About Craig Ormsby
My family has had a presence in Central Pennsylvania’s Morrisons Cove area since the mid-1700s. As lifelong residents, my wife, Nina, and I committed to raising our family here and to have a positive impact in our local communities.
Providentially, I’ve been enabled to acquire a unique skill set and work experience, which has prepared me to offer mediation and alternative dispute resolution services.
Background
For 30 years, I served as an elected Magisterial District Judge. During that time, I contended daily with challenging and often tragic human interactions which resulted in criminal prosecutions or civil litigation. While I have the highest respect for the rule of law and the courts, I recognized numerous occasions where mediation would have been quicker, less expensive, and more likely to result in a more satisfactory outcome.
During disagreements or conflicts, most people want a fair hearing and to know that their view is understood. My objective in mediation is to take the time to listen carefully and impartially to both sides of a conflict so we can relieve the tension created by the disagreement. Then, together, we can develop real, practical solutions arrived at by the parties for the parties.
Experience
- Magisterial District Court 24-3-04 – 24th Judicial District, Blair County, Martinsburg, PA
Magisterial District Judge, Retired
January 1988 to January 2018- Solved complex problems, provided administrative oversight of staff and all court functions
- Upheld complex interactions with multiple government agencies and community resources at the federal, state, county and local municipality level
- Conducted preliminary arraignments, preliminary hearings, the setting of bail, enforcement of bail provisions, defendant/community risk assessment
- Served on numerous local and state advisory panels to help improve the administration of justice.
- Blair Senior Services, Inc. – Altoona, PA
Ombudsman, Administrative Assistant, Case Manager
June 1983 to November 1988- Served seniors and vulnerable persons in nursing homes and personal care boarding homes as a mediator between the residents, facility and government facilities
- Conducted investigations of abuse and neglect
- Began as a case manager, promoted to Administrative Assistant and later Ombudsman
- Blair County Domestic Relations – Hollidaysburg, PA
Hearing Officer
May 1982 to June 1983- Conducted paternity hearings, collection, and enforcement of support obligations and case management
Education
- Mediation Services of Adams County – Gettysburg, PA
Certification as a Mediator in Pennsylvania
August 2020 - California University of Pennsylvania – California, PA
M.S. Legal studies: Law & Public Policy
August 2018 to August 15, 2020 - Pennsylvania State University – State College, PA
B.S. Administration of Justice
August 1977 to June 1981 - Pennsylvania State University – State College, PA
Paralegal Certificate Program
November 1984 to December 1985 - Central High School – Martinsburg, PA
Diploma-College Preparatory
August 1974 to June 1977
