On February 1, 2026, Judge R. Austin Huffaker, Jr. assumed the role of chief judge for the Middle District of Alabama. As chief judge, Huffaker is responsible for managing the court’s daily operations, which include oversight of finances, personnel, case management, information technology, and facilities.
The Middle District of Alabama mainly operates from the Frank M. Johnson, Jr. Courthouse Complex in Montgomery but also holds proceedings in Dothan and Opelika. This district is one of three federal trial court districts in Alabama and forms part of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals along with courts in Florida and Georgia.
Judge Huffaker takes over from Judge Emily Marks, who served as chief judge since 2019.
At a recent event at the Federal Courthouse in Dothan, Chief Judge Huffaker stated: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve the citizens of the Middle District of Alabama and the counties that comprise our federal judicial district.” He added: “I am honored to have served on the federal bench for the last six years and look forward to working with my colleagues and our Clerk of Court to build upon the good works, stewardship and civic engagement initiatives that distinguish the Middle District of Alabama.”
Under Huffaker’s leadership, efforts are underway to improve operations at courthouses in Dothan and Opelika so they can better serve residents in East Alabama and the Wiregrass region. The new chief judge has identified stabilization and restoration projects for these courthouses as early priorities along with enhancing jury service experiences.
