Paul Pfeifer during the association’s recent conference on June 11.

In addition to the presidency, the association elected two distinguished judicial members to “at-large” leadership positions:

• Judge David Hejmanowski, Delaware County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge
• Judge Jennifer Overmyer, Preble County Probate/Juvenile Court Judge

As President, Judge Rusu will oversee the development and implementation of the statewide educational curriculum for the upcoming year, serving Ohio’s probate judges, court clerks, and court investigators. He will also take an active role in steering key probate legislation through the Ohio General Assembly.

“It is a tremendous honor to lead such a fine organization and be able to have an impact on probate law around the State of Ohio,” said Judge Rusu.

The Ohio Association of Probate Judges is a non-profit organization dedicated to organizing educational programming and business meetings for the state’s probate judiciary. By promoting collegiality, the Association fosters an environment for sharing innovative ideas and experiences regarding probate court operations. Beyond judicial training, the OAPJ provides critical ongoing education and resources for vital court employees, including deputy clerks and court investigators across Ohio.