PENDLETON — Trial courts in Umatilla and Morrow counties are getting some extra help.

Irma Solis recently stepped into a new position as deputy trial court administrator. The former clinic manager for Mirasol Family Health Center, Hermiston, began the role Sept. 20 with the Oregon Judicial Department’s 6th Judicial District.

Solis said the position piqued her interest and she took this job to be involved in the “complex operational functions” that take place in courts.

“I am excited for the opportunity to utilize my skills in my new position and learn from each of my new peers,” she said. “I am thrilled at this new challenge of learning my role and the trial court system from those with so many years of experience.”

She works under Roy Blaine, trial court administrator, and helps with the oversight and managing of non-judicial aspects of the trial court.

“I am thrilled Irma Solis has joined the court family in Umatilla and Morrow counties as my deputy trial court administrator,” Blaine said. “Ms. Solis brings added depth to our leadership team with her experience in customer service and human relations management. Court staff and judges, and I, look forward to introducing her to the court environment and to her helping us better serve our community in both counties.”

Blaine said Solis’ new position is important as it extends the court’s presence and functions further across Umatilla and Morrow counties.

“With court facilities in Hermiston and Pendleton, as well as Heppner, we must be flexible to meet unique local circumstances while assuring that in each location our policies, procedures and functions are consistent and accurate,” he said.

The local circuit courts have “a multi-talented leadership team to achieve the goals of building public trust and confidence in government and the law,” Blaine said, “ensure the courts are open and available to all who need our services regardless of their situation or status, and to participate with other branches of government in improving services in our communities.”

Solis, with her background in customer service and staff development, fits in well with the court’s team of legal experts, Blaine said. He added she brings a new perspective from her experience in Hermiston.

“In many ways we look forward to her rounding out our team and the larger court team with the services we bring to all the neighborhoods of our two counties,” he said.

Solis, who grew up in the Stanfield-Hermiston area, attended Stanfield schools through the eighth grade, after which she attended school in Hermiston. She graduated with honors from Hermiston High School.

Following high school, Solis graduated from Blue Mountain Community College, then earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a leadership, organization and management concentration, from Eastern Oregon University, La Grande.

Prior to serving as Mirasol’s clinic manager, she was the office manager at a dental office.

Solis maintains a busy life outside of work. Married to Eric Solis, her marriage is into its 17th year. She has three children, two daughters, ages 2 and 9; and a son, 5.

“I enjoy spending time with my loved ones,” she said.

She also said she enjoys cooking, baking, crafting and jogging. Life, though, has been busy over the last few years, she said, and she has not jogged as much as she would have liked.

Though she does not belong to any clubs, Solis said she tries to do her best to help others when she can.

“Most recently, I was able to help out with a free bilingual basketball camp co-arranged by a good friend,” she said.

She said she hopes to become even more active in her community, and she believes her current role as court administrator will help her achieve this goal.

“I love this area, it’s my home. I love the growth and diversity we have and continue to see,” she said. “I love that it still has a small town, close-knit feel to it.”