Governor Kay Ivey announced 29 appointments across the state, including key leadership changes in the judiciary and law enforcement. Among the appointments are new district and circuit judges, as well as new sheriffs for Calhoun and Perry counties.
Ivey appointed Matthew McCullars as District Judge for the 7th Judicial Circuit in Calhoun County. McCullars, who earned a criminal justice degree from Jacksonville State University and a Juris Doctorate from the Birmingham School of Law, will take over for retiring Judge Donna Elizabeth Rogers.
“Judge Matthew McCullars is highly qualified to serve as judge, having devoted an extensive career to criminal law as an adjunct criminal law professor at Jacksonville State University and as a criminal law instructor with the Alabama Peace Officers’ Standards and Training Commission Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy,” said Ivey. “Additionally, he served as assistant district attorney in the 7th Judicial Circuit, including Calhoun County.”
McCullars expressed gratitude for the appointment:.
“It is an honor to receive Governor Ivey’s appointment as well as her trust in my ability to serve the citizens of Calhoun County,” said McCullars. “It is an important responsibility that I am dedicated to fulfilling diligently and with integrity. At its core, our legal system thrives on two firm pillars: adhering to the Constitution and seeking fairness under the law. With those pillars in mind, I look forward to serving the citizens of Calhoun County as District Court Judge.”
Falon Hurst has been appointed Sheriff of Calhoun County, succeeding retiring Sheriff Matthew Wade. Hurst holds a criminal justice degree from Faulkner University and a Master of Public Administration from Jacksonville State University. He has nearly two decades of law enforcement experience, including 12 years within the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office.
“Sheriff Falon Hurst has devoted nearly 20 years to law enforcement spanning all levels, including a dozen years rising in rank and responsibility within the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office,” Ivey said. “Sheriff Hurst understands all facets of local law enforcement and the challenges his deputies face to keep the community safe.”
“I am deeply honored by Governor Ivey’s confidence in appointing me to serve as Sheriff of Calhoun County,” said Hurst. “I take this responsibility with humility and a strong sense of duty. I look forward to working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Sheriff’s Office, as well as external partners across a broad cross-section of the community, to ensure we are providing the highest level of service possible. Together, we will continue building a safer, stronger Calhoun County rooted in accountability, trust, and collaboration.”
In Montgomery County, Judge Tiffany McCord has been appointed Circuit Judge for the 15th Judicial Circuit, replacing retiring Judge Johnny Hardwick. McCord has previously served as both a district judge and circuit clerk in the county. She is a graduate of Auburn University at Montgomery and Faulkner Law School.
“Judge Tiffany McCord is both highly experienced in matters of the law and well-known in Montgomery County for her judicial temperament,” Ivey stated. “In her new capacity as circuit judge, she will continue to serve the people of Montgomery with the highest standards.”
“I am deeply grateful to Governor Ivey for the trust and honor she has bestowed upon me by appointing me as a circuit judge,” said McCord. “I pledge to serve with integrity, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to upholding the Constitution. I will always strive to administer justice impartially, ensuring that every decision I make is grounded in the principles of the law and the rights of all individuals.”
In Perry County, Roy Fikes has been named sheriff, taking over from retiring Sheriff Billy Jones. A native of Perry County, Fikes brings 30 years of law enforcement experience, including 22 years as a deputy and time as a campus security officer at Marion Military Institute.
“Sheriff Roy Fikes is not only a veteran law enforcement officer of three decades, but he knows well the people of Perry County and the needs of their communities,” said Ivey. “He will hit the ground running to ensure the public is protected and the law will be enforced fairly and equally.”
“I am truly honored to have been appointed as the Sheriff of Perry County,” said Fikes. “This is more than just a title – it is a responsibility I take to heart. I am committed to restoring trust, ensuring transparency, and working hand-in-hand with our community to create a safer, stronger Perry County. My focus is on accountability, service, and making sure every resident knows that their sheriff’s office is here to serve them with integrity and respect.”
Each appointee received an official notification of their appointment last week.
In addition to the judicial and law enforcement appointments, Governor Ivey also named 25 individuals to serve on a variety of local and state boards. Here is the complete list of those appointments.
