The Honorable James K. Bredar became the Chief Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland on October 6, 2017.  He succeeded the Honorable Catherine C. Blake who had served as Chief Judge since October 4, 2014.

Judge Blake was appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge in 1987.  After nomination by President Clinton and confirmation by the United States Senate, she received her commission as a United States District Judge on August 14, 1995.  Between April 1999 and January 2003, Judge Blake served as the Court's Administrative Judge.  Judge Blake will continue in judicial service as an active district judge. 

Judge Bredar was appointed as a United States Magistrate Judge in 1998.  After nomination by President Obama and confirmation by the United States Senate, he received his commission as a United States District Judge on December 17, 2010.