This week’s Hometown Public Servant is Kristin Cannady Hall. Employed by the citizens of Emanuel County, Hall occupies the seat of clerk of court, serving Superior, State, Juvenile, and Magistrate Court.
“When you have the opportunity to be elected, you have 22,000 employers and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Hall stated during a recent interview.
Hall has served the citizens of Emanuel County as clerk of court for eight years, with this year marking her ninth year of service. Prior to her elected title in Emanuel County, Hall worked in human resources while attending college at the University of Georgia.
Hall’s background
Raised in Emanuel County, Hall is a graduate of Swainsboro High School. After her high school graduation, she then attended the University of Georgia with no plans to return to Swainsboro as quickly as she had thought.
“During my first year of graduate school, while home for Thanksgiving, the opportunity for my husband to buy the Kwik Shop presented itself. We went from full time residents of Clarke County in December 1, 2008 to returning home and being business owners in Swainsboro by January 1, 2009. Three years later, the former clerk, Mr. Jay Lawson, announced his retirement and I had the opportunity to run and be elected. Our return to Swainsboro and the past thirteen years, I give God all the glory. It was definitely not something we could have orchestrated,” Hall commented.
Serving the people of Emanuel County
Abiding by God’s will to serve locals of the county, Hall states that the people she serves are what she enjoys most about her job. No matter the good or the bad, Hall’s desire to serve the people of Emanuel County is top priority to her.
“Emanuel County is a great community with so many wonderful people. Throughout school, I was always involved in service organizations and had great exposure to the community through those organizations. To be able to do that daily, and to interact with the citizens, is truly a blessing,” she further elaborated.
The workload associated with the title
As clerk of court, an elected position, Hall’s ability to cover various areas all ranging in diversity is a requirement. The clerk of court’s office handles all court records, from serious felonies to simple traffic citations, and all civil related court cases too. The clerk’s office is responsible for jury summons and grand juries. All real estate documents are also handled through this office as well as process and approval of a citizen becoming a notary. The office is also a passport acceptance facility. In addition, the clerk of court and office staff serve as a liaison between the citizen and the judicial system. Working with local attorneys, other court personnel, law enforcement agencies, the banking industry, and other local governments, Hall wears multiple hats in the position she rightfully serves and says the office rarely experiences the same things two days in a row.
“There is always something different in the clerk’s office,” Hall further stated.
Becoming clerk of court
A clerk cannot be elected without a high school diploma or equivalent. There is a residency requirement involved as well in serving the position. When elected to serve as clerk of court, Hall was required to complete a 40 hour course prior to taking her oath to enter office. After the 40 hour course, 15 hours of continuing education are required to be completed on an annual basis.
“The University of Georgia ICJE offers a certified clerk course that takes roughly four years to six years to complete. They require specific classes and a final paper to receive certification. I received this certification in April 2019. I routinely complete additional web based training that is job specific and attend statewide trainings when offered,” Hall highlighted during the interview.
Hall addresses the community
“John Maxwell has a series on valuing people in which he states, ‘You add value to people when you value them.’ In my office, we hope that everyone feels valued, regardless of the situation they may find themselves in as it relates to court matters or personal situations they are experiencing. The people in our community are our greatest and most valuable asset. As an elected official and local business owner, I recognize and appreciate that we are the community we are because of the people that live in it. Each day I have the opportunity to interact with those people and each day I am thankful for that interaction,” conclude Hall.
Kristin is the wife of Mitch Hall. Together, they have three children, Camden, Brooks, and Ivy. The family enjoys time spent together as often as possible, loving every ball game, dance practice, and all the fun to be had in between. A warm-weather family, the Halls love taking trips to the beach and the lake and are looking forward to the coming months.
Hall is a member of First Baptist Church, the Rotary Club of Swainsboro, Emanuel Medical Center Hospital Foundation, The Historic Karrh Community Arts Centre project, and the local Chamber of Commerce.
