When I was appointed Clerk in 2018, I committed to enhancing the services we offer to the community by modernizing the Clerk’s systems, improving processes and procedures, and addressing our aging facilities. Below are some of the key accomplishments that we have achieved:
In Courts:
- We implemented a new online jury system.
- We implemented e-Certify module to the Court System enabling customer to request certified copies of court records.
- We remodeled the customer service area and implemented a self-help center to improve access.
- We relocated our domestic violence office to improve services in partnership with The Shelter for Abused Women and Children of Naples.
- We implemented UCR (Uniform Crime Reporting) for Civil cases.
- We implemented e-filing bypass which automated docketing of court events.
In Recording:
- We automated all official records recorded with the Clerk’s Office, dating back to the county’s inception.
- We launched online marriage services.
- We remodeled our wedding chapel, which hosts over 800 weddings annually.
- We implemented e-Certify module to the records management enabling customer to request certified copies of court records.
- We updated the business portal to enhance customers experience when submitting documents.
In Finance:
- We launched a legal advertising website for public notices.
- We received the certificate of achievement in Financial Reporting.
- We launched the first edition of the Popular Annual Financial Report, “Dollars & Cents,” for which we received the award for outstanding achievement in popular annual reporting.
- Select staff were selected to participate in the Florida Government Finance Officers Association Leadership program.
In Technology:
- We upgraded the SAP Financial platform which led to the implementation of SuccessFactors Employee Central and WorkForce Time and Attendance.
- We implemented a Qmatic system to expedite the customer services.
- We implemented a 24/7 security operations protocols.
Now that I have been re-elected to serve another four years, I remain dedicated to leading the Clerk’s Office with the mission to expand and sustain the great work we have accomplished since 2018. I have asked the leaders of the Clerk’s Office to develop a four-year strategic plan focusing on four key pillars: Community Outreach, Facilities, Sustainable Leadership, and Technology. Each of these pillars will support the continued growth and efficiency of the Clerk’s Office.
Pillar I – Outreach
As Clerk, I believe it is vital to engage with our community as much as possible. Over the past two years, my team and I have held over 60 community events on a variety of topics. Over the next four years, I plan to increase this number and further educate the public about the valuable services provided by the Clerk’s Office and our role in local government.
If you are interested in learning more about our services or programs or would like me or a member of my team to present to a group, please contact us at community.outreach@collierclerk.com.
Pillar II – Facilities
As Collier County grows, our facilities must expand to meet the needs of the community. I have directed each department to conduct a thorough review of its current facilities, focusing on accessibility, security, and functionality. Given that our facilities are aging, improvements are necessary to ensure both customer and staff satisfaction. One goal is to move all Clerk’s departments into the Court Annex building, which will require relocating the Clerk’s Finance, Accounting, and Information Technology departments. This would also include relocating the Clerk’s data center and upgrading the building’s wiring to ensure that the Court Annex generator can fully power the building during a power outage.
Pillar III – Sustainable Leadership
Sustaining leadership and other critical roles is essential for the long-term success of any organization. The loss of key employees can disrupt operations and affect business continuity. To ensure the Clerk’s Office continues to thrive, we will focus on four core components for staff development:
- Identification of critical roles essential to the organization’s ongoing success.
- Evaluation of potential successors who can step into these roles.
- Development programs that offer training, mentorship, and opportunities to prepare staff for future leadership positions.
- Ongoing review of the development plan to ensure it adapts to organizational changes.
We are working on several key programs to support staff development:
- Leadership Development: Designed to build the skills necessary for staff to grow into leadership positions.
- Staff Development: Focuses on enhancing performance and competencies for those not necessarily on a leadership path but vital to our success.
- Mentoring Program: Pairs employees with mentors who will provide guidance and share knowledge to facilitate professional growth.
- Onboarding Program: Ensures that new employees are successfully integrated into our mission, values, and operations, setting them up for long-term success.
- Post-Onboarding Program: Continues support for newly hired or promoted employees to ensure they are engaged and meeting expectations, with regular feedback sessions.
- External Leadership Programs: Encourage staff to participate in local and statewide leadership programs.
Pillar IV – Technology
In today’s digital world, technology is crucial for the success and future growth of any organization. The Clerk’s Information Technology department works closely with each core area to identify future technology needs that will enhance public services, increase operational efficiency, and reduce costs. We are committed to ensuring that all systems are secure and reliable.
Key technology enhancements in the next four years include:
- Upgrading the court case management system for improved docketing, accessibility, reporting, and digital filing capabilities.
- Complete scanning all court files into the case management system.
- Implementing UCR (Uniform Crime Reporting) for Probate, Criminal, and Juvenile cases.
- Upgrading financial and accounting modules compatible with SAP.
- Enhancing financial reporting capabilities.
- Transitioning to an electronic records management system to improve document tracking, retrieval, and security.
- Integrating the recording platform to simplify document sharing.
- Developing an online Tax Deed sales solution.
- Automating the human resources recruitment lifecycle using SAP modules.
- Implementing additional cybersecurity measures to protect our data and upgrading to Windows 11.
Although this is not an exhaustive list of initiatives in the Clerk’s Office four-year strategic plan, I want to share with the community our continued focus on providing exceptional customer service. To achieve this, we will continue to improve outreach efforts, modernize our facilities, enhance technology, and invest in the development of our staff. We will not stop once this four-year plan is complete; it is an ongoing process of growth and improvement. I look forward to sharing the progress we have made and introducing updated strategic plans each year that will continue to position the Collier County Clerk’s Office as a leader in County government.