Login | January 06, 2025
Meet Probate Court’s new Court Administrator Michael Radic
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: January 3, 2025
As the manager of several restaurants and nightclubs in the Akron area, Michael Radic said he worked with staff to ensure the customers received top-notch service and that any of their concerns were addressed.
He often saw many familiar faces, but he never imagined that one of his longtime customers would change his career trajectory completely.
But that’s exactly what happened 11 years ago when one of his regulars informed him there was a position open for chief deputy clerk at the Summit County Probate Court.
The patron was Probate Court Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer, and given that the job of chief deputy clerk primarily entailed assisting members of the public she suggested he apply.
Fast-forward to today and Radic is now the new court administrator.
Radic, who previously served as deputy court administrator, was appointed to the role after longtime court administrator Lisa Zeno Carano retired at the end of August.
“I absolutely love the job,” said Radic, who started on Sept. 3, 2024. “No two days are alike and there are new challenges every day. I enjoy multitasking and that’s what this job requires.”
“I met Michael in 1998 when he was our server on my first date with my husband,” said Judge Stormer. “He was so impressive with his friendly attitude and commitment.
“Over the years, he took on management roles and we saw him frequently in different places,” said Judge Stormer. “When I was elected to Probate Court I knew I wanted him on my team.
“While he knew nothing about the court per se, he quickly learned the substance and instilled in our staff the helpful work ethic he embodies,” said Judge Stormer. “He embraced the work wholeheartedly.”
Judge Stormer said Radic made a seamless transition from deputy court administrator to his new position as court administrator, adding that his customer service ethic has continued.
“Our court frequently receives thank you notes for our staff’s hard work which is unprecedented for a government office,” said Judge Stormer.
“I am personally grateful that he has stayed with us over the years,” Judge Stormer said. “We share a common belief in government service and want our court to be accessible and compassionate to those who must come here.”
Radic’s pathway to his current position of court administrator actually began in Croatia in the former Yugoslavia.
Born in Queens, New York, his family moved to Yugoslavia when he was nine months old.
After majoring in restaurant management at Cedo Zic High School, he completed a year of mandatory military service in the Yugoslavian Air Force.
When he first moved back to the United States in 1991, he worked as a server in Chardon, Ohio at Just for the Fun of It (now closed).
He left Chardon in 1994 to manage a now-defunct Italian restaurant in Akron.
Prior to joining the probate court in 2013, he also managed the Gamekeeper’s Taverne locations in Fairlawn and Chagrin Falls and the Square Nightclub in Akron.
After being promoted to deputy court administrator in February 2019, he began working closely with Carano, assisting with accounting, payroll and human resources as well as providing customer service.
“I learned a lot from Lisa, which helped prepare me to take over for her as court administrator,” said Radic.
“What I am doing now is a little bit different because my focus is on running the court and that involves less customer contact and more administrative duties, including payroll and budgeting,” he said.
While he is not currently serving on any nonprofit boards, Radic said he is looking to find ways to give back to the community.
“Judge Stormer and I are trying to identify some boards that would be appropriate for me to join,” said Radic.
He recently completed the first year of the Ohio Supreme Court Judicial College’s Court Management Program.
The three-year certification program is available through the National Center for State Courts Institute for Court Management.
“My plan is to get certified as a court manager,” said Radic.
“I’m still learning the job, but every day brings new opportunities to grow and make an impact,” he said. “I’m excited about the challenges and opportunities ahead.”