Charles Ferrell, director of Tennessee’s Administrative Office of the Courts, announced Monday he will resign effective April 30.
“There never is an ideal time to make such a decision, but after much thought and discussion with my family and friends, I have concluded that I want to leave government service and pursue opportunities in the private sector,” Ferrell said.
Prior to joining the Tennessee court system in 1992, Ferrell, 50, was a vice president with the National Center for State Courts in Williamsburg, VA. He previously served as state court administrator in Oklahoma.
“Mr. Ferrell has been instrumental in bringing many positive changes to the Tennessee court system,” Chief Justice Riley Anderson said. “I and my colleagues on the Supreme Court appreciate all that he has done to improve the administration of justice in our state. We will conduct a search to find a successor committed to continuing the progress we have made under Mr. Ferrell’s leadership.”
The Administrative Office of the Courts provides support to the entire state court system. The director, appointed by the Supreme Court, is administrative officer for the courts and oversees the AOC.
Ferrell said he will assist the court in the recruitment of a successor and work to ensure a smooth transition.
“I will miss the association I have with judges, clerks and support personnel across the state. We have one of the most efficient judicial systems in the nation and it has been a pleasure and honor to have played a part in its growth and modernization.”