Dena has been employed with the Polk County District Court as the chief clerk since 1994. She received her certification in 1998 and has earned 15 updates. She has also been a member of the National Association for Court Management since 2004. Dena currently serves under Judge Jerry Ryan. She is responsible for the day to day operations of the court and supervises 3 employees.

Dena was nominated for this honor by Judge Ryan for surpassing any expectations that he has had regarding her job performance and overseeing the court. He commends her for maintaining an efficient office while remaining active in not only the clerks association, but also with her family, church and community.

Dena has been married to Daren for 5 years. They have 5 children, J.D. Nichole, Kyle, Madison, and Hannah and 3 grandchildren plus their 2 dogs. Dena enjoys camping and fishing with her dad. Dena is an active member of the Salem Baptist Church where she and her husband teach the 6th – 8th grade Sunday school, plays the piano and sings in the choir. She has also enjoyed helping out with local sports events.

Dena has served the Association in so many different capacities that it would be hard to list them all. Throughout the past 8 years, she has served in almost every position of the Board, she has served on numerous committees and taught various educational programs, including the new clerks orientation. She has been the sole person to teach the new clerks orientation for the past 12 years. She has also maintained all of the membership data and educational hours to provide the certification program to the Association’s members. All of this has been a huge undertaking, which she has voluntarily and eagerly accepted. Dena has been such an asset to the Association and truly deserves this honor.

Congratulations Dena!

Thank you so much for all of your efforts to help build the Association up….. to what it is today!

A message from Dena:

I would like to say that it is a great honor to be presented with this award. I couldn't accomplish all that I have done without the help of a great staff and a wonderful Judge. When you know your office is being run efficiently while you are away, it leaves you free to do the work required as an officer of our association. I would like to thank them all and thank the ADCCCA for allowing me to serve in so many different capacities. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the association.

Thank you, again.