The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee is pleased to announce that effective January 16, 2024, Judge Suzanne H. Bauknight will become the Chief Judge of the court. Chief Judge Shelley D. Rucker will be resigning as Chief effective January 15, 2024, and will be preparing for her retirement, which will be effective April 1, 2024.
            Based on the district’s weighted case filings, the Sixth Circuit Judicial Council has determined that the workload in the district does not warrant replacing Judge Rucker at this time. The position is not being terminated. The Sixth Circuit is simply delaying appointing a fourth judge until case filings increase. If and when the Circuit determines to fill the position, notice of the application process will be provided on this website.
            As for court operations in the Southern and Winchester Divisions, Judge Nicholas W. Whittenburg will continue to handle all matters in those divisions. Should conflicts arise, Chief Judge Bauknight will reassign those cases. All of Judge Rucker’s cases will be transferred to Judge Whittenburg on April 1, 2024.
            Beginning on April 1, 2024, the times for scheduling chapter 13 matters on the Chattanooga regular Thursday dockets will be slightly changed to accommodate Judge Whittenburg hearing all matters. Motions to dismiss will be heard at 9:00 a.m. All other motions will be heard at 10:00 a.m. Confirmation objections will be heard at 1:00 p.m.  Judge Rucker will immediately use these new times to schedule any matters for hearing after April 1, 2024.
            A final docket and portrait unveiling for Judge Rucker is scheduled for March 28, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. to recognize Judge Rucker’s retirement. More details for this event will be provided in February.