What do you do
in your role?
The Court Administrator
works under the general
direction of the Chief
Magistrate and serves as
second in command, while
directing the programmatic,
operational, and administrative
infrastructure of the
court. My job duties also
include, but are not limited
to, overseeing the day-to-day
business of the court, case
and court performance
management, grant writing
and management, technology
and fiscal management,
internal controls and human
resources, public relations,
and personnel management.
During this pandemic, I serve as a liaison between our court and the county’s
COVID-19 Taskforce. From this experience, I have learned that being an
effective leader during crisis is about the people, and communication has
been key to keeping our staff and patrons informed and safe during this
pandemic. Being able to immediately respond to the pandemic allowed for
our court to continue to thrive during crisis, by bringing the latest in technology,
which allows for greater flexible with remote hearings.
What drives you to be successful? I am driven primarily by my
passion to help others and by doing meaningful work. The Magistrate Court is
the “people’s court,” and everything we do has an impact on someone’s life.
It is gratifying to know that I can collaborate with the best team to make sure
our patrons feel heard and their problems are resolved. Navigating through a
pandemic is no easy task, however, there is no better feeling than being able
to turn this crisis into an opportunity to transform the way our court does business.
What are some of your hobbies outside of work? Giving back to
my community! I realized early on in life that it is not about what you get, but
about what you give. Giving back regularly became a habit and now comes
naturally to me. For several years, I volunteered with the Center for Child
Advocacy with their Works of HeART Fundraiser. In 2019, I was asked to
co-chair the event leading to an increase in donor contributions. Volunteering
and working with new groups is not only a way to meet new people, but it
provides an outlet to share and bond with others that share my same passion.
FAMILY:
Mother, Lucretia; brother, Marc and nephew,
Demarcus
CITY OF RESIDENCE: Marietta
VOLUNTEER WORK:
Co-Founder and Executive Director of the
Leonard Phillips Foundation, Inc., founded after
the untimely death of my father Leonard E.
Phillips, who was killed in a hit and run
motorcycle accident in 2008. The foundation
was established to provide financial assistance
to motorcyclists who have been physically
injured while riding. We also host an annual
back-to-school drive and Holiday Toy Drive to
bring essential needs to children in need. Also,
I am a Board Member at Happy Mama, Happy
Mini, Inc., where we focus on giving back
through life-changing experiences and a Board
Member at the Ezra Williams SCORE for Kids
Foundation, where we have hosted several
fitness camps to bring awareness to leading a
healthy lifestyle. I have been a volunteer for
several years with the Center for Child
Advocacy, and even co-chaired their Works of
HeART Fundraising Event. Additionally, I am a
member of the Marietta-Roswell Alumnae
Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
AWARDS AND HONORS:
2020 Badge for Leadership Excellence from
Wednesday Webinar Series, co-hosted by
Kennesaw State University and
the local Chambers of
Commerce; Certificate of
Local Government
Management (Cobb
County EXCEL Alumni)
of the Carl Vincent
Institute of Government
from the University
of Georgia
20 IN THEIR 40s
Tahnicia Phillips
Court Administrator | Magistrate Court of Cobb County
Continued on Page 38
AGE 40
36 COBB LIFE | JANUARY 2021