The judges of the court are pleased to announce the appointment by unanimous vote of Tammi Hellwig as Clerk of the Court effective September 4, 2006.

Ms. Hellwig is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Emory Law School. She brings to the court not only her experience in the private practice of bankruptcy law with the Womble Carlye Law Firm, but also her prior experience gained during her employment with three other bankruptcy courts across the country. (See Recommendations of Judges of Other Courts) Ms. Hellwig has served this court as Chief Deputy Clerk since October of 2005, and has worked tirelessly, with dedication and professionalism to provide public service and service to the bar.

Judge Waites, Judge Burris and Judge Duncan wish to thank the Court Advisory Committee for its assistance with the clerk selection process. The court received a considerable number of applications from a diverse group of qualified candidates. Eight applicants were selected for interview and thereafter the committee, which consists of seven bankruptcy practitioners representing diversity in practice and geography, served as the screening panel for those applicants. Ms. Hellwig was rated as the number 1 choice by a majority of the 7 members of that committee, and
ranked the highest of any other applicant overall.  She also received the unanimous endorsement of the Courts Employees Advisory Committee which is comprised of 7 nonmanagement court employees.

We hope you will join us in welcoming Tammi Hellwig to her new position.