Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam appointed Brooklynn M. Townsend on Tuesday as special judge for the General Sessions Court of Polk County.
Townsend's appointment fills a temporary vacancy left by Judge Billy D. Baliles.
"I appreciate Brooklynn Townsend's willingness to serve in this capacity," Haslam said. "This will help serve the citizens in Polk County, and we wish Judge Baliles the very best in his recovery."
Since 2007, Townsend, 37, has been an assistant district attorney general for the 10th Judicial District, and since May 2015, she has been the Polk County team leader.
"I would like to thank Governor Haslam for his confidence in me. I am honored to have been appointed to serve Polk County as its General Sessions Judge and I wish Judge Baliles a speedy recovery," Townsend said.