Harrison County says goodbye to circuit clerk of 23 years

GULFPORT -- A lot has changed since Circuit Clerk Gayle Parker took up her post 23 years ago.

"I was here before computers," she said. "Now, all of our files are online. Our office has been one of the most progressive in the state."

Parker was the guest of honor at her retirement party Thursday on the second floor of the Harrison County Courthouse. Sheriff-elect Troy Peterson said he would sorely miss her.

"The Circuit Clerk Office has come a long way," he said. "The advancements have all been seen through Parker's leadership."

Parker has seen many things in the six terms she has held the position. She received the Innocence Project New Orleans Public Servant Award in 2011 for her contributions in a case that exonerated a man wrongly convicted of murder.

"The exonerations touched my heart more than anything," Parker said.

Though Parker is leaving, the cupboard is not bare. Parker described her staff as accountable and capable of good service.

The staff will remain the same after Connie Ladner assumes the post Jan. 4.

Ladner has 31 years of experience, 18 as deputy clerk under Parker.

"Gayle has been my mentor, my boss and my friend." Ladner said. "It makes it easier when she is only a phone call away."

Toni Jo Diaz, county election commissioner from District 1, has worked alongside Parker for years.

"Gayle will be helping us speak to the election board in January in an unofficial capacity," Diaz said. "She will be speaking to the board about new voting machines."

After Jan. 4, Parker plans to go to Israel with Holy Family Catholic Church on a religious sabbatical.

This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 7:41 PM with the headline "Harrison County says goodbye to circuit clerk of 23 years ."