(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"
Experienced Defender Cheyla Bush Named DPA’s First DEI Director
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"
Jennifer Wittmeyer Named Assistant Trial Division 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"
Damon Preston Reappointed Public Advocate
Cheryl Witt and Blanche Williams being honored by Public Advocate Preston prior to their retirement in 2021, for over 40 years of service. FRANKFORT, Ky. (July 29, 2021) - On the recommendation of the Kentucky Public Advocacy Commission, Governor Andy Beshear has reappointed Damon Preston to serve another four-year term as Kentucky's Public Advocate, the leaderContinue reading "Damon Preston Reappointed Public Advocate"
Mark Mantooth Appointed Stanton Directing Attorney
(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"
Department of Public Advocacy awarded more than $100,000 for Data Collection, Pilot Program in Hardin County
Funding to address adverse effects of COVID-19 on indigent clients FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 14, 2020) – The Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy (DPA) has been awarded $102,270 from the U.S. Department of Justice's (USDOJ) Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding Program (CESF) administered by the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet to gather pandemic-related data and launch a pilot projectContinue reading "Department of Public Advocacy awarded more than $100,000 for Data Collection, Pilot Program in Hardin County"
Vicki O’Connell Appointed Human Resources Branch Manager
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"
Jennifer Wittmeyer Appointed Central Regional Manager
(9/24/2020) The Public Advocate is pleased to announce that Jennifer Wittmeyer has been appointed as the new Central Regional Manager. 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. While living in Washington, D.C., Jennifer worked for both theContinue reading "Jennifer Wittmeyer Appointed Central Regional Manager"
Charlie Thomas Appointed Richmond Directing Attorney
The Public Advocate is pleased to announce that Charlie Thomas has been appointed as the Directing Attorney of the Richmond Trial Office. Charlie joined DPA in 2010 as an attorney in the Hopkinsville Office. From there, he went to the Bowling Green Office, and he has been in Richmond for the last six years. OriginallyContinue reading "Charlie Thomas Appointed Richmond Directing Attorney"
DPA’s Commitment to Racial Justice
The Department of Public Advocacy is committed to fighting for justice for our clients and seeking systemic change to address racial inequities and law enforcement misconduct and violence. Beyond the justice system, we strive to recognize the pain and anger of our Black colleagues and friends and to combat the societal obstacles to true equality. Continue reading "DPA’s Commitment to Racial Justice"