Maximino Ortiz has been named the new Marshal of the Illinois Supreme Court, according to an announcement from Chief Justice Mary Jane Theis and the Illinois Supreme Court. Ortiz’s appointment will take effect on September 1, 2025.
The selection process for the new Marshal involved a national search conducted by the National Center for State Courts (NCSC). The court emphasized that judicial security is a high priority due to an increase in threats directed at members of the judiciary. In his new role, Ortiz will work closely with the Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Security and Safety, which advises the court on matters related to judicial threats, protective operations, intelligence, and information.
“Judicial security has changed rapidly in recent years,” Chief Justice Theis said. “My colleagues and I have every confidence that Marshal Ortiz will embrace this opportunity to use his skills to keep the Supreme Court Marshal’s Office at the forefront of court safety.”
Ortiz has served as a Court Marshal for the Illinois Supreme Court since 2017, where he was responsible for security and executive protection. Before joining the court, he worked as an officer with the Chicago Police Department from 1991 until his retirement in 2017.
“I would like to thank the Supreme Court for this appointment,” Marshal Ortiz said. “I look forward to working with the other marshals and law enforcement throughout Illinois to keep judges, court staff and court users safe in order to continue the mission of safely allowing equal access to justice for all.”
Ortiz studied criminal justice at Richard J. Daley College and completed three years of service in the U.S. Army, receiving an honorable discharge.