Spokane names Dr. Jackie Van Wormer new municipal court administrator; promises data focus

Judge Kristin O'Sullivan introduced Dr. Jackie Van Wormer as the new municipal court administrator and summarized her background in court administration, grant management and research. O'Sullivan noted Van Wormer’s prior role in Travis County and work with treatment courts and national justice organizations.

Dr. Van Wormer told the committee she is "committed to building a data‑informed and data‑driven court operation" and seeksto measure effectiveness and outcomes for community court and recovery court programs. Council members requested more granular outcome data—particularly case‑level outcomes and changes to caseloads since recent ordinances—and asked Van Wormer to present recovery‑court updates at the next committee meeting.

Council members discussed previous costs for external outcome studies (one estimate referenced about $90,000 for WSU), and Van Wormer said she hopes to reduce contracting costs through internal data work and collaboration. No formal action was taken; staff and Van Wormer will return with requested metrics and a 15‑minute slot on next month’s agenda.