The governor has appointed Cookeville lawyer Wesley Bray to fill the shoes of retiring Judge David Patterson.

Bray was appointed to the position this past Monday by Governor Bill Lee, choosing him from a field of three candidates. The other two candidates selected by the trial court vacancy commission were Rebecca Brady, assistant general counsel for the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, and Michael Shipman, of Shipman & Crim. 

Bray has been in private practice since 2005, specializing in criminal and family law. Prior to his solo practice, he worked in the 13th Judicial District Attorney's Office.

The 13th Judicial District includes Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam, and White counties.

Judge Bray holds a bachelor's degree in psychology from Tennessee Tech and a law degree from Nashville School of Law. He is married to Ashley and they have three children. 

With his appointment, Judge Bray will split the criminal court caseload with Judge Gary McKenzie.

The appointment itself is for the duration of Patterson’s unexpired term which ends in 2020. Bray has already announced he plans to run for a full eight-year term on the bench.

Patterson had served 13 years on the bench when he announced his retirement earlier this year.