The U.S. Senate has confirmed President Barack Obama’s nomination of Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr. to the State Justice Institute’s board of directors.

The president nominated Minton in July and the Senate confirmed the nomination Dec. 10, according to a Monday news release. His term on the board is through Sept. 17, 2019.

“I congratulate Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John Minton on his confirmation to serve on the State Justice Institute Board of Directors,” U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said in a news release. “Chief Justice Minton has served with distinction in Kentucky’s judiciary for over two decades, and I can think of no better candidate to help improve the quality of state courts nationwide. As president of the Conference of Chief Justices, he has earned the respect of his colleagues to spearhead innovation and best practices across the country. I believe that Chief Justice Minton will be an asset to SJI and continue to make Kentucky proud.”

Minton, a Bowling Green resident, said he appreciates the Senate’s confirmation.

“I’m eager to begin working with my fellow board members to award grants that benefit state courts,” Minton said in a press release. “SJI grants make it possible for many state court systems to engage in programs they might not otherwise be able to afford. With the SJI’s assistance, state courts have been able to educate judges about domestic abuse, address human trafficking, implement juvenile justice reforms and much more.”