Presiding Circuit Judge Phil Seay swore in Kathy Burke on Tuesday morning. 

Kathy Burke is officially the new circuit clerk in Pell City after taking the oath Feb 1. Burke was chosen to fill the position after Annette Manning retired in January. 

Burke said she’s most excited to continue on the work and foundation that Manning has laid out for her and the county. She also said she’s thankful for all of the people who came to the event that she’s going to have to rely on to do her job. 

“I look forward to continuing on with making improvements and progressing the citizens of St. Clair County and serving them,” said Burke. 

Burke attended the swearing in with her son, Josh Steven, and his wife, Candice. She had one of her granddaughters hold the Bible used for her swearing in. 

Most recently, she worked with Presiding Circuit Judge Phil Seay as a judicial assistant for more than eight years. Before, Burke worked as a paralegal and secretary for former Presiding Judge Charles Robinson. Burke began her career as Billy Church’s legal secretary. She went on to do paralegal work for Erskine Funderburg. 

Annette Manning celebrated 15 years as the previous circuit clerk on Jan. 16. Before, she spent 27 years with the Pell City School System. 

Presiding Circuit Court Judge Philip K. Seay thanked her for her contributions to the court. 

“She really moved us into the 21st century and was a pioneer in this state for bringing us paperless,” said Seay. 

He also thanked Manning for getting them all through covid and keeping the courts open and safe. He said he will most miss his weekly meetings with her where “we solve problems, sometimes they’re not always happy,” said Seay.