Commission to Consider Eight Applicants for Vacancy in 20th Judicial District

Note: Updated Location Below

Nashville, Tenn. - The Trial Court Vacancy Commission has received eight applications for a vacancy in the 20th Judicial District following the retirement of the Honorable Cheryl A. Blackburn.

The applicants for the Criminal Court Judge vacancy are:

Mark Cole

Ronald Dowdy

Dustin Faeder

Keeda J. Haynes

Dominic J. Leonardo

Kyle D. Parks

Stephen Douglas Thurman

James Harwell Todd

Updated Location: Due to the number of applicants and the time required to review each one, the public hearing for this position will be held Thursday, July 31st, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. local time at the Nashville School of Law, 4013 Armory Oaks Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37204.

Any member of the public may attend the public hearing and can express, orally or in writing, objections concerning applicant(s) for the judicial vacancy. If you require an accommodation and/or have special needs because of a qualified disability, or have questions about the Commission, please contact John Jefferson, assistant general counsel at the Administrative Office of the Courts, at John.Jefferson@tncourts.gov or 615-741-2687.

The Commission is expected to vote immediately following the interviews and forward nominees for the position to Governor Bill Lee for his consideration.

For additional information, please contact John Jefferson, assistant general counsel, at john.jefferson@tncourts.gov.