NASHVILLE - The director of Tennessee's Administrative Office of the Courts, Elizabeth (Libby) Sykes, announced today she plans to retire by year's end.
Sykes has served the past seven years as chief over the office, which provides administrative and technical support as well as training to judges.
"It has been a privilege to serve the judiciary of Tennessee," Sykes said in a release. "This is a truly honorable group of people that I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from over many years."
She has worked in the office for 25 years and prior to that spent two years with the Tennessee Sentencing Commission and the Department of Correction.
"Libby Sykes has enjoyed a remarkable career in her service to the state of Tennessee, especially during her tenure as administrative director of the Courts," said Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Gary Wade. "By her remarkable competence and caring manner, she and her staff have earned the respect and admiration of the entire Judicial Branch of government."
Wade said Tennesseans and judges "could not have asked for a more dedicated public servant."
He said during her remaining time in office, Sykes' "primary responsibility will be to help find the best possible successor to what I consider to be the most demanding position in the judiciary."
The director of the Administrative Office of the Courts is appointed by the Tennessee Supreme Court.