Candidate for
Clerk of Courts; County of Hamilton

After serving the Greater Cincinnati community as an employee of Cincinnati Public Schools and the Hamilton County Municipal and Common Pleas Courts, I am announcing my candidacy for the position of Hamilton County Clerk of Courts.

Over thirty-five years ago, I began my career in the legal system by serving as an intake and hearing officer for the Cincinnati City Prosecutor through the Private Complaint Program housed in the Clerk's office. I interviewed clients to gather information for misdemeanor cases and held hearings and mediations relating to those cases. I moved to the State of Ohio Civil Rights Commission where I investigated discrimination complaints. My leadership skills quickly propelled me into management positions, first as Director of the Minority Women's Employment Division of the Department of Labor and then as District Manager for the U.S. Department of Commerce Census Bureau.

I then spent nearly a decade as a Bailiff in the Hamilton County Municipal and Common Pleas Court to Judges Jack Sherman Jr. and Carol McIlwain. I maintained the Judges' civil docket, supervised juries, enforced courtroom rules, set hearings, and provided administrative support to judges, attorneys, jurors, court reporters, and the clerk of courts. My familiarity with the Hamilton County judicial system will serve me well as Clerk of Courts.

Since 1992, I have worked at Cincinnati Public Schools. I began as a substitute teacher, then was promoted into Business Operations, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent, and now I am Ombudsman and Director of CPS's Customer Help Center. In my present position, I am responsible for administering, directing, and managing the Customer Help Center, Inactive Records Department, and the Enrollment Center. Additionally I manage and archive student records. I respond to customer inquiries, handle complaints, and provide confidential mediation services. I regularly collaborate with attorneys and handle matters relating to subpoenas, custody disputes, and security issues. I have been complimented for improving operational productivity and efficiency by identifying and recommending effective policy and procedural changes within the District. I am ready to take my leadership skills and policy expertise to the Clerk of Courts.

I was born and raised in Hamilton County, growing up in the community of Blue Ash, Ohio. I graduated from Sycamore High School, then earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from the University of Cincinnati and a Master's Degree in Business Administration, summa cum laude, from Sullivan University in Lexington, Kentucky. Additionally I am a licensed real estate sales agent, a notary public and a certified EKG technician. I am married to Cincinnati City Councilman and President Pro Tem, Cecil Thomas. We have four children and four grandchildren. We have resided in North Avondale for more than 25 years.