Newport man appointed by Governor

Governor Phil Bredesen today appointed William O. Shults to the Claims Commission for the Eastern Division. Shults, an attorney from Newport, fills a vacancy created by the resignation of Vance Cheek, who resigned the position in order to run for the open 1st congressional district seat. “Bill is a highly qualified attorney with excellent legal judgment. He’ll serve Tennessee well on the Claims Commission,” Bredesen said. “He brings outstanding legal experience and skills to the job and I have the utmost confidence that he will be confirmed by the members of the General Assembly.” The Tennessee Claims Commission decides civil claims against the State of Tennessee. It has three full-time members representing East, Middle, and West Tennessee. “I’m honored by Governor Bredesen’s confidence in me and I look forward to serving my state on this important commission,” Shults said. “I will work diligently to be fair and even handed as I fulfill the responsibilities of this office.” Since 1991, Shults has been in private law practice in Newport. An attorney since 1976, his legal career began as a law clerk to the Chief Judge of the Tennessee Court of Appeals. In addition to his extensive private practice he has served in the legal department of the United Mine Workers of America and as staff counsel to the Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board. Shults, 57, is a Newport native. He graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis and he received his legal degree from the University of Memphis.