Talbot County, Maryland

Meet the Judges

• Philip C. Foster, Chief Judge

  Philip C. Foster serves as a judge on the Orphans’ Court for Talbot County, a position he has held since January 2023. In this role, he presides over matters related to estate administration, including wills, probate, and guardianships. Prior to joining the bench, Foster served on the Talbot County Council from 1998 to 2010, including terms as president and vice president, contributing to local governance and public service.

• Paul S. Carroll, Associate Judge

  

  Paul S. Carroll serves on the Orphans' Court for Talbot County, Maryland, a position he has held since December, 2014.  Judge Carroll served as Chief Judge of the Orphans' Court from July, 2020 through July, 2023.  A Talbot County native, he owned and operated the local Sears Hometown Store from 1991 through 2014, and currently holds a real estate broker's license.  Judge Carroll has been an active member of the community for many years serving on the Economic Development Commission, Mayor's Prayer Breakfast Committee from 1995 to present, Mid-Shore Executive Ministries, and Lion's Club.  He is an active member of the First Wesleyan Church in Easton and previously served as treasurer and member of the Board of Administration.  He lives in Easton with his wife, Faith, and has two daughters, Elizabeth and Katherine, and two grandchildren, Lucy and Chase Olavsrud.

• David J. Wheeler, Associate Judge

  David Wheeler is a Duke University graduate with a background in business administration and anthropology and a long career in the automotive industry. He spent nearly two decades leading a consulting firm serving dealerships across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, later heading the Consulting Practices Group at Reynolds & Reynolds. He then owned and operated an automotive group in Easton for 14 years, earning national recognition for customer satisfaction.

  A longtime Talbot County resident, Wheeler has been deeply involved in the community through education, youth programs, and civic initiatives. His contributions include supporting local schools, youth athletics, and charitable efforts, earning multiple honors for community service and business leadership.