For 30 years, Karen Iverson has been driving the same route, climbing the same stairs, and working in the same office. She’s decided 30 years is enough and will retire from the Kansas Judicial Department June 16.
The last seven years, as chief clerk of Cowley County District Court, Iverson?has been?supervising the nine other?clerks, handling human resources responsibilities, managing the court calendar, preparing the budget, making sure jury trials run smoothly, appeals are processed properly and on time, coordinating three judges and looking after three courtrooms.
Simply put – the Arkansas City woman has been quietly, modestly and efficiently?managing the criminal court system in this county.
“She has to wear a lot of hats,” said deputy clerk Marilyn Leith. “She will be missed.”
Iverson has decided she wants to spend more time with her husband, Rod, an Ark City attorney, and have more time to travel and enjoy their family, which includes Tara Taylor, athletic director for USD 470, and Carrie Haven, a high school special education teacher in Dallas.
“The judges and staff of the District Court will certainly miss having her as our chief clerk,” said Chief Judge J. Michael Smith. “She has been an outstanding leader and administrator, and equally important, she has been, and is, one of the nicest people there is.”
There are courts in both Ark City and Winfield. Last year, 985 criminal cases were filed, 342 juveniles, over 2,300 traffic, 300 civil cases and 550 domestic.
“Karen knows what needs to be done to keep things on track?- and she sees that it all gets done accurately and timely,” Smith said. “She is a strong asset for our Judicial District and she will be missed by all of us who have had the good fortune to get to work with her. We all wish her the best in a long and happy retirement.”