Queen Anne's County Clerk of the Circuit Court
ABOUT THE OFFICE: The Clerk of the Circuit Court is a state official who is locally elected. The responsibility of the Clerk is to manage the many different administrative duties for the Circuit Court which includes recording land transactions and the processing of court records in the electronic case management system. The Clerk’s office processes all civil, family, criminal, and juvenile actions and collects all court fees. The office records land deeds, mortgages, plats, conveyances, and other land record documents and liens. Recording includes reviewing and processing land documents electronically and collecting recordation and transfer taxes. A percentage of all the financial collections are disbursed to the county, incorporated towns, and other state agencies pursuant to law. The Clerk administers oaths to Judges, elected officials and Governor appointees and issues marriage and business licenses and performs civil wedding ceremonies. The office issues notary public commissions, and processes passport applications. Other responsibilities include managing the Clerk’s office budget as set by the State Administrative Office of the Court and all financial transactions are subject to audit by the State Legislative Audit division.TERM: Four years with no term limitsSALARY: $140,600 per year for the upcoming four-year term
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Katherine Beane Hager
(Rep)
QUALIFICATIONS: What qualifications and professional experience prepare you to serve as Clerk of the Circuit Court?
CHALLENGES: What is the biggest challenge you would face in performing the duties of the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and how would you address it?
TECHNOLOGY, CUSTOMER SERVICE AND PUBLIC ACCESS: What specific steps, including use of new technology, would you take to improve efficiency and ensure timely public access to records and services?
CUSTOMER SERVICE AND PUBLIC ACCESS: What specific steps would you take to improve the quality and timeliness of customer service to the public?
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I have served as the Clerk of the Circuit Court since 2018 and bring more than 30 years of experience working in the Clerk's office. For over 25 years, I have held management responsibilities, overseeing all operations of the Clerk's office and leading staff in multiple divisions. My experience includes direct work in every department - land records, licensing, civil, criminal and juvenile. I am a certified court executive and manager through the National Center for State Courts.
One of the biggest challenges facing the Clerk of the Circuit Court is providing electronic public access of the court and land records and ensuring that access is not compromised or used in fraudulent ways. Transparency and public access is essential, however there must be a balance of protecting sensitive information while maintaining the integrity of the people's records. I will continue to work closely with the state's information technology to implement safeguards against fraud.
I am a leader in the use of technology having served on many committees focused on improving the services the Clerk's office provides to both the public and legal community. AI is the latest technology facing the Judiciary today and I have been directly involved in understanding it's potential uses with today's court and land records. My focus is to use technology that will align with the Judiciary's strategic initiatives to enhance court accessibility and approve court operations.
I will continue to promote public trust and confidence with everyone who interacts with the Clerk's office by ensuring courteous, professional, and efficient services. I am always looking for ways to improve how we serve, whether through in person assistance or online through information provided on the Clerk's webpage, or other social media platforms. Providing clear information through pamphlets, public forums, and community outreach is also a way we improve our services to the public.
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