The N.C. Conference of Clerks of Superior Court (NCCCSC) recently held their 2016 Summer Educational Conference in Dare County, where the 2016-2017 executive officers were sworn in by Chief Justice Mark Martin and remarks were presented by Administrative Office of the Courts Director Judge Marion Warren. The Honorable Steven Cogburn, Buncombe County Clerk of Superior Court, was installed on September 15 as the new President of the Conference for 2016-2017.

Clerk Cogburn served as 1st Vice President of the conference last year, along with being a legislative committee chair. As Clerk of Superior Court in Buncombe County since 2009 and attorney since 1983, Cogburn has seen technological improvements throughout the court system and is excited to begin his work as president for more upcoming advancements in the daily operations of the Judicial Branch.

"It is both my honor and my privilege to serve the elected Clerks of Superior Court who are themselves tireless public servants," Cogburn stated during his welcome speech.

Chief Justice Martin administered the oath of office in the ceremony alongside the oaths of the other officers: The Honorable Carol Allen White, Edgecombe County, as 1st Vice President; The Honorable Deborah Barker, Person County, as 2nd Vice President; The Honorable Mark Hammonds, Anson County, as Secretary; and The Honorable Susan Frye, Forsyth County, as Treasurer of the Conference.

"Our motto is to serve clerks, unify efforts and improve justice," said NCCCSC Executive Director Jamie Lassiter. "We are excited to begin a new year of leadership and build on the accomplishments of 2015-16."

Along with the newly sworn-in officers, the conference presented the 2015-16 President's Award to the Honorable Todd Tilley, Perquimans County Clerk of Superior Court. The award was established for the purpose of recognizing a clerk who has given of themselves unselfishly to their work. Clerk Tilley sacrifices his time coming to Raleigh for many legislative days and committee meetings to improve judicial efficiency and effectiveness. Additionally, the "Boots on the Ground" award for perseverance, dedication to the cause and grit was given to the Honorable Michael McArthur, Chowan County Clerk of Superior Court, and the Honorable Brian Shipwash, Davidson County Clerk of Superior Court.

ABOUT
The N.C. Conference of Clerks of Superior Court was created in 2006 by the N.C. General Assembly to improve the administration of justice in North Carolina. The Conference, consisting of the 100 elected clerks from across the state and supported by an executive director and administrative staff, works to improve public accessibility to the courts through the Clerk of Superior Court, serve as a resource for the clerks in key areas of court administration, and to act as a liaison on behalf of all elected clerks of Superior Court to both governmental and non-governmental stakeholders.

CONTACT
Jamie Lassiter, executive director, N.C. Conference of Clerks of Superior Court, 919 890-1440.