Candidate for Cobb Superior Court Clerk
THE STORY: I am a life-long resident of Cobb County. After graduating from Wills High School, I continued my education at Kennesaw State University. It was during this portion of my life’s journey that I realized my passion for political science, government and law, which would follow me throughout my career. My first adventure after graduating was a position with Randstad in conjunction with staffing for the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Participating in the operations required to staff this amazing event on the worldwide stage was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was lured away from the private sector for an opportunity to work within the judicial system. Here, I worked with the Cobb County Juvenile Court in various areas of supervision within multiple programs such as Intensive Surveillance, Probation, and the Truancy Diversion Program.
I returned to the private sector for an opportunity to manage and restructure a local small business. My first time at the helm was quite educational and an experience that would propel my success into business management. It is important to understand the needs and functions of a company to determine what changes need to be made; however, the speed is determined by the level trust of the employees.
As my career progressed, I was recruited by the Clerk of Superior Court to take the position of Judicial Program Coordinator for the Board of Equalization (2013). Here, I implemented several changes resulting in a substantially more efficient department, including creating a waiver so the taxpayer could receive their ruling immediately. This also saved the county over $50,000 in mailings. Under my leadership, the department’s budget would have an excess over $60,000; a savings over 25 percent of the total budget. Several of the processes I created and implemented were added to legislation in 2015.
That same year, I was promoted to Division Manager over the Real Estate Department. Again, I would take on the challenge to revamp a department under the Clerk of Superior Court. During my tenure, I not only identified, researched, and provided solutions to inefficiencies, but also helped introduce and produce methods and processes to improve the customer’s experience. Together, with the trust of an amazing staff, I was able to directly implement a multitude of changes that drastically improved the department. Under my guidance, we were one of the first counties in the state to implement E-filings for security deeds. This process expedites real estate closing and eliminates back-and-forth issues that can delay your enjoyment of your new Cobb County home.
WHY I CHOOSE TO LIVE IN COBB: It offers the energy of a big city but retains the feel of a small town. I can’t imagine finding a better community or place to live, work, and raise a family.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I have been in management for over 20 years. I enjoy the responsibilities and the demands of the role. I resigned from my position in 2019 to run for Clerk of the Superior Court. Cobb County Citizens deserve to have a hard-working Clerk who will put their needs first.
LEISURE TIME: I love to spend time with my girls, Sophia and Alexis. My high energy level has led to an active lifestyle with a focus on running (nine marathons so far and too many 10 K’s to count).
BEST ADVICE: Always be honest and fair, and take the time to acknowledge and empower those around you.
601 Townsend Place, Powder Springs, GA, 30127 • sondrarowanforclerk.com
