FRANKFORT, Ky., Nov. 15, 2004 - Kentucky’s circuit court clerks focused on enhancing their management and leadership skills at the 2004 Circuit Clerks' Fall Conference offered by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). The annual program took place in October at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington.

Maggie Cimino, a nationally known judicial educator with the Center for Judicial Education and Research in San Francisco, facilitated the program, which was titled “Better Service Through Better Management.” Cimino helped the clerks identify the challenges they face and develop ways to increase efficiency and improve customer service.

The Education Services Department for the AOC provides two training conferences a year for Kentucky’s circuit clerks, who are responsible for managing the records of Kentucky courts.

“Circuit clerks are on the front line of the court system,” said Gary Haddock, Christian County Circuit Court Clerk and president of the Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks. “Their role in maintaining court records requires knowledge of the law, attention to detail and a strong commitment to serving the citizens of Kentucky. Maintaining an efficient office environment is essential to good customer service.”

The clerks also attended a session on Trust for Life, an ongoing public education campaign sponsored by the Kentucky Association of Circuit Court Clerks to promote organ donation.

The Administrative Office of the Courts supports the activities of more than 3,400 Kentucky Court of Justice employees, including the elected offices of justices, judges and circuit court clerks. As the fiscal agent for the Court of Justice, the AOC executes the Judicial Branch budget.