Spence Named To Top Civilian Post In Mass. Courts

The state's highest court has chosen Lewis "Harry" Spence to be the first civilian administrator of the Massachusetts trial court system.

Spence is the former head of the state Department of Social Services and from 1991 to 1995 served as a court-appointed receiver for the city of Chelsea.

The Supreme Judicial Court on Tuesday appointed Spence to the position created under a court reorganization law that was passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Deval Patrick last year. The justices cited his strong fiscal background and leadership skills.

Spence will be responsible for budgeting and other administrative court functions, freeing the chief justice of the trial court to focus on judicial matters.

Spence will begin a five-year term on July 1.