Governor Kay Ivey announced 22 appointments to fill vacancies across Alabama, including key judicial and county leadership roles in Madison and Limestone counties.
Among the local appointments, Ivey named Timothy J. Douthit as Madison County’s newest district judge and David E. Ruf as Limestone County commissioner for District 1.
Douthit, a Madison resident, was appointed to serve as District Judge, Place 1, in the 23rd Judicial Circuit, succeeding Judge Ronald Smith, who was elevated to circuit court in December. Douthit is a graduate of Troy University and Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law and brings extensive prosecutorial experience to the bench.
“Tim Douthit’s lengthy record as a successful prosecutor in two of Alabama’s most populous counties spans the gamut of cases from drug possession to complex capital murder and white-collar crime,” Ivey said. “He is well qualified to serve as district judge.”
Douthit most recently served as chief trial attorney in the Madison County District Attorney’s Office, where he supervised 25 attorneys. He previously worked as a prosecutor in Mobile County.
“I am honored and humbled at this appointment and at Governor Ivey’s faith in me,” Douthit said. “I have spent my career pursuing justice, and I promise to bring that same spirit to the District Court bench. I will represent the people of Madison County with integrity and fairness.”
In Limestone County, Ivey appointed David E. Ruf of Athens to serve as county commissioner for District 1, filling the vacancy left by longtime Commissioner Daryl Sammet, who died in November. Ruf is a lifelong Limestone County resident and a local businessman with deep ties to agriculture.
“David Ruf grew up on his family’s farm in Athens and from an early age was taught the definition of hard work,” Ivey said. “His successful multi-generational family farming business ensures his roots are deeply planted in Limestone County.”
Ruf said he is ready to begin serving immediately.
“I am ready to get to work,” Ruf said. “My goal is simple: to serve the people of Limestone County with honesty, integrity and common sense. Every decision I make will be guided by what is in the best interest of our citizens.”
The governor’s announcement also included judicial appointments in Houston and Tuscaloosa counties, part of a broader effort to fill vacancies created by retirements and promotions across the state.
