Ryan Spitzer has been appointed by Gov. Bill Lee to serve as Circuit Court judge for the 7th Judicial District to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Donald R. Elledge. The district covers Anderson County.

“Ryan is a dedicated public servant with an extensive background in criminal prosecution,” said Gov. Lee in a press release. “I am proud to announce his appointment and confident he will serve Tennessee with integrity.”

Spitzer formerly served as an assistant district attorney general for the 7th Judicial District. A graduate of Vanderbilt University School of Law and Lambuth University, Spitzer resides in Oak Ridge with his wife, Tracy, and their two sons. Outside of the courtroom, Spitzer serves as an adjunct professor in the paralegal studies program at Pellissippi State Community College.

Judge Elledge served for more than 15 years, after his appointment by Gov. Phil Bredesen on Sept.1, 2005. He was elected in 2006 and 2014.