NASHVILLE (AP) - Gov. Bill Haslam has appointed Circuit Court Judge Jeff Bivens to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals.

Bivens, who is 50 years old, lives in Franklin and serves in the 21st Judicial Circuit, which includes Hickman, Lewis, Perry, and Williamson counties.

Bivens was an assistant commissioner and general counsel in the Tennessee Department of Human Resources in the administration of former Gov. Don Sundquist.

Haslam said Bivens' prior government and private practice experience give him the opportunity and experience needed to serve on the appellate court.

Bivens is a Kingsport native, earned his bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University and received his law degree from Vanderbilt University.