WOODFORD COUNTY ATTORNEY Alan George announced he won’t seek a ninth term at the Woodford County Democratic Dinner on Oct. 23. (Photo by Scott White)
Woodford County Attorney Alan George, the county’s longest serving county attorney, with eight terms of four years each or 32 years, announced he is retiring and will not run for a ninth term at the annual Woodford County Democrat Dinner, held on Thursday, Oct. 23.
These years of service do not include the time he spent learning his skill and craft as an assistant county attorney for 12 years under Mark Gormley, who had been the longest-serving county attorney before George set the new record.
“I am forever thankful to my fellow members of the Woodford County Bar, the Woodford County Democratic Party, and, strangely enough, the Woodford County Republican Party for never running anyone against me,” George said with a grin. “But I am most grateful to Woodford Countians for the faith they have shown in me for so long in holding this position.”
George went on to express eternal thanks to his wife, Geri, and his family, noting he spent all day of his wedding anniversary this year prosecuting in District Court and then driving with her to Louisville for their grandson’s soccer game.
“Reflecting over my career and career path, eight terms have been great, and nine would be fine, but I will retire in 14 months and 11 days,” and after a brief pause, added, “I’m grateful nobody shouted out ‘about time’ and spoiling this moment for me!”
George singled out Phyllis Mattingly, his longtime first assistant, who “is a stalwart of the Woodford County Democratic Party, has capably served the county and is vital to my office.”
When he recognized and thanked his other assistant county attorney, Cassie Barnes, George told the crowd of democrats that both he and Mattingly were supporting Barnes as the next Woodford County Attorney.
“Cassie is a native Woodford Countian who came home and has practiced here and been one of my assistant county attorneys,” he said. “She is an outstanding attorney and person, and it is my hope she will continue the long tradition of Democrats holding the office and would also be the first woman to be the Woodford County Attorney.”
Currently, Barnes is the only declared candidate for the office from either party.
“I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to work as an assistant county attorney with, and learn from, Alan. I grew up in Woodford County and graduated from WCHS. I care deeply about our community,” Bares said in a statement for the Sun. “My husband, Chris, and I have chosen to raise our three children, Harris, Ruby, and Emmett, here. I have practiced law, focusing on Woodford County matters, since 2008. If elected, I will strive to maintain the level of integrity, effectiveness, efficiency and commitment to justice and county government we have enjoyed under Alan’s leadership.”
The November 2026 general election will decide George’s successor.
With a voice laden with emotion, George closed his remarks by saying, “The highest honor I think I could ever of had was to be your county attorney for what will be 32 years.”