Building on a career that spans court operations, statewide initiatives, and district leadership, Amber Peterson has been appointed Deputy Director of Court Operations, effective January 12, 2026.
Peterson brings nearly two decades of experience within the Wisconsin Court System. She began her career with the court system in 2008 as an intern in the Office of Court Operations while attending law school. Since that time, she has held several positions, including serving as a legal advisor, during which she managed the Wisconsin Court System’s VAWA STOP Grant and provided training, technical assistance, and resource development for judges, court commissioners, court staff, and attorneys statewide.
Since 2023, Peterson has served as district court administrator for the 5th Judicial District. In that role, she managed administrative functions across six counties and supported judges, clerks, court reporters, and justice system partners. She also worked closely with Chief Judge Julie Genovese of Dane County to strengthen collaboration across the district.
In her new role, Peterson will report directly to Director of State Courts Audrey Skwierawski and will support the management of daily court operations statewide. Her responsibilities include caseload management, policy implementation, budget and resource planning, staffing, technical assistance to circuit courts, and coordination of statewide programs and justice system initiatives.
“Amber has been a great asset to the court system,” Director of State Courts Audrey Skwierawski said. “She brings deep operational knowledge, strong leadership experience, and a clear understanding of the needs of our courts. I am excited about what she will bring to Court Operations to ensure the continued high level of support we provide daily to our courts, staff, and court partners across Wisconsin.”
Peterson said she is grateful for the appointment and looks forward to the role.
“I’m thankful to the Director of State Courts for this appointment,” Peterson said. “I’ve always loved working in Court Operations and am eager to assume this new role. I look forward to working with the district court administrators and Court Operations staff to continually improve the services we provide to the court system.”
Peterson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and a Juris Doctorate from Marquette University Law School.
Third Branch eNews is an online monthly newsletter of the Director of State Courts Office. If you are interested in contributing an article about your department’s programs or accomplishments, contact your department head. Information about judicial retirements and judicial obituaries may be submitted to: Sara.Foster@wicourts.gov