Newly elected Bulloch County Clerk of Courts Heather Banks McNeal will be sworn into office at 5 p.m. Monday at the Bulloch County Courthouse.

A reception will follow in the state court room, interim clerk of courts Charles Sikes said.

McNeal defeated Alvie Coes III in the May 20 primary election with 67 percent of the vote. The position came open last year after a months-long investigation into problems in the clerk's office, resulting in the resignation of clerk Teresa Tucker, along with other employees.

McNeal said she intends to "continue to build on positive changes" Sikes has made in the office, and will address further changes that might be necessary after she begins working in the office.

"Customer service, transparency and proper accounting principles" will be her main focus as clerk, she said.
Having served in various positions with Bulloch County court and governmental offices since 1997, McNeal has been working as the Bulloch County DUI court coordinator.

A Bulloch County native, McNeal has a bachelor's degree in justice studies and a master's degree in public administration, both from Georgia Southern University.

She has previous experience in the clerk of courts office, having served as deputy clerk for both the Superior Court and the Bulloch County State Court, 1997-1999, and again in 2003. She also worked for the State Court solicitor general and as State Court administrator.

McNeal previously served as human resources manager for the Bulloch County Board of Commissioners and began the DUI court job in 2011.

Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.