Justice Kyle A. Hixson has officially taken his seat on the Tennessee Supreme Court following his appointment by Governor Bill Lee and confirmation by the Tennessee General Assembly.

Justice Hixson formally joined the state’s highest court on July 1, 2026. Governor Lee administered the oath of office, praising Hixson’s career dedicated to public service and expressing confidence in his commitment to leading with integrity.

The official milestone was celebrated alongside the Tennessee Bar Association (TBA), where former TBA President Heidi Barcus presented Justice Hixson with a commemorative gavel. Hixson joins Justice Dwight Tarwater as the second justice currently serving on the high court from Knox County.

A seventh-generation Tennessean, Justice Hixson brings extensive experience from both sides of the bench:

• Judicial Experience: Prior to his Supreme Court appointment, Hixson served on the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals from 2022 to 2026. He previously served as a Criminal Court Judge for the 6th Judicial District in Knox County from 2020 to 2022.

• Prosecutorial Career: Hixson spent years as a criminal prosecutor, including roles as Assistant District Attorney General and Deputy District Attorney General in Knox County, as well as Assistant Attorney General in Nashville representing the state in state and federal appeals.

• Legal Education: He served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Tennessee Winston College of Law and currently sits on the college’s Alumni Council.

Justice Hixson earned both his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. During his time as a broadcasting major, he began working for the Vol Network, notably serving as the color commentator for UT baseball broadcasts from 2005 to 2011.

Beyond the courtroom, Hixson is a Fellow with the Tennessee Bar Foundation, a member of the Federalist Society and Knoxville Bar Association, and has served on community boards for the Sertoma Center and CASA of East Tennessee. He and his family reside in Knoxville and are active members of Sevier Heights Church.