The Honorable Jeffrey S. Sutton assumed the position of Chief Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit on Saturday, May 1, 2021. He succeeded Judge R. Guy Cole, Jr., who has served in the role since 2014. Chief Judge Sutton, whose chambers are in Columbus, Ohio, is the eighteenth judge of the court to serve in this capacity.

The chief circuit judge maintains many responsibilities as administrative head of the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and Chair of the Sixth Circuit Judicial Council. These responsibilities include ensuring that the Court of Appeals runs effectively and efficiently, and that the courts within the circuit remain in compliance with federal statutes, circuit policies, and administrative regulations.