As we all know, living in Central Florida, you are exposed to a diverse group of people who all live in a unique environment. Judge Heather O’Brien knows this firsthand. “We have a lot of different people in the United States that have so much to offer and that’s what makes us great; Osceola County is a wonderful example of that,” she says proudly.
In this episode of Open Ninth, Chief Judge Lauten speaks with Osceola County Judge Heather O’Brien about what it takes to be a successful judge and what makes Osceola County so special. Judge O’Brien, appointed by former governor Charlie Crist at the age of thirty-three, is one of the youngest judges to ever take the bench. She attributes her success as a judge to the rigorous work ethic she developed as a young athlete. Judge O’Brien, a Colorado native, was a national track & field champion and became the NCAA’s 1999 Female Athlete of the Year. O’Brien explains that becoming a judge, just like being an athlete, takes a lot of self-discipline, efficiency, humility, and teamwork – the essential qualities that help judges keep up with the fast-paced workload while resolving cases justly.
Sit back, relax, and take a listen as Chief Judge Lauten and Judge O’Brien converse about the great qualities of Central Florida and Judge O’Brien’s track to success as an Osceola County Judge.
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