Law Association Honors Judge Butts for Her Years of Service to Lycoming County
Judge Nancy Butts was elected Lycoming County Common Pleas Court Judge in 1995, and she served in that position for 30 years. She was honored by the members of the Lycoming Law Association at its annual banquet, for her service to the community.
President Jeana Longo rattled off the judge's background and accomplishments. Judge Butts was born in Philadelphia (and is consequently a huge Philly sports fan). Her undergraduate degree came from Lehigh University. She got her Juris Doctor Degree from California Western School of Law.
She moved to Lycoming County to begin the practice of law. She was in private practice for a while, before serving as Judge Clinton's Smith's law clerk. She then worked in both the Public Defender's office and as an assistant district attorney, before running for judge in 1995.
Her accomplishments on the bench were as many as her years of service. Among those accomplishments are that she started drug treatment court in Lycoming County in July 1998. Then she took over DUI court. She started mental health court in 2008 and veterans court in 2018. All of these programs offered specialized services to folks in need of treatment and assistance, rather than simply incarceration. Judge Butts served as President of the Pennsylvania Association of Treatment Court Professionals.
Most recently, Judge Butts served as President Judge of the court. She was appointed by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to serve on the Criminal Procedural Rules Committee, and in her last year there she served as a chairwoman.
The judge has been active outside of her court related work. She is a trained EMT and served as an instructor for Pennsylvania Fire Academy. President Longo related a personal experience where Judge Butts provided emergency care to her for a health related episode at work.
Judge Butts acts and is involved with the Community Theatre League, serving on the League's Board of Directors and as Vice President. She has served as an Adjunct Professor at Penn College.
In her spare time, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Psychology from Lock Haven University in 2022. She is an avid baker and a dedicated mom.
With that summary, Judge Butts was welcomed to the podium for a few remarks. She was greeted a with an extended standing ovation.
The judge thanked the bar for her recognition. She also indicated her satisfaction with her accomplishments as judge and in the community during her tenure as judge.
The members of the Association wish Judge Butts well in her post-judicial efforts.
