Calhoun County, AL — Governor Kay Ivey has appointed Matt McCullars as the new District Judge for Calhoun County, stepping into the role following the retirement of long-serving Judge Beth Rogers. McCullars, who brings decades of public service experience in law enforcement, legal education, and prosecution, expressed his deep gratitude for the appointment and spoke about the path that led him to this new chapter.
“First and foremost, I have a great deal of respect for Judge Rogers,” McCullars said. “It’s a double honor that the Governor sees fit to appoint me into the position that she’s stepping down from.”
McCullars’ journey to the bench began in municipal law enforcement. His passion for the law led him to pursue a legal education while still serving as a police officer. After earning his law degree, McCullars became deeply involved in training law enforcement officers across Alabama. He served as a legal issues instructor and later as the Director of the Northeast Alabama Law Enforcement Academy at Fort McClellan, where he trained thousands of officers over the years.
“I’ve always had a love of the law,” he said. “Even as a young police officer, I was reading legal texts beyond what was required—studying the Constitution and immersing myself in it. That’s what pushed me toward law school.”
McCullars’ commitment to public service continued when he transitioned into the Calhoun County District Attorney’s Office, where he was hired by then-District Attorney Brian McVeigh. In his role as Assistant District Attorney, he worked across all facets of the local justice system—including juvenile, district, traffic, and circuit courts. His prosecutorial experience covered a wide range of cases, from minor offenses to serious felonies such as murder.
Now, as he takes on the mantle of district judge, McCullars sees the role as a natural extension of his service-minded career.
“When you blend a love of the Constitution and the law with a desire to serve the community in the best capacity you can, it naturally pushes you to seek greater opportunities to serve,” he said. “This appointment gives me a new avenue to serve the people of Calhoun County, and I’m deeply committed to fulfilling that responsibility.”
McCullars also emphasized the importance of community and support in his journey, acknowledging the many individuals who have encouraged and uplifted him throughout his career.
“It takes so many people supporting you in different ways to get to a place like this,” he said. “I hope I’ve helped others along the way, and I hope to continue doing so. My family has been especially important—there are too many to name, but their support has meant everything.”
He also again expressed heartfelt appreciation to Governor Ivey for her confidence in his ability to serve with fairness, integrity, and dedication.
“It’s an incredible responsibility, and I intend to meet it with everything I have. I’m honored that the Governor placed her trust in me, and I will work each day to live up to that trust and the expectations of those who believe in me.”
McCullars will officially assume his duties as District Judge immediately, continuing a legacy of service and justice in Calhoun County’s judicial system.
