Embattled head of Knoxville Family Justice Center resigns

Michelle Clayton stepped down after criticism over her leadership style at the non-profit organization.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Michelle Clayton has resigned as executive director of the Knoxville Family Justice Center, some six months after three officeholders quit her board over objections to her leadership. Clayton became FJC executive director in summer 2024 but soon after began to draw criticism for her management approach, with some employees alleging she was verbally abusive and dismissive. The departure raises questions about the future of the FJC and whether it could merge with a similar non-profit started by one of the officials who left the board.

Why it matters

The Knoxville Family Justice Center is a critical resource for domestic violence victims in the community, providing legal and social services in one location. Clayton's resignation comes at a pivotal time, as the organization's funding and partnerships are in flux following the departures of key officials from the board.

The details

Michelle Clayton was hired as executive director of the Knoxville Family Justice Center in summer 2024, but soon after began to draw criticism for her leadership style. Three officeholders - Knox County Fourth Circuit Court Clerk Mike Hammond, Sheriff Tom Spangler and Knox County District Attorney General Charme Allen - quit the FJC board last summer, citing concerns about how Clayton was running the office and getting along with law enforcement. Some employees also alleged that Clayton was verbally abusive and dismissive, and that she openly referred to the FJC's location on Harriet Tubman Street as "the ghetto." In spring 2025, Hammond arranged for a review of the office, which included stories of Clayton mocking employees and associates. With Clayton's departure, questions have arisen about the future of the FJC and whether it could merge with a similar non-profit started by Hammond.

  • Michelle Clayton became FJC executive director in summer 2024.
  • In December 2025, 10News reported on Clayton's tenure in an investigative story.
  • In summer 2025, three officeholders quit the FJC board over objections to Clayton's leadership.
  • In spring 2025, a review of the FJC office was conducted.
  • Michelle Clayton's last day as FJC executive director was Friday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Michelle Clayton

The former executive director of the Knoxville Family Justice Center, who resigned from the position after facing criticism over her leadership style.

Clay Prewitt

The board chair of the Knoxville Family Justice Center.

Mike Hammond

The Knox County Fourth Circuit Court Clerk, who quit the FJC board last summer over concerns about Clayton's leadership.

Tom Spangler

The Knox County Sheriff, who quit the FJC board last summer over concerns about Clayton's leadership.

Charme Allen

The Knox County District Attorney General, who quit the FJC board last summer over concerns about Clayton's leadership.

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What they’re saying

“We are grateful for Michelle, and for her commitment to helping victims in need. She inherited a tough situation, but made huge strides in repairing many outdated systems and processes, and we wish her the best in future endeavors.”

— Clay Prewitt, FJC board chair (WBIR)

“It is very difficult to continue to do a very difficult job when people who have a lot of power can paint a picture about you, and their position holds so much weight that people will just believe that.”

— Michelle Clayton (WBIR)

What’s next

The FJC's contract with the state's Office of Criminal Justice Programs expires in June, and the OCJP has said it will evaluate the Knoxville office's "situation and eligibility" through an application process for funding for the new fiscal year.

The takeaway

The resignation of the embattled executive director of the Knoxville Family Justice Center highlights the challenges facing the organization, which provides critical services to domestic violence victims in the community. The FJC's future funding and partnerships are now in question, raising concerns about the continuity of support for those in need.