Brian Quattrocchi, a longtime prosecutor with the Daviess County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, has been appointed by Gov. Andy Beshear to fill an open district court judgeship in Daviess County.
The seat was vacated when Judge David Payne won a special election to become a circuit judge. Quattrocchi’s appointment came after a thorough nomination and interview process conducted by the local Judicial Nominating Commission and Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra H. Lambert.
“There may have been six or seven people that put in for it, but they passed on three names to the governor, and then the governor ultimately got to make the appointment, which he did today,” Quattrocchi said.
Quattrocchi, a graduate of Northern Kentucky University’s Salmon P. Chase College of Law, has worked as a prosecutor for nearly 17 years, with a total of 29 years serving the public in various roles. He began his legal career at Kentucky Legal Aid, providing free legal services, then moved to the prosecutor’s office in 2007.
Before entering law, Quattrocchi worked as a social worker for more than a decade, including time in drug and alcohol rehabilitation and as a CASA supervisor and guardian ad litem. He said those experiences helped shape his approach to justice and compassion in the courtroom.
“I just have an innate, it’s an inherent need in me to feel like I’m doing something worthwhile and giving back to the community,” Quattrocchi said. “I’m doing this for the right reasons. I’m not doing it for the title or salary. I genuinely have a love for this community.”
He described the call from Beshear as a moment of gratitude and excitement for both him and his family.
“When I was told the governor wanted to speak with me, as the time approached, my nerves were starting to heighten a little bit,” Quattrocchi said. “But at the end of the day, it was a great conversation. He asked me if I was ready for the task at hand, and I assured him I am fully committed to the process and doing it for the right reasons.”
District Court in the 6th Judicial Circuit handles misdemeanors, juvenile cases, traffic violations, wills, and civil matters under $5,000. Quattrocchi will serve in the position until the next election, which he stated is scheduled for November 2026. If other candidates file, he will run to retain the seat for a four-year term.
Quattrocchi said he is ready to take the bench and hopes to make a positive impact.
“I am going to give my very best effort to treat everybody fairly, kindly, with respect and still uphold the law,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited.”
A swearing-in ceremony is expected within the next week.
