Gov. Lee Announces Judicial Appointments

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced Tuesday afternoon the appointments to judicial positions across the state, according to a news release from Lee’s office.

“I am proud to announce the appointment of these highly qualified individuals, and I value the experience they will bring to their respective judicial districts,” said Gov. Lee. “I’m confident they will serve Tennessee with integrity.”

The following Tennesseans have been appointed:

Judge Jill Ayers – Court of Criminal Appeals, Middle District

Christopher Heagerty – 6^th Judicial District Chancery Court

Jerome Melson – 6^th Judicial District Circuit Court

James “Jimmy” Turner – 16^th Judicial District Circuit Court

Rebecca Lee – 4^th Judicial District Public Defender

Ayers is a Circuit Court Judge in the 19^th Judicial District. She earned her J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law and a bachelor’s from Belmont University. Ayers will fill the Honorable Thomas Woodall’s vacancy subject to confirmation by the General Assembly.

Heagerty is a solo practitioner and served prior as an attorney with Hodges, Doughty and Carson. He earned a J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Heagerty will begin serving on January 23, 2021, following the Honorable Michael Moyers’ retirement.

Melson practices law at Gentry, Tipton and McLemore and was formerly an Adjunct Professor at the University of Tennessee College of Law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Tennessee College of Law and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Melson will fill the Honorable Kristi Davis’ vacancy, effective immediately.

Turner is a partner at Oliver and Turner. He earned his J.D. from Nashville School of Law and a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University. Turner will fill the Honorable David Bragg’s vacancy, effective immediately.

 Rebecca Lee is an Assistant Public Defender in the 4^th Judicial District. She earned a J.D. from Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law and a bachelor’s from the University of Michigan. Lee will fill Ed Miller’s vacancy, effective immediately.