Candidate Biography (submitted by candidate):

Pender County has always been my home. I have lived in Burgaw for the past 36 years. After graduating from Burgaw High School, I earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a Master's degree in Adult Education with a minor in Economics from North Carolina State University.

For the past twenty one years my career has been with the Division of Community Corrections with fourteen years as a Pender County Probation/Parole Officer, three years as Pender County Probation supervisor, and the past four years as Fifth Judicial District Manager with a probation/parole staff of 98 employees in New Hanover and Pender Counties. I also have experience as a social worker, an instructor for Cape Fear Community College, and an accountant for Four County EMC.

I have been married to Fred Walker, also a Pender County native, for 39 years. We have two children and one grandchild. Our son Patrick and his wife Michalyn live in Burgaw. Our daughter Melissa and her husband Brian live in Austin, Texas with their son, Abel, who was born on 04/15/10.

I feel that my work experience and education provide the right combination of skills and knowledge to be effective as Pender County Clerk of Superior Court. My career with Community Corrections has given me the opportunity to participate in the daily activities of the courthouse and develop ongoing professional relationships with all stakeholders of the Clerk's office.

The office of Clerk of Superior Court touches the lives of so many people providing countless opportunities to serve the citizens of the county. Because my roots run deep in Pender County, I have a special interest in what happens to the citizens of my home county. I would consider it an honor and a privilege to serve my fellow citizens as Pender County Clerk of Superior Court.