Tennessee / Public Defenders Conference

Agency file

Public Defenders Conference

Source file: Tennessee — State Employee Salaries / ingested Jun 18, 2026

The Public Defenders Conference handles legal functions of government — prosecution, legal advice, and representing the state in court.

In 2026, this agency had 514 employees with median total compensation of $106,596; the highest distinct record was $217,056.

Year: 2026
Employees: 514
Median total: $106,596
Highest record: $217,056

What the records show

Compensation analytics

These summaries compare pay within the agency before listing individual records.

Salary distribution

$981$217,056+

How 2026 total compensation is spread across the 514 employees. Each bar is a pay range; taller bars mean more people earn in that range. The amber line marks the median ($106,596) — half earn less, half more. The far-right bar collects the highest earners.

Average pay composition

Base — $117,156 (100%)
Overtime — $0 (0%)
Other — $0 (0%)
Benefits — $0 (0%)

What an average paycheck here is made of — base salary versus overtime, other pay (bonuses, allowances), and benefits. A large overtime or other-pay share means take-home often exceeds base salary.

Pay percentiles

10th

25th

Median

75th

90th

$73,476

$77,508

$106,596

$153,864

$185,724

The pay ladder for this department. Someone at the 90th percentile earns $185,724 — more than 90% of the department; the 10th percentile earns $73,476. The shaded band is the middle half of employees (25th–75th percentile).

Largest job titles

Assistant Public Defender

288 · $133,236

Pub Def Legal Secretary

77 · $74,784

Pub Def Investigator

38 · $84,828

Pub Def Office Manager

32 · $85,356

Public Defender

30 · $217,056

The most common job titles in this department by headcount, with the median total compensation for each. Click a title to see everyone who holds it.

Record list

Employees

Highest-paid first / page 2

Howard Ellis

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-08-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: R

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 152216

Howard Ellis works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-08-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. Howard earned $185,724 in 2026.

William Fagan

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-24-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 150633

William Fagan holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-24-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $185,724.

William Francisco

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-01-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 110828

William Francisco works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-01-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. William earned $185,724 in 2026.

Shawn Graham

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-05-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: G

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 104272

At Public Defenders Conference, Shawn Graham serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-05-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $185,724.

Rickey Griggs

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-25-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: W

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 140316

Rickey Griggs holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-25-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $185,724.

Keith Haas

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-04-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: E

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 109161

Keith Haas holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-04-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $185,724.

Paul Hessing

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-24-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: David

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 406114

Paul Hessing holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-24-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $185,724.

William Kennedy

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-02-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 131861

William Kennedy holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-02-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $185,724.

Christina Kleiser

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-06-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 108916

Christina Kleiser is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-06-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $185,724.

Margaret Lamb

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-14-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: C

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 158999

At Public Defenders Conference, Margaret Lamb serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-14-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $185,724.

Patrick Leonard

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-06-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 114457

At Public Defenders Conference, Patrick Leonard serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-06-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $185,724.

Norman Lipton

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-12-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: D

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 407390

Norman Lipton works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-12-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. Norman earned $185,724 in 2026.

Robert Mattocks

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-03-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: R

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 106622

Robert Mattocks holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-03-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $185,724.

Christy Murray

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-06-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 152599

Christy Murray holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-06-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $185,724.

Jamie Niland

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-06-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 108864

Jamie Niland holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-06-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $185,724.

Russell Perkins

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-16-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: N

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 159099

At Public Defenders Conference, Russell Perkins serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-16-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $185,724.

Shannon Poindexter

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-13-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: E

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 164287

Shannon Poindexter holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-13-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $185,724.

Joseph Price

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-19-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 597964

Joseph Price holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-19-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $185,724.

Timothy Richter

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-23-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 100179

At Public Defenders Conference, Timothy Richter serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-23-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $185,724.

Michael Roberts

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-10-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: K

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 106484

Michael Roberts is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-10-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $185,724.

Billy Roe

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-24-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: R

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 161000

Billy Roe is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-24-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $185,724.

Jason Scott

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-28-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: C

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 139418

Jason Scott is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-28-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $185,724.

Robert Scott

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-08-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: W

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 391031

Robert Scott is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-08-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $185,724.

David Skidmore

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-06-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: D

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 109701

At Public Defenders Conference, David Skidmore serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-06-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $185,724.

Marie Steinbrenner

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-06-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 104196

At Public Defenders Conference, Marie Steinbrenner serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-06-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $185,724.

Drew Taylor

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-23-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: W

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 138447

Drew Taylor is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-23-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $185,724.

David Underwood

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-11-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: B

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 116960

At Public Defenders Conference, David Underwood serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-11-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $185,724.

David Vance

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-18-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 118858

At Public Defenders Conference, David Vance serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-18-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $185,724.

George Waters

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-06-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: H

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 114440

George Waters is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-06-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $185,724.

Kari Weber

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: JD-25-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: I

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 120026

Kari Weber holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-25-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $185,724.

Brennan Wingerter

Pub Def Appellate Division Director/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$185,724

Sub-department: Appellate Division
Base pay: $185,724
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $185,724
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $15,477
Employee ID: 400644

At Public Defenders Conference, Brennan Wingerter serves as a Pub Def Appellate Division Director within Appellate Division. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $185,724.

Karen Denny

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$179,628

Sub-department: JD-08-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $179,628
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $179,628
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $14,969
Employee ID: 102353

Karen Denny holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-08-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $179,628.

Mark Fulks

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$179,628

Sub-department: JD-01-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $179,628
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $179,628
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $14,969
Employee ID: 112872

Mark Fulks works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-01-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. Mark earned $179,628 in 2026.

Christina Gifford

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$179,628

Sub-department: JD-12-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $179,628
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $179,628
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: Milene

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $14,969
Employee ID: 358511

Christina Gifford works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-12-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. Christina earned $179,628 in 2026.

Martin Howie

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$179,628

Sub-department: JD-29-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $179,628
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $179,628
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $14,969
Employee ID: 517661

Martin Howie works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-29-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. Martin earned $179,628 in 2026.

Christopher Rogers

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$179,628

Sub-department: JD-11-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $179,628
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $179,628
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $14,969
Employee ID: 126811

Christopher Rogers is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-11-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $179,628.

Jeanne Wiggins

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$179,628

Sub-department: JD-10-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $179,628
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $179,628
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $14,969
Employee ID: 140041

Jeanne Wiggins works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-10-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. Jeanne earned $179,628 in 2026.

Sean Williams

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$179,628

Sub-department: JD-16-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $179,628
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $179,628
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: G

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $14,969
Employee ID: 125283

Sean Williams is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-16-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $179,628.

Lisa Zavogiannis

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$179,628

Sub-department: JD-12-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $179,628
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $179,628
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $14,969
Employee ID: 111061

At Public Defenders Conference, Lisa Zavogiannis serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-12-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $179,628.

Kirk Yoquelet

Pub Def Res Dir/Staff Attorney/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$174,420

Sub-department: Executive Director
Base pay: $174,420
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $174,420
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $14,535
Employee ID: 369644

Kirk Yoquelet works as a Pub Def Res Dir/Staff Attorney for Public Defenders Conference within Executive Director. Their status is full-time. Kirk earned $174,420 in 2026.