Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., today announced the appointment of Lee Ann Bennett, clerk of the United States Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of Florida, as the new deputy director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.  Bennett will serve as deputy to Director James C. Duff, who was appointed by the Chief Justice in 2015.  Bennett will begin her new position in March.  In announcing his selection, the Chief Justice noted, “Lee Ann has received high praise for her work as a bankruptcy court clerk and for her contributions to the Administrative Office.  She has provided expert advice and assistance to Judicial Conference committees and advisory groups.”

            As deputy director of the Administrative Office (AO), Bennett will be responsible for providing management and oversight of day-to-day operations at the AO and implementing short-and long-term goals, objectives, and policies.  Director Duff said of her appointment, “Lee Ann is well known in the federal court system for her organizational skills and collegial approach to management.  She will provide well-informed and practical leadership within the AO and strengthen its services to the courts.”

            Bennett has served as the clerk of the Bankruptcy Court of the Middle District of Florida for the past ten years and was deputy clerk for three years before that.  She held various positions in the Middle District of Florida clerk’s divisions since 1991, serving that district for over 25 years.  She received the Director’s Award for Outstanding Leadership from the AO in 2015.

            Bennett takes this position following the retirement of Jill C. Sayenga who rendered exemplary service as deputy director of the AO for ten years.