For immediate release
September 12, 2025
For more information, please contact:
Julio Semino
407-836-0403
Nationwide Position Search Ends for Ninth Judicial Circuit Court
Kelly Steele selected as new trial court administrator
ORLANDO, FL – The judges of the Ninth Judicial Circuit have unanimously selected Kelly Steele as their new trial court administrator, ending a competitive two-month nationwide search. The extensive search followed the retirement announcement of current trial court administrator Matt Benefiel, who has held the position since 1996, marking the first time in nearly 30 years the position has changed hands.
“The judges of the Ninth Circuit are excited to elect Kelly to this vital role,” said 9th Circuit Chief Judge Lisa Munyon. “With her successful track record, we are confident Kelly will continue the circuit’s legacy of excellence and innovation.”
Kelly Steele joined the Ninth Circuit in 2013 after working in the Colorado and Georgia court systems. Over the past 12 years at the Ninth, Steele has taken on diverse roles, serving as the drug court manager, problem solving court manager, director of case management, and director of family court services, demonstrating detailed knowledge of the Ninth’s programs and services. Steele’s tenure with the Ninth is also marked by numerous accomplishments, including lead roles in implementing a differentiated case management program across 22 civil divisions, facilitating strategic planning initiatives, and obtaining the recent certification of Orange County’s Adult Drug Court.
Kelly Steele’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Economics from Agnes Scott College, in addition to two Master of Science Degrees — Public Policy and International Affairs — from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Steele is also a fellow of the National Center for State Courts’ Institute for Court Management.
Kelly Steele will begin as the new trial court administrator on November 1. The trial court administrator serves as the chief executive to the court, overseeing a staff of over 200 employees while currently supporting a judiciary of 72 judges and 72 judicial assistants with 3 judgeships remaining to be filled. The position also serves as a liaison to other justice partners, funding authorities, and the community in advocating for the needs and resources of the court, which is the third largest circuit court in Florida.
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The Ninth Judicial Circuit Court proudly serves more than 2 million residents of Orange and Osceola County. As one of 20 judicial circuit courts in the state of Florida, the Ninth Circuit is committed to serving our diverse and growing community through numerous court programs and services in addition to eight court divisions. Our court delivers essential services to support the Central Florida community, including family court case management, dispute resolution services, jury trials, and more. The Ninth Circuit is guided by a commitment to making justice accessible, fair, effective, responsive, and accountable.