NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Supreme Court has selected a former northwest Tennessee Circuit Court judge to serve as a new senior judge, presiding over cases across the state.

According to a news release from the court, Judge William Acree will be one of four senior judges in Tennessee when he begins his two-year term on Nov. 2.

Senior judges hear cases where other judges cannot serve because of a conflict, or in courts where there is a vacancy.

Acree was a Circuit Court judge in the 27th Judicial District from 1994 until his retirement last year. He served a term as president of the Tennessee Judicial Conference. He holds undergraduate and juris doctor degrees from the University of Tennessee. Prior to serving on the bench, he was in private practice.