NC Conference of Clerks of Superior Court Installs New Leadership, Honors Court Leaders

The North Carolina Conference of Clerks of Superior Court installed its new leadership and recognized outstanding service to North Carolina's court system during its annual Summer Educational Conference held Aug. 24–28 at Hotel Ballast in Wilmington.

The Honorable Deborah “Susie” Thomas, Clerk of Superior Court for Lee County, was installed as president, succeeding the Honorable Jess Hill, Clerk of Superior Court for Columbus County.

New Hanover County Clerk of Superior Court Jan Kennedy served as host clerk for the conference.

Other members of the 2026–27 executive leadership team are:

• The Honorable John Deaton, Montgomery County Clerk of Superior Court, first vice president;
• The Honorable Dean Tolson, Dare County Clerk of Superior Court, second vice president;
• The Honorable Ginger Efird, Stanly County Clerk of Superior Court, secretary; and
• The Honorable Michelle Ball, Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court, treasurer.

Chief Justice Paul Newby congratulated the new leadership and thanked North Carolina's clerks for their service to the judicial system and the people of the state.

“Our clerks are on the front lines of delivering justice without favor, denial or delay in every courthouse across our state,” Chief Justice Newby said. “I am grateful for their dedication to finding more efficient and effective ways to serve the public. Congratulations to President Thomas and the entire leadership team and I look forward to working together in 2026.”

Conference Honors Clerks for Service

The conference presented three awards recognizing exceptional service and leadership.

The 2026 Boots on the Ground Award was presented to Clerk Dean Tolson of Dare County and the Honorable Jim Mixson, Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court.

As legislative chairs for the Conference of Clerks, Tolson and Mixson were recognized for their advocacy on behalf of clerks across North Carolina. Outgoing President Hill credited their leadership, organization, tenacity and hard work with helping the conference achieve important legislative successes.

“Their voices and tenacity, their organization and hard work were foundational to seeing our legislative successes,” Hill said.

The President’s Award was presented to New Hanover County CSC Jan Kennedy in recognition of her leadership and commitment to the Conference of Clerks and the court system.

During the past year, Kennedy co-chaired the conference’s Comptroller Committee with Thomas. Hill recognized Kennedy for helping bring together Administrative Office of the Courts leadership, court personnel, elected clerks, assistant and deputy clerks, and AOC auditors to develop solutions related to financial reporting requirements and policies and procedures during the implementation of Enterprise Justice.

“Jan Kennedy represents the best of the court system in New Hanover County and the State of North Carolina,” Hill said.

Chief Justice Newby Receives Rachel Joyner Award

The Conference of Clerks presented its 2026 Rachel Joyner Award, the conference’s most prestigious honor, to Chief Justice Newby (pictured center-right).

The award is named for the Honorable Rachel M. Joyner, who served as Nash County Clerk of Superior Court for 50 years. Her career in the Nash County Clerk’s Office began in 1952, and her public service to Nash County and North Carolina spanned 66 years. She was recognized as a visionary for the court system who embraced innovation and sought new and better ways to serve the public.

In presenting the award, Hill highlighted Chief Justice Newby’s support for clerks and their staffs, particularly his statewide courthouse visits following the COVID-19 pandemic and during the implementation of Enterprise Justice.

“Chief Justice Newby, you have done what’s right for every Deputy and Assistant Clerk in this State,” Hill said. “You have done what’s right for every Elected Clerk in this State and you have done what’s right for the citizens of the State of North Carolina for your many years of public service.”

The conference also marked the conclusion of Hill’s term as president. In his farewell remarks, Hill thanked Chief Justice Newby, AOC leadership, legislators, conference staff, committee chairs and fellow clerks for their support throughout his term. He expressed confidence in the conference’s new leadership and emphasized the importance of working together on behalf of court employees and the public.

“Leadership is about leading and then about transitions,” Hill said. “As I leave this position, I know that this conference is in the best shape with the upcoming leadership of President Elect Thomas and the entire leadership team.”

The Honorable Deborah “Susie” Thomas, Clerk of Superior Court for Lee County, was sworn-in as president by Chief Justice Paul Newby. She succeeded the Honorable Jess Hill, Clerk of Superior Court for Columbus County.