Governor Bill Haslam on Monday appointed Kyle E. Hedrick of Chattanooga as Circuit Court Judge for the 11th Judicial District. He replaces Judge W. Neil Thomas III, who has retired. The 11th Judicial District serves Hamilton County.
Mr. Hedrick and attorney Glenna Ramer have practiced together since 1994 and formed the law firm Ramer & Hedrick in Chattanooga in 2001.
He practiced at Heiskell, Donelson, Bearman, Adams, Williams & Caldwell in 1993 after practicing with Caldwell, Heggie & Helton from 1988-1993 before its merger with Heiskell, Donelson.
Mr. Hedrick, 55, began his career as an attorney with Sidney Gilreath & Associates from 1987-1988. He has also served as administrative hearing officer for the cities of East Ridge, Collegedale, Red Bank and Chattanooga.
“Kyle Hedrick has vast experience working in the 11th Judicial District, and I am pleased to make this appointment,” Governor Haslam said.
“I’m excited and humbled to receive this honor,” Mr. Hedrick said. “I’m anxious to serve the citizens of Hamilton County as judge for Division IV of the Circuit Court for the 11th Judicial District. I want to thank the members of the Trial Court Vacancy Commission, Counsel to the Governor Dwight Tarwater and especially Governor Bill Haslam for putting his trust in me. I will give my best efforts and hard work to this position.”
Mr. Hedrick received his law degree from the University of Tennessee in 1987 after earning a bachelor’s degree from Lipscomb University in 1984.
He was youth minister at Mountain Creek Church of Christ from 2007-2013 after serving as youth minister at Central Church of Christ from 2001-2007. He and his wife, Brenda, have three adult children, Kaitlyn, Lance and Luke.
Other finalists were Jim Exum III and Jennifer Peck.
The post will go before the voters next year with the primary in May and the general election in August.
Attorneys Hedrick and Joe DeGaetano have picked up qualifying papers. Attorney Catherine White has qualified to run.