The Florida 12th Judicial Circuit Court Administration is highlighting its senior management team as part of its ongoing 50th anniversary celebrations in 2026. The agency, which oversees court operations for the region, is focusing on the staff who handle a range of responsibilities, from emergency building repairs to hiring and technology upgrades.
Court Administrator Kim Miller and Chief Judge Moreland depend on these managers to keep daily operations running smoothly. According to the administration, the experience of these leaders has been crucial during challenges such as hurricanes and the pandemic. “It’s encouraging to see the longevity of the court leaders represented in this list because you know they’ve seen a thing or two. After weathering the pandemic and hurricanes, these leaders make the daily stuff look easy,” according to a statement from Court Administration.
Heather Blanton serves as Human Resources Manager and ADA Coordinator. She began her career with Court Administration in 1996 and has held several positions including CDSP Director for Manatee & Sarasota counties, Mediation Services Coordinator, Family Mediator, and now Human Resources Manager. Blanton holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature and international relations, is pursuing dual master’s degrees in public administration and non-profit management, and is certified by the Florida Supreme Court as a mediator.
Mary Ann Floyd is General Counsel for Court Administration as well as Public Information Officer. She started with the agency in 2018 after spending 18 years practicing law privately with her father. Floyd’s previous roles include Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, Family Magistrate, Child Support Hearing Officer, before assuming her current position. She holds a Juris Doctor degree.
Tiffany Hammill acts as Chief Deputy Court Administrator overseeing human resources, court reporting, criminal programs/treatment courts, and administrative support for DeSoto & Sarasota counties. Since joining in 2005 as a Digital Court Recorder she has advanced through several managerial roles. Hammill earned a BA in political science from University of South Florida (“Go Bulls!”), completed judicial administration certification at Michigan State University, and is recognized as a Certified Court Manager by the National Center for State Courts’ Institute for Court Management.
Monica Hochstetler manages court operations covering civil programs, family programs, probate programs, court interpreters services, and administrative support for Manatee County. Starting her tenure also in 2005 as Digital Court Recorder she progressed through case management roles before becoming Operations Manager. Hochstetler holds degrees in criminology and psychology; she is also certified by both Michigan State University (judicial administration) and Florida Supreme Court (mediator), along with graduating from Sarasota County Government’s Academy of Leadership Excellence class of 2019.
Patrick McHugh leads Technology Services (CATS) since joining in 2020. He brings over three decades of IT experience along with bachelor’s degrees in computer information systems and marketing plus Project Management Professional certification from PMI.
Jackie S., Administrative Services Manager since 2018 oversees budgetary matters and procurement activities within court administration. Her background includes nine years’ logistics experience plus thirteen years managing fiscal matters; she recently graduated from Sarasota County Government’s Academy of Leadership Excellence class of 2024.
These senior managers are recognized not only for their expertise but also their commitment to supporting both staff needs and operational demands across multiple departments within Florida’s Twelfth Judicial Circuit.
