William E. “Bill” Young, former Solicitor General of Tennessee, has joined the Administrative Office of the Courts as the Administrative Director.
Young was appointed by the Tennessee Supreme Court in September to direct an office of approximately 75 people who provide administrative support to the trial and appellate judges and courts across the state.
“I appreciate the tremendous opportunity provided to me by the Supreme Court and look forward to serving in this capacity,” Young said.
Young served as Solicitor General in the Tennessee Attorney General’s office for more than two years.
“Bill Young’s years of experience in the attorney general’s office, especially as solicitor general, and in the private sector, as general counsel for BlueCross BlueShield, place him in good stead to lead the administration of the judiciary for years to come,” said Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Gary Wade.
The Tennessee Supreme Court appointed Young in 2009 to serve on the Access to Justice Commission, which he still serves on today. Young was a member of the Tennessee Judicial Nominating Commission from 2009 to August 2011, and was chair of the commission from August 2010 to August 2011.
Prior to joining the attorney general’s office, Young was senior vice president, chief compliance officer, and general counsel of BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. He also worked previously as assistant attorney general and senior counsel in the attorney general’s office, was deputy commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, president of Hospital Alliance of Tennessee, general counsel for the Tennessee Hospital Association, and university counsel for Vanderbilt University. Young also worked in private practice and was a law clerk to U.S. Bankruptcy Judge George Paine.
Young received his bachelor of arts cum laude from Vanderbilt University, where he also earned his juris doctor in 1981.
Young is a native of Clarksville. Young’s wife, Jane, serves as general counsel for the Tennessee Department of Health. The couple live in Nashville and have one daughter, Beth, who is pursuing a master’s degree in accounting at Wake Forest University.
Young currently serves as vice chair on the board of directors of Park Center in Nashville and is incoming chairperson. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Tennessee Bar Association, the Inns of Court, and the American Health Lawyers Association.
Young joins Ana L. Escobar, who became Deputy Director of the AOC November 18. Escobar previously was Nashville and Davidson County Metropolitan Clerk, has served in private practice and as a prosecutor.
Young is taking on the position held for seven years by Libby Sykes, who retired after serving 27 years in state government.
