The United States District Court for the District of Maryland acknowledges the notification by the Honorable Thomas J. Catliota that he will end his service as Chief Bankruptcy Judge in the District of Maryland on or about April 30, 2022.  The Judges of the U.S. District Court acknowledge Judge Catliota's exemplary service as Chief Bankruptcy Judge, including the sudden call to serve after the untimely passing of the Honorable Wendelin I. Lipp and his stellar performance as Chief Judge during the numerous and unprecedented difficulties generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and are grateful for his continuing service as a fully active Bankruptcy Judge beyond April 30, 2022.

The United States District Court announces the selection of the Honorable David E. Rice as Chief Bankruptcy Judge in the District of Maryland, effective April 30, 2022, for a term not to exceed seven years.  Judge Rice began service as a United States Bankruptcy Judge on April 1, 2011.

United States Bankruptcy Judges are appointed by the Judges of the United States Courts of Appeals in their respective Circuits, and they serve renewable terms of 14 years.  Chief United States Bankruptcy Judges are appointed by the Judges of the United States District Courts in their respective Districts.