CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Montgomery County Commission voted to appoint the a candidate for the new Division V General Session and Juvenile Judge on Monday. Erin Poland Nolder received the vast majority of votes on the first round of voting to win the appointment.

Going into the meeting, three candidates made their case for the new judicial seat. Candidates included Samuel Knolton, Poland Nolder and Merriel Bullock Neal. They each spoke in the order their applications were received at last week’s informal commission meeting.

| PREVIOUSLY: 3 candidates make case for vacant General Sessions, Juvenile Judge seat

After each candidate was motioned for approval, the first round of voting began, and the majority went to Poland Nolder. She will be up for election in the May county primary and August county general election.

Voting in favor of Poland Nolder’s appointment included Commissioners’ John Gannon, Jason Knight, Joe Smith, Rickey Ray, Rashidah Leverett, Michael Lankford, Nathan Burkholder, Jorge Padro, Jeremiah Walker, Walker Woodruff, David Harper, Lisa Prichard, Chris Rasnic, Ryan Gallant, Billy Frye and David Shelton.

Meanwhile, Commissioners’ LaTonia Brown and Carmelle Chandler voted for the appointment of Bullock Neal, and Commissioners’ Joe Greek and Joshua Beal voted in favor of Knolton.

“I’m really excited that the County Commission took their jobs extremely seriously – as they always do – and they did the research to see who was best qualified,” Poland Nolder said in an interview with Clarksville Now. “I’m excited and honored to be able to serve Montgomery County.”

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Nolder highlights work with at-risk youth and families

Nolder, a Clarksville native, emphasized her background in mental health and two decades of legal work with children and families. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Kentucky University, and later completed her law degree while working as a therapist. “I’ve worked with at-risk youth my entire adulthood – from community-centered action to mental health hospitals,” she said.

Since graduating from law school 18 years ago, Nolder has practiced in Montgomery County, handling cases involving the Department of Children’s Services, private custody disputes, guardianships, adoptions, estates, divorce, and orders of protection. She has also argued cases for the Tennessee Supreme Court.

“I’ve been called upon by peers and judges to assist in court on various issues in recognition of my knowledge and experience,” she said, adding that she is confident in her ability to manage the responsibilities of the position.

Chris Smith and Jazmin Logan contributed to this report.

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