Press Releases | Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts

19th Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Katy Olita

Judge Kathryn Olita Becomes First Woman to Serve as TTJA President

July 7, 2025

Circuit Court Judge Kathryn (Katy) Olita was recently elected President of the Tennessee Trial Judges Association (TTJA), becoming the first woman and first judge from the 19^th Judicial District to serve in this role.

“As far as we can tell, and for people who are still with us…

Retired 32nd Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Mike Spitzer

Senator Joey Hensley and State Representative Jody Barrett presented Judge Spitzer with a resolution.on

Judge Spitzer with his 97-year-old mother, Clarice.

32nd Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Mike Spitzer Retires

July 7, 2025

Judge Mike Spitzer was a bit reluctant when the opportunity to serve as a judge in the 21st Judicial District emerged in 2018.

“To be honest with you I never wanted to be a judge, but I had a very good law practice and enjoyed practicing law,” said Judge Spitzer.

The 21st Judicial…

Joe Byrd, Interim Executive Director of the Office of the Appointed Counsel Commission (ACC)

Administrative Office of the Courts Names Joe Byrd Interim Director of New Appointed Counsel Commission

July 7, 2025

Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) has named attorney Joe Byrd to serve as the Interim Executive Director of the Office of the Appointed Counsel Commission (ACC).

In this new role, Byrd will lead the statewide coordination of indigent…