Tag Archives: NewsInDPA

(1/7/2022) I’m pleased to announce that Heather Estes has been appointed as the new Stanton Directing Attorney. Heather received her Bachelor Degree in Psychology from University of North Carolina – Greensboro, in 1997. In 2000 she graduated from Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville. Heather has practiced law for twenty years andContinue reading “Heather Estes Appointed Stanton Directing Attorney”

(1/7/2022) Alyson has been with DPA since 2008, when she was hired at the Glasgow trial office and later transferred to the Bowling Green office in 2011.  She was born in and grew up around Bowling Green and completed her undergraduate degree in psychology at Western Kentucky University before getting a master’s degree in sociologyContinue reading “Alyson McDavitt Appointed Bowling Green North Directing Attorney”

(1/5/2022) Sheena Baylon received her Bachelor Degree from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois, in 2006. In 2010 she graduated from Salmon P. Chase College of Law. Immediately after being admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky she began her career in public service with the Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy. Sheena isContinue reading “Sheena Baylon Appointed Newport Directing Attorney”

(11/1/2021) Laura Fitzer joined DPA as an intern in 2014. She interned with the Boone, Covington, and Newport Trial Offices, as well as the Kentucky Innocence Project. She began as a Staff Attorney at the Cynthiana Trial Office before transferring to the Boone Trial Office. She regularly trains new attorneys to defend children and isContinue reading “Laura Fitzer Appointed Cynthiana Directing Attorney”

(4/16/2021) Gerald DeRossett is the Directing Attorney at the Hazard Trial Office. Gerald is a lifelong resident of Prestonsburg, Kentucky. He graduated from Transylvania University in 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a Minors in History and Economics. He received his J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1988.Continue reading “Gerald DeRossett Appointed Hazard Directing Attorney”

(1/5/2022) Chris Tracy joined the agency in 2009, having graduated from UK Law and Butler University.  He started in the unified Lexington office on Church St., originally sharing his office with two other staff attorneys.  Subsequently, Chris became a staff attorney in the Lexington South office, before becoming the directing attorney of Lexington North inContinue reading “Chris Tracy Appointed Bluegrass Regional Manager”

The Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) is dedicated to equal and fair treatment both in the legal system and in its own workplace.  Toward this end, DPA has named public defender Cheyla Bush as its first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Cheyla earned a degree in psychology and her law degree both from theContinue reading “Experienced Defender Cheyla Bush Named DPA’s First DEI Director”

(6/21/2021) The Department of Public Advocacy is pleased to announce that Jennifer Wittmeyer has been appointed as the new Assistant Trial Division Director in the Division of Trial Services.  Jennifer graduated Cum Laude from George Mason School of Law in Arlington, Virginia and received her undergraduate degree from Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, Kentucky.Continue reading “Jennifer Wittmeyer Named Assistant Trial Division Director”

(3/1/2021) The Public Advocate is pleased to announce that Mark Mantooth has been appointed as the Directing Attorney of the Stanton Trial Office. Mark grew up in Morehead and taught high school English and journalism before earning his law degree. He is an alumnus of Samford University, Morehead State University, and Loyola University New OrleansContinue reading “Mark Mantooth Appointed Stanton Directing Attorney”

The Public Advocate is pleased to announce that Vicki O’Connell has been appointed as Human Resources Branch Manager for Law Operations.  She is currently a Human Resources Administrator with DPA. Her expertise is in personnel and payroll. Since her employment with DPA she has gained knowledge in Health Insurance, Sick Leave, Workers’ Comp, and Family Medical LeaveContinue reading “Vicki O’Connell Appointed Human Resources Branch Manager”