Lee County Clerk of Court Linda Doggett. PHOTO PROVIDED

After nearly four decades of public service to Lee County, Clerk of the Court & Comptroller Linda Doggett has announced her retirement effective Feb. 18, 2022.

Doggett was first elected in 2012. Prior to her election, she worked in the Clerk’s office in various leadership positions dating back to 1984.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities this office has afforded me both professionally and in service to the community for the past 37.5 years,” Doggett said in a prepared statement announcing her retirement that was issued Thursday.

“I am also very proud to have led a talented team of professionals who work hard every day to serve the people of Lee County,” Doggett said.

Under her tenure as Clerk, Doggett implemented many changes to enhance services using the latest technologies. While Clerk, she led the transition of the Internal Audit Department to an accredited Inspector General for Lee County government. Over the years, the Clerk’s Inspector General has saved millions of taxpayer dollars by stopping real and potential fraud, waste, and abuse in our county.

In addition, the Clerk’s office opened a Self-Help Center, providing essential court services at no cost to taxpayers. The office also partnered with Legal Aid to provide free 20-minute attorney consultations for customers who are struggling to represent themselves in the complex court system.

In recent years, many paperless processes were implemented to enhance efficiencies through the office. Services were also expanded online to provide customers with added convenience. The office launched partnerships with TurboCourt to allow customers to easily file court cases. TeleClerk video conferencing was also launched for customers during the pandemic to provide uninterrupted services.

Clerk Doggett points to her team of professional and caring clerks as the key to the office being recognized as a model of excellence for local government.

“To ensure Lee County continues to receive the quality service they have come to expect from our office, I have recommended Gov. DeSantis appoint our Chief Operating Officer Kevin Karnes to finish my term,” Doggett said. “Mr. Karnes has the knowledge, skills, and experience required to perform the job. He is highly qualified to lead the Clerk’s office.”

Karnes currently oversees more than 300 of the office’s 325 employees.

For more information about the Clerk’s office, visit leeclerk.org.

The Florida Constitution established the Clerk of the Circuit Court as a public trustee, responsible for safeguarding public records and public funds.

The position is directly elected by and accountable to Lee County residents. In addition to the role of Clerk of the Circuit Court, the Clerk is the County Recorder and Clerk of the Board of County Commissioners, and the Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Auditor for Lee County.

Source: Office of the Clerk of the Court