CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Two new judges were named today to preside over major cases in Montgomery County courts.
Gov. Bill Lee announced Friday that he has appointed Robert Bateman and Adrienne Fry as the next Circuit Court judges for the 19th Judicial District, which includes Montgomery and Robertson counties. Both judges will fill the vacancies effective immediately.
Judge Robert Bateman
Bateman replaces Judge Jill Bartee Ayers, who was appointed to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals-Middle Section.
He is an attorney at Bateman and Bateman in Clarksville. He earned his J.D. at Vanderbilt University School of Law and his bachelor’s degree at Austin Peay State University, according to a state news release.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust that Governor Lee has placed in me, and I look forward to working hard. And hopefully the public will put that same trust in me at election time,” Bateman told Clarksville Now.
Judge Adrienne Fry
Fry replaces Judge Ross H. Hicks, whose retirement was announced in February.
She is an attorney at Fry and Ritchie in Clarksville. She earned her J.D. at the University of Tennessee College of Law and her bachelor’s degree at East Tennessee State University, the release said.
“I am humbled with the governor’s decision and excited to serve the community,” Fry told Clarksville Now.
Other appointments
Lee also announced these appointments:
Judicial:
- Sean Day, 29th Judicial District Public Defender
- Will Lockhart, 14th Judicial District Circuit Court
- Steve Maroney, 26th Judicial District Chancery Court
Board of Parole reappointments:
- Zane Duncan
- Tim Gobble
- Roberta Kustoff
“It’s an honor to announce the appointment of eight qualified Tennesseans who will each bring valuable experience to their respective roles,” Lee said in the release. “I am grateful for their commitment to our state and confident they will serve with integrity.”
About Montgomery County courts
Five judges are on the bench in Circuit Court for the 19th Judicial District. Bateman and Fry will join Judge Kathryn “Katy” W. Olita, Judge William R. Goodman, and Judge Ted A. Crozier.
Three judges preside over the General Sessions court: Judge Ken Goble Jr., Judge Wayne Shelton and Judge Sharon Massey Grimes.
Juvenile cases are handled by Judge Tim Barnes.
Chancellor Laurence M. McMillan Jr. presides over Chancery Court.
Keely Quinlan contributed to this report.
Correction: An earlier version of this article should have included a fifth Circuit Court judge, Judge Katy Olita. The article has been updated.