LEONARDTOWN, Md. — Kelsey Perkins, Director of Legal Administration for the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office, received the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association’s Distinguished Service Award on July 10, 2025, at the association’s annual conference in Annapolis. This prestigious award, the highest honor given to an individual employee from any State’s Attorney’s Office in Maryland, recognizes Perkins’ exceptional dedication, professionalism, and transformative contributions to prosecution services across the state.
“Kelsey is the backbone of our office’s legal operations,” said State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling. “Her unmatched expertise, tireless work ethic, and commitment transformed the way we serve the community. Kelsey’s leadership in launching our office’s digital case management system has revolutionized our ability to manage cases efficiently and deliver justice to the community.”
Perkins led the implementation of a digital case management system in St. Mary’s County, streamlining case processing and enhancing data accessibility for prosecutors. The system enables real-time tracking of case progress, reducing administrative delays and ensuring timely justice delivery. Her expertise has made her a statewide leader, with counties like Calvert and Charles seeking her guidance for their own system implementations. “Kelsey is a Leader, not only in St. Mary’s County, but throughout the State of Maryland,” said Steven Kroll, Executive Director of the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association.
The Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association, established in 1973, fosters collaboration and professional development among Maryland’s prosecutors. The Distinguished Service Award, presented annually, honors one individual who advances prosecutorial excellence. Perkins’ recognition underscores her role in modernizing legal operations and mentoring colleagues statewide.
Her work has significantly impacted St. Mary’s County, which serves over 110,000 residents in Southern Maryland. The digital system has reduced case backlog, allowing prosecutors to focus on complex cases, including those involving violent crime. A 2024 Maryland Judiciary report noted that digital case management systems have decreased case processing times by up to 20% in adopting counties.
Perkins’ contributions extend to training and mentorship. She has conducted workshops for administrative staff in multiple Maryland counties, sharing best practices for digital case management. Her efforts align with broader trends in legal technology, as the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office has embraced data-driven innovations under State’s Attorney Jaymi Sterling’s leadership since 2023. Sterling, the first woman and Asian-American elected to the role, has prioritized technological advancements to enhance prosecution efficiency.
This statewide honor follows Perkins’ recognition as the St. Mary’s County State’s Attorney’s Office’s 2024 Employee of the Year, reflecting her consistent excellence. Her innovations have strengthened local prosecution efforts and set a standard for other jurisdictions. Her guidance has supported system upgrades in neighboring counties, improving regional prosecutorial efficiency.
St. Mary’s County relies on its State’s Attorney’s Office to address legal challenges, from property disputes to serious criminal cases. Perkins’ work has enhanced community trust in the justice system by ensuring efficiency and transparency. Her leadership continues to benefit Maryland’s citizens, making her a deserving recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Service Award.
