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Ryan Spitzer appointed as Circuit Court judge by Gov. Lee


JUDGE RYAN SPITZER
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee has appointed Ryan Spitzer to serve as Circuit Court judge for the 7th Judicial District to fill former Judge Donald R. Elledge’s vacancy, effective immediately.

The announcement was made Monday (Aug. 30).

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

Spitzer formerly served as an assistant district attorney for the 7th Judicial District.

He and his wife, Tracy, reside in Oak Ridge along with their two sons, Rogan, 9, and Keegan, 6.

They attend St Mary’s Church in Oak Ridge.

Outside of the courtroom, Spitzer serves as an adjunct professor in the Paralegal Studies program at Pellissippi State Community College.

In May, Spitzer announced that he would seek the office of Circuit Court judge in Anderson County following the early retirement of Circuit Judge Donald R. Elledge, effective June 30.

Spitzer has served as an assistant district attorney in Anderson County for the past 13 years, helping to investigate and prosecute thousands of criminal cases in both General Sessions and Circuit courts.

He also serves as the prosecutor for the Seventh Judicial District Crime Task Force working closely with agents to target the worst violent and drug-related offenders. Prior to becoming a prosecutor, Spitzer practiced civil law including divorce, bankruptcy, probate, contract disputes, and general civil litigation.

A native Tennessean, Spitzer served as a medic in the Army National Guard for six years from 1993 to 1999 while obtaining his bachelor of science degree from Lambuth University in Jackson in 1999, and graduating from Vanderbilt Law School in 2003.

Ryan and his wife, Tracy, reside in Oak Ridge along with their two sons, Rogan, 9, and Keegan, 6.

They attend St Mary’s Church in Oak Ridge.

His former boss, District Attorney General Dave Clark, said in Facebook post, “Ryan has had a distinguished career as a prosecutor in our office and I am looking forward to calling him, ‘Your Honor.’ He will be difficult to replace in our office but will perform great service to the people of Anderson County as our judge.”