Baxter County Circuit and County Clerk Canda Reese has been sworn in for a second term as president of the Arkansas Circuit Clerks Association. The association represents officials responsible for maintaining court and land records in all 75 counties across the state.
Reese also serves on the executive board of the Arkansas County Clerks Association. Both organizations aim to address common challenges faced by clerks, share industry knowledge, and advocate for advancements in public service. Through these associations, Reese has worked to expand continuing education opportunities, introduce new technologies, and keep clerks informed of legislative changes aimed at improving office efficiency.
“I am truly humbled by the privilege of serving the citizens of Baxter County as their county and circuit clerk, and ex-officio recorder of deeds,” Reese said. “I do not take lightly the responsibility that has been entrusted to me and the faith that people have shown by electing me as their Clerk.”
Reese has served as Baxter County’s clerk since 2013, following her election in 2012. In her tenure, her office has implemented several modernizations, including a property fraud alert system, electronic filing for court records, electronic recording for land records, and a jury notification system. Much of this progress was made possible through grants that Reese pursued to improve office operations and preserve county records.
Reese holds national certifications as a court manager through a three-year program at the National Center for State Courts. She is also a graduate of the National Association of Counties' High Performance Leadership Academy. Her governmental appointments include six years serving on the Arkansas Supreme Court’s Committee on Security and Emergency Preparedness, which she chaired through its Court Security Grants Subcommittee. She was also appointed to the Arkansas E-Recording Commission by former Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson.
In addition to her professional achievements, Reese holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the College of the Ozarks and a master’s degree in administration from Central Michigan University. She and her husband, Tony, have lived in Baxter County since 1991.