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 4

John Dollar

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$153,864

Sub-department: JD-28-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $153,864
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,864
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: Patrick

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,822
Employee ID: 446031

John Dollar works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-28-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. John earned $153,864 in 2026.

James Elkins

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$153,864

Sub-department: JD-21-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $153,864
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,864
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,822
Employee ID: 139018

James Elkins works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-21-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. James earned $153,864 in 2026.

John Fortuno

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$153,864

Sub-department: JD-10-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $153,864
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,864
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: P

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,822
Employee ID: 105313

John Fortuno is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-10-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $153,864.

William Harold

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$153,864

Sub-department: JD-17-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $153,864
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,864
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,822
Employee ID: 142971

William Harold is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-17-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $153,864.

Stephen Moore

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$153,864

Sub-department: JD-22-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $153,864
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,864
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: C

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,822
Employee ID: 375430

Stephen Moore is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-22-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $153,864.

Steven Morgan

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$153,864

Sub-department: JD-10-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $153,864
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,864
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,822
Employee ID: 120633

Steven Morgan is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-10-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $153,864.

Erinn Oleary

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$153,864

Sub-department: JD-11-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $153,864
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,864
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: Rene

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,822
Employee ID: 435004

Erinn Oleary works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-11-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. Erinn earned $153,864 in 2026.

Scott Rich

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$153,864

Sub-department: JD-28-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $153,864
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,864
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,822
Employee ID: 120602

At Public Defenders Conference, Scott Rich serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-28-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $153,864.

David Shinn

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$153,864

Sub-department: JD-12-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $153,864
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,864
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,822
Employee ID: 125919

David Shinn holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-12-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $153,864.

Kelly Skeen

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$153,864

Sub-department: JD-15-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $153,864
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,864
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,822
Employee ID: 129574

Kelly Skeen is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-15-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $153,864.

Tina Sloan

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$153,864

Sub-department: JD-08-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $153,864
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,864
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: L

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,822
Employee ID: 104060

Tina Sloan 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 $153,864.

Kathryn Stamey

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$153,864

Sub-department: JD-19-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $153,864
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,864
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: B

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,822
Employee ID: 534749

Kathryn Stamey 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 $153,864.

Latasha Wassom

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$153,864

Sub-department: JD-08-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $153,864
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $153,864
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: H

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,822
Employee ID: 155217

Latasha Wassom is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-08-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $153,864.

William Eledge

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$150,096

Sub-department: JD-32-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $150,096
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,096
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,508
Employee ID: 149378

At Public Defenders Conference, William Eledge serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-32-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $150,096.

Adam Elrod

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$150,096

Sub-department: JD-06-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $150,096
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,096
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,508
Employee ID: 540102

At Public Defenders Conference, Adam Elrod serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-06-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $150,096.

James Elrod

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$150,096

Sub-department: JD-05-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $150,096
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,096
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,508
Employee ID: 139455

James Elrod works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-05-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. James earned $150,096 in 2026.

Randall Fleming

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$150,096

Sub-department: JD-02-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $150,096
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,096
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,508
Employee ID: 538024

Randall Fleming works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-02-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. Randall earned $150,096 in 2026.

Candace Garner

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$150,096

Sub-department: JD-05-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $150,096
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,096
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: R

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,508
Employee ID: 470598

Candace Garner holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-05-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $150,096.

Steven Garner

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$150,096

Sub-department: JD-21-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $150,096
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,096
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,508
Employee ID: 503176

Steven Garner holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-21-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $150,096.

John Gholson

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$150,096

Sub-department: JD-15-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $150,096
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,096
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: Archer

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,508
Employee ID: 340212

John Gholson holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-15-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $150,096.

Leanne Moore

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$150,096

Sub-department: JD-24-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $150,096
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,096
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,508
Employee ID: 545465

Leanne Moore is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-24-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $150,096.

Aaron Rochelle

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$150,096

Sub-department: JD-15-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $150,096
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,096
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,508
Employee ID: 126029

Aaron Rochelle works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-15-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. Aaron earned $150,096 in 2026.

