William A. Young
Governor Bill Haslam has named William A. Young of Knoxville to the Tennessee Claims Commission, replacing William O. Shults of Newport whose terms expires June 30.
The appointment is for the Eastern Division and is subject to confirmation by resolution of both houses of the Tennessee General Assembly. The three commissioners hold eight-year terms.
The Claims Commission adjudicates claims involving tax recovery, state employee workers’ compensation and alleged negligence by state officials or agencies.
The commission is the tribunal that decides the claims that are either transferred from the Division of Claims Administration or the claimant wishes to appeal a decision made by the Division of Claims Administration.
“We are fortunate to have someone with Bill Young’s experience to fill this position,” Gov. Haslam said. “He has practiced law in East Tennessee for 41 years with a focus on the field of dispute and conflict management. Tennesseans will be well served by having him on the commission.”
“I am deeply appreciative and extremely humbled and honored by Governor Haslam’s appointment,” Mr. Young said. “I look forward to the opportunity to assume the responsibilities of claims commissioner for the Eastern Division.”
Mr. Young has been an attorney in private practice as a member of the O’Neil, Parker & Williamson law firm since 1985. His scope of practice has included civil litigation, mediation and arbitration in civil disputes and claims. From 1975-1985 he was an associate, then partner, with Cheek, Taylor and Groover/Taylor and Groover.
Mr. Young received his law degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law in 1975 and received a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University in 1972.
Mr. Young, 67, grew up in Chattanooga. He has lived in Knox County for 45 years. He and his wife, Cynthia, are members of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Knoxville. They have one son, William A. Young Jr., an attorney in Shelby County.