Experienced Leadership....Effective Technology

Sheila Studdard was first elected to serve as Fayette County’s Clerk of Courts in 2000 and has since demonstrated exemplary leadership and dedication in overseeing the judicial processes within the county. Sheila serves as the Clerk for the Superior Court, State Court, Magistrate Court, and Drug Court of Fayette County, as well as Pro Hac Clerk of Courts for Peachtree City, Fayetteville, and Tyrone, handling city animal ordinance violations and serving as the Jury Clerk. In her role as the Jury Clerk, she upholds the integrity of the jury pool, ensuring a fair and impartial selection process.

In 2011, Sheila took on the additional responsibility of overseeing the Board of Equalization, serving as the Board Administrator to provide a neutral platform for tax appeals. Her role involves ensuring that all Board Members receive mandated training through the Department of Revenue, promoting transparency and compliance within the appeals process.

Sheila's innovative initiatives have significantly impacted the judicial landscape in Georgia, particularly in introducing E-filing concepts to the state. Collaborating with Georgia State Legislators, she spearheaded the introduction of E-filing legislation for courts and real estate transactions. Her efforts, alongside key legislators such as State Rep. Ed Lindsey and State Rep. Wendell Willard, led to the successful passage of legislation in 2009, paving the way for electronic filing advancements in the state.

Moreover, Sheila played a pivotal role in developing Real Estate eRecording Standards for Georgia as the chair of the committee appointed by the GSCCCA Board. This collaborative effort with industry stakeholders ensured the successful implementation of E-recording standards, streamlining real estate transactions across the state.

Sheila's commitment to enhancing judicial processes extends to securing funding for vital projects such as the Judicial Data Exchange Project, facilitating efficient information-sharing among agencies and improving case management systems. Her proactive approach has enabled the gradual transition from paper-based to electronic platforms, with advancements like civil E-filing, E-Notary services, UCC E-Filing, and online traffic violation payments, all aimed at enhancing public accessibility to the Courts and convenience to citizens and stakeholders.

Sheila's outstanding contributions have been recognized through various leadership roles, including her appointment by Gov. Sonny Perdue as the Chair of the Superior Court Clerk’s Retirement Fund of Georgia. Her service and leadership have significantly enhanced the Fund's value and operations, reflecting her commitment to excellence in public service.

With a background in law enforcement and a strong educational foundation in Criminal Justice from Mercer University and Georgia State University, Sheila brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as Fayette County's Clerk of Courts. Her dedication to continuous improvement and innovation has positioned her as a finalist for Georgia's Clerk of the Year, showcasing her exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing the judicial system.

Sheila's vision and tireless efforts have transformed the Clerk's office, paving the way for a more efficient, transparent, and accessible judicial system in Fayette County. Her commitment to service, coupled with her innovative initiatives, continues to make a positive impact on the community she serves.