David Schmidt

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$150,096

Sub-department: JD-11-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $150,096
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,096
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: W

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,508
Employee ID: 356775

At Public Defenders Conference, David Schmidt serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-11-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $150,096.

Allison West

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$150,096

Sub-department: JD-13-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $150,096
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $150,096
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: Rasbury

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,508
Employee ID: 148977

Allison West works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-13-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. Allison earned $150,096 in 2026.

James Bagby

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$146,160

Sub-department: JD-19-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $146,160
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $146,160
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: E

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,180
Employee ID: 486461

James Bagby is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-19-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $146,160.

Donna Bolton

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$146,160

Sub-department: JD-02-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $146,160
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $146,160
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: Michael Hall

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,180
Employee ID: 439514

Donna Bolton 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 $146,160.

Melissa Downing

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$146,160

Sub-department: JD-25-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $146,160
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $146,160
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,180
Employee ID: 374244

Melissa Downing works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-25-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. Melissa earned $146,160 in 2026.

Kevin Loper

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$146,160

Sub-department: JD-11-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $146,160
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $146,160
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: Lee

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,180
Employee ID: 439337

Kevin Loper holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-11-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $146,160.

Keith Lowe

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$146,160

Sub-department: JD-06-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $146,160
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $146,160
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: E

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,180
Employee ID: 556712

At Public Defenders Conference, Keith Lowe serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-06-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $146,160.

Robert Martin

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$146,160

Sub-department: JD-19-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $146,160
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $146,160
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,180
Employee ID: 570090

Robert Martin works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-19-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. Robert earned $146,160 in 2026.

Leslie Mcbride

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$146,160

Sub-department: JD-16-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $146,160
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $146,160
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,180
Employee ID: 109372

At Public Defenders Conference, Leslie Mcbride serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-16-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $146,160.

Caleb Mccain

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$146,160

Sub-department: JD-16-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $146,160
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $146,160
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: B

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,180
Employee ID: 531905

Caleb Mccain works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-16-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. Caleb earned $146,160 in 2026.

Trenena Stanley

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$146,160

Sub-department: JD-14-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $146,160
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $146,160
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: G

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $12,180
Employee ID: 118004

Trenena Stanley holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-14-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $146,160.

Vikki Clark

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$142,140

Sub-department: JD-12-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $142,140
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $142,140
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: M

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $11,845
Employee ID: 533960

At Public Defenders Conference, Vikki Clark serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-12-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $142,140.

Parker Dixon

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$142,140

Sub-department: JD-26-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $142,140
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $142,140
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: O

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $11,845
Employee ID: 351220

Parker Dixon is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-26-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $142,140.

James Lee

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$142,140

Sub-department: JD-25-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $142,140
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $142,140
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: J

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $11,845
Employee ID: 107849

James Lee 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 $142,140.

Jennifer Luther

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$142,140

Sub-department: JD-03-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $142,140
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $142,140
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: A

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $11,845
Employee ID: 583693

Jennifer Luther is a Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Jd-03-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. 2026 total compensation came to $142,140.

Barrett Painter

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$142,140

Sub-department: JD-10-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $142,140
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $142,140
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $11,845
Employee ID: 601192

At Public Defenders Conference, Barrett Painter serves as a Assistant Public Defender within Jd-10-Dist Pub Defender. They work full-time. Their 2026 pay totaled $142,140.

Matthew Ridley

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$142,140

Sub-department: Appellate Division
Base pay: $142,140
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $142,140
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: T

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $11,845
Employee ID: 143811

Matthew Ridley holds the role of Assistant Public Defender at Public Defenders Conference within Appellate Division. Their status is full-time. In 2026, their total compensation was $142,140.

James Stephens

Assistant Public Defender/Public Defenders Conference

2026 total comp

$142,140

Sub-department: JD-12-Dist Pub Defender
Base pay: $142,140
Overtime: $0
Other pay: $0
Benefits: $0
Total compensation: $142,140
Employment type: Full-Time
Pay basis: Monthly
Middle name: S

Source-specific fields

Compensation Rate: $11,845
Employee ID: 105282

James Stephens works as a Assistant Public Defender for Public Defenders Conference within Jd-12-Dist Pub Defender. Their status is full-time. James earned $142,140 in 2026.