Thomas A. Varlan, Chief U.S. District Judge, is pleased to announce the selection of Debra C. Poplin to the position of United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Tennessee. Ms. Poplin will begin her term of office as U.S. Magistrate Judge on February 13, 2018, upon the retirement of Chief Magistrate Judge C. Clifford Shirley, Jr. Ms. Poplin currently serves as Clerk of Court for the Eastern District, having been appointed to that position on January 1, 2012. View the Press Release.