Governor Appoints New Judge, Kate McKay, for Sublette County

Gov. Mark Gordon has appointed Kate McKay to be a District Court Judge for the Ninth Judicial District serving Sublette County, according to a news release on Friday.

McKay’s appointment fills a vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Marvin Tyler.

“While all three candidates were well-qualified, the breadth of Kate’s experience in the Ninth District and her work in the Public Defender’s Office make her well-suited for this judgeship,” Gordon said.

The Ninth District includes Sublette, Fremont and Teton counties. Each county has its own courthouse. The Sublette County Courthouse is in Pinedale.

McKay has served as staff attorney and law clerk for Judge Jason Conder of the Ninth Judicial District in Lander.

She previously worked as an attorney in private practice, as a staff attorney for the Northern Arapaho Child Support Program, and as a supervisor in the Wyoming Office of the Public Defender in Fremont County.

McKay earned her Bachelor's degree from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon,  and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Wyoming.

She said she's honored by the appointment.

"I would like to thank Governor Gordon for this wonderful opportunity, as well as the Judicial Nominating Commission and the Governor's staff for their time and effort," McKay said.

McKay’s appointment is effective Jan. 3.