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Charlotte County’s new Clerk of the Circuit Court, Annette Clowdis, was sworn in on Dec. 12 by the Honorable Donald C. Blessing, Chief Judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit.

With her family and friends present during the swearing-in ceremony, Clowdis said, “None of this would have been possible without you, the Citizens of Charlotte County.”

Clowdis said she was beyond grateful, and it would be her mission in life for the office to serve the citizens faithfully.

Earlier this year, after 40 years of serving as a deputy clerk, Clowdis announced that she would seek the clerk of the circuit court position.

Clowdis announced her decision just one week after that of longtime clerk Nan Colley, who said she would not seek reelection.

“I have worked with Nan for many years, and she has been a great mentor, colleague, and friend,” Clowdis said. “My dedication, experience, and knowledge of the Circuit Court allows for a smooth transition to the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court.”

Clowdis said her responsibilities over the past 40 years have given her the opportunity to work in every aspect of the Clerk’s Office.

According to Clowdis the past seven years, she has worked as Chief Deputy Clerk, which has given her the opportunity to obtain enough credits to become certified as Master Deputy Clerk.

Clowdis began working at the Circuit Court in 1981 as a part-time assistant while still attending Randolph-Henry High School. In 1983, she was hired and sworn in as a full-time Deputy Clerk. 

“I hope that my years of service, hard work and dedication to this job speaks volumes as to how much being the Clerk of the Circuit Court means to me,” Clowdis said. “I have said many times that it is not just a job to me; it is a passion that I love.”