Interim Clerk to campaign for full-time job

Andrew Griffith has opposition in a special election to be the next Athens-Clarke County Clerk of Court: Elisa Zarate says she will be on the ballot on November 7.

Zarate was appointed to the post on an interim basis when former Clerk Beverly Logan announced her retirement in June.

From Elisa Zarate…

The current Interim Clerk of Superior and State Court for Athens-Clarke County, Elisa Zarate, announces her running in the November 7th special election to finish out the remainder of the term resulting from Beverly Logan’s retirement on May 31, 2023, after thirty years of service. Zarate was appointed Interim Clerk, in accordance with statute, by Probate Judge Susan Schaffer. After a thorough selection process where multiple applicants were considered for the position, Judge Schaffer selected Zarate to serve as Interim Clerk of Superior and State Court. Zarate was sworn into office on May 31, 2023 and took over as Clerk on June 1st.

“I was selected for the Interim Clerk appointment because of my proven work ethic and contributions to the local judiciary and my community,” Zarate said. “I have the experience and institutional knowledge necessary to continue to lead the Clerk of Courts office in the administration of justice and to be the official record keeper for the county while adhering to the highest ethical standards deserved by all.”

Zarate notes that she has over ten years of court governance experience in the Athens-Clarke County judicial system and understands the complexity and relationships among the courts and its numerous justice partners to promote clear policies and decision making that foster transparency. Prior to her appointment, Zarate had served for over three years as the Court Administrator for the six courts comprising the Athens-Clarke County court system and for seven years as Program Coordinator for the Athens-Clarke County Treatment and Accountability Court. During her ten years of public service in the judicial system, she built a solid professional reputation among the judges, elected and constitutional officers, attorneys, county officials, and the Clerk of Court’s office. Zarate brings to the Clerk’s Office invaluable experience in every aspect of court management, including human resource management, budgeting, data collection, and technology management which will enhance the day-to-day operations and workflow of the office.

Zarate’s experience includes implementation of judicial case management systems having been directly involved in several courts projects. Her knowledge of these systems will help keep the Clerk of Courts office as an innovative leader in this area. Furthermore, Zarate has been involved with local and state efforts to collect and analyze judicial data.  Zarate is a proponent for data standards that facilitate data sharing and integration in a manner that reduces errors and promotes efficiency while also being a proponent of data transparency in the Clerk’s office.  Having worked with individuals with mental illness whose condition led to criminal charges, Zarate knows the implications of criminal records on a person’s ability to get a job, secure stable housing and more.  Zarate says “I have learned first-hand that many of our citizens have incomplete or inaccurate entries in their criminal histories that have followed them their whole lives.  I will work tirelessly in my role as Clerk to ensure that our citizens’ records are accurate and help those that can have their criminal records restricted or corrected.”

Zarate has strong ties to the community and is actively engaged in performing her civic duty by serving on several boards and committees focused on bringing positive change to the greater Athens area by improving public safety as well as outcomes for justice-involved individuals. Zarate was recognized as a 2022 Gamechanger by the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce for her leadership and vision for Athens. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgia College and State University and a master’s degree from the University of Georgia. Zarate is married to Zack and they have a son (6) who attends Oglethorpe Avenue Elementary School. Visit https://electelisazarateforclerk.com/ to learn more about Elisa Zarate.

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