Matt Thompson has been appointed Director of Court Services for the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court (JDRDC), effective Monday, Oct. 25. Thompson succeeds Bob Bermingham, who served in the role for 11 years. 

Thompson has been Assistant Court Services Unit Director for JDRDC’s Probation Services since July 2016. He began his career with Fairfax County in 1997 when he was hired as a probation officer assigned to the Fairfax County Juvenile Detention Center. He later moved from residential services to community-based services, taking the role of probation officer with the North County Probation Unit in 2004. He was promoted to unit director in 2010.

Throughout his career Thompson has demonstrated a passion for working with children, adults and families in need of court intervention. His vast experience, knowledge and leadership have resulted in significant enhancements to how court services are equitably delivered and accessed. In his previous position, Thompson led the development and implementation of multiple system reforms including the nationally recognized Alternative Accountability Program, the JDRDC Mediation Program, the Assessment Services Unit, Adult Pre-Trial Services, the Bifurcation Hearing Process and the successful application of evidence-based practices at major system decision points.

The Director of Court Services oversees a budget of approximately $28 million dollars and over 330 positions. Under the direction of the Deputy County Executive for Health, Housing and Human Services, the director leads, plans and directs a variety of programs designed to promote the well-being of individuals of all ages and abilities, families and communities. The director works in collaboration with the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations judiciary, Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax County Police Department and other Health and Human Services agencies in strategic work associated with providing community safety, justice and rehabilitation; facilitating community engagement to identify areas of need; and enhancing capacity for community safety.

Thompson holds a bachelor’s degree in government from the University of Virginia. In 2017 he completed the Senior Executive Institute program at the University of Virginia/Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. He also earned Certified Public Manager accreditation from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments in 2020.

Thompson will receive an annual salary of $157,500.