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Diana Stevenson discusses new role as Barberton muni judge
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: October 20, 2023
During her 12-year tenure as Barberton Municipal clerk of court, Diana M. Stevenson oversaw many different office operations, maintaining records, collecting fines and costs, creating a budget and hiring and supervising about a dozen employees.
So when she learned in June that she had been appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to fill the seat previously held by Judge Jill Flagg Lanzinger she said she was well prepared for the challenge.
“I already knew how the court operated and I had worked under a number of judges so I understood the sentencing structure,” said Judge Stevenson. “I am also a former probate court magistrate so I knew how to run a docket.
“Serving the community as a judge is something that I have wanted to do for a while now,” said Judge Stevenson. “I ran for the Barberton bench in 2005 and 2007 and while I came very close I was not elected.”
She took the bench on July 10 after being sworn in by her husband, 9th District Court of Appeals Judge Scot A. Stevenson.
“Recently Barb Babbitt, a friend and former colleague of Diana’s described Diana as ‘fair and kind,’” said Judge Scot Stevenson. “I don’t think you could find a better way to describe her as a person, attorney or how she will serve as a judge.
“Since law school, she has dedicated herself to public service professionally, and in her spare time to various boards and organizations. Our children and I are very proud of her and I am certain she will serve with distinction.”
This year’s vacancy on the court became available after Republican Judge Lanzinger was elected to the 9th District Court of Appeals, replacing Judge Lynne Callahan, who retired on Feb. 10.
“I let the county Republican Party know I was interested in the position last January,” said Judge Stevenson. “When I learned that I had been chosen I was very happy.
“I am honored that the governor selected me.”
Barberton Municipal Presiding/Administrative Judge Todd McKenney said Judge Stevenson is doing an “amazing” job.
“She picked up on everything quicker than anyone else, including me,” said Judge McKenney. “We work really well together, which is important because in a two-judge court you need to confer and work things out and I feel like she and I do that really well together.”
Since taking the bench, Judge Stevenson has been meeting with Stow Municipal Court Judge Lisa Coates, whom the Ohio Supreme Court assigned to serve as her mentor.
“The Supreme Court has a judge mentor program, which connects those just starting with a judge who has been around for a while,” said Judge Coates.
“I already knew Diana and her husband Judge Scot Stevenson through the local legal circles, but she had never appeared before me.
“Diana was very eager to meet with me right away so she could observe my court and the mental health court. I am very impressed with her enthusiasm and willingness to learn and better herself as a judge because no matter how much experience you have it’s still an adjustment.
“She asks a lot of questions and reaches out when she needs something,” said Judge Coates. “She is also fortunate to have a resource right down the hall with Judge McKenney.”
A native of Akron, Judge Stevenson obtained her bachelor’s degree in economics and her juris doctorate from The University of Akron.
She began her legal career in August 1992 as a judicial attorney to Stark County Common Pleas Judge James Gwin.
She later served as a judicial attorney to Summit County Probate Court Judge Bill Spicer and Ohio Supreme Court Justice Deborah Cook respectively.
From 1993 to 1996, she was also an adjunct professor and moot court coach at Akron Law.
Judge Stevenson joined the Summit County Prosecutor’s Office as an assistant civil prosecutor in July 1996, where she represented county agencies in matters involving all aspects of litigation as well as union grievances and contract negotiations.
From Jan. 2000 to Jan. 2012, she was a probate court magistrate under the now late Judge Spicer.
She was appointed by the Summit County Republican Party as Barberton Clerk of Court in Jan. 2012, winning elections in 2013, 2015 and 2021.
During her time as clerk of court, she earned certifications from the National Center for State Courts Institute of Court Management as a certified court manager and a certified court executive.
Her former chief deputy Katie Reed is now serving as clerk of court after being appointed by the Summit County Republican Party. Reed will have to run for the unexpired term in November 2025.
“I think Katie is an excellent choice,” said Judge Stevenson. “When I hired her, I was looking to find someone who could potentially succeed me. I was not planning on being a judge necessarily, but I wanted to make sure there was someone there who could take over if I left for any reason.”
Judge Stevenson is running for election in November to complete the remainder of Judge Lanzinger’s unexpired term, which ends on Dec. 31, 2025.
“I obviously hope to win,” said Judge Stevenson. “One of my goals in the near future is to re-institute the mental health court, which Judge Lanzinger most recently presided over.
“I am very passionate about mental health issues, which I dealt with during my time at probate court.”
Outside of the court, she is active in the Barberton community, where she lives with her husband Judge Scot Stevenson. They have two adult sons.
A former president and current member of Magic City Kiwanis, Judge Stevenson served as lieutenant governor of Kiwanis International Ohio District Division 16 from 2018 to 2019.
She currently chairs the board of the Tuscora Park Health and Wellness Foundation, where she is a past vice chair.
In addition she is a member of the Rotary Club of Barberton and a volunteer for Barberton Area Community Ministries.
“I am so humbled to be able to serve the citizens of the Barberton Municipal Court District as judge,” said Judge Stevenson. “Working with Judge McKenney is truly a wonderful opportunity and experience for me. This community is very special and it is my hope to serve the community and continue to do whatever I can to help continue to make it a safe place to live.”