Photo: Katie C. Comstock
Contact: Jim Hannah, Communications Director, Administrative Office of the Courts
jimhannah@kycourts.net, 502-573-2350 ext. 50031
FRANKFORT, Ky., June 9, 2023 – A Kentucky attorney with a long history of public service who has held positions with the Executive and Legislative branches of state government has been named to head the operational arm of Kentucky’s unified court system. Chief Justice of the Commonwealth Laurance B. VanMeter today announced that Katie C. Comstock will be the next director of the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts.
“Katie Comstock is a sharp, polished attorney who brings a portfolio of success in legislative drafting, government affairs and legal research,” Chief Justice VanMeter said. “She has drafted hundreds of complex pieces of legislation over her career while serving in a nonpartisan capacity. I’m pleased she is bringing these invaluable skills to the role of the administrative head of the court system.”
Comstock’s appointment is effective June 21. She was selected from more than 30 applicants after a monthlong national search. Comstock will succeed current AOC Director Laurie K. Givens, who has accepted a position with the National Center for State Courts.
“I admire the talent, innovation and dedication of the AOC staff and am excited by the opportunity to contribute to their success,” Comstock said. “Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to public service, upholding the values of civility and nonpartisanship in all my interactions. My ability to collaborate effectively with diverse individuals has allowed me to build strong relationships. This will allow me to effectively advocate for Kentucky’s judiciary.”
Comstock served over two years in the Executive Branch and 12 years in the Legislative Branch during two stints with the Legislative Research Commission. During her final five-plus years with LRC, she served as the committee staff administrator for the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee.
While LRC committee staff administrator for the Judiciary Committee, Comstock hired, trained and managed a team of attorneys, assistants, interns and graduate fellows. She oversaw Judiciary Committee meetings and continuing legal education programs held annually at the Capitol. In addition, she drafted hundreds of civil and criminal bills that touched on all aspects of the courts. She worked closely with legislators regarding policy options and proposed legislation. She equipped lawmakers with the necessary information to explain complex legislation in common sense language.
Comstock earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from DePauw University in 2001 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, where she graduated cum laude. She lives in Lexington with her husband, Kris, and two children, 12-year-old Cooper and nine-year-old Claire.
The AOC supports the activities of nearly 3,300 court system employees and 413 elected justices, judges and circuit court clerks across Kentucky’s 120 counties. The AOC executes the Judicial Branch’s $462 million annual budget.
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