With over 15 years of dedication to the residents of Tate County, Stephanie Huddleston has announced a desire to continue to be of service by seeking the position of Tate County Circuit Clerk.
A native of Oxford and graduate of Lafayette High School class of 1986, Huddleston’s family moved to Tate County in 1999. Huddleston has three children: Amber Glass (Ryan), Tamara Hardin (Jonathan) and Trent Carroll. She also has four granddaughters who know her as “Grammy”: Anna, Addy, Norma Kate and Mealah.
Huddleston has a long history of being of service to her community.
“I've always had a desire to help others,” said Huddleston. “As my children grew older, I had more time on my hands, so I went back to school at Northwest Mississippi Community College to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice. As a class credit, I interned one semester for Tate County Justice Court, where I was able to begin my law enforcement career.”
Doors began to open for Huddleston and in 2008 she was offered a position as a jail officer with the Tate County Sheriff’s Office.
“A corrections officer is not only there to attend to the inmates in the facility, but to also be a liaison between them and the public,” Huddleston said. “I felt a personal satisfaction to be able to assist citizens with their needs; either the family member of the inmate or a victim seeking answers. Another door opened and a deputy sheriff position was posted, and I applied.”
Huddleston was hired as a deputy mid-2008 under the leadership of Sheriff Brad Lance. She attended Law Enforcement Academy at Mississippi Delta Community College in Moorehead, MS, where she was selected as Squad Leader for her platoon. Huddleston served as a patrol officer with TCSO for 18 months, when an opening in investigations was posted.
“I tested and interviewed for investigations and was promoted in late 2009. I spent the next 10 years as a felony criminal investigator; also providing court room and grand jury testimony in circuit court,” said Huddleston.
During her time in investigations, she became a certified investigator, completing over 400 hours in the Certified Investigator Program and graduating as Class President. In 2013 Huddleston was selected as Tate County Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.
In 2018, Huddleston was promoted to Chief over investigations and narcotics. During her years serving in law enforcement, Huddleston helped establish a newly organized Crime Stoppers Program and was appointed the Program Coordinator.
“It was during the 12 years of serving in law enforcement that my heart was captured by a desire to further assist the great citizens of Tate County as their Circuit Clerk,” said Huddleston.
She said current Circuit Clerk Eddie Hadskey inspired her to the position.
“I am running for Circuit Clerk because of a strong stirring within me from years ago as I sat in the courtroom day after day. I admired the man then and knew someday I wanted to be able to serve as he did with such leadership. Eddie Hadskey leaves big shoes to fill,” said Huddleston.
In 2019, Huddleston was offered the opportunity to transfer into administration for the Board of Supervisors as Human Resources Director.
“This position was to create a new department within the county and to help lead and orientate our greatest assets- our employees,” she said.
During this time, Huddleston also worked part-time as a patrol officer for Northwest Mississippi Community College Police Department.
“I believe the position requires not only knowledge of the fundamentals of Circuit Court but also, a strong leadership ability,” said Huddleston. “I believe I possess that leadership with my experience, background, dedication and over 15 years of service with Tate County. I have what it takes to be the next Circuit Clerk.”
Huddleston said Hadskey leaves behind efficiency in operational standards in the Circuit Clerk’s office, and there are a few things she’d like to continue to improve upon.
“I would hope to possibly improve upon new voter registration and to educate the citizens of how the election process works,” she explained. “I've met many people on the campaign trail that are not fluent with primary compared to general elections. I would like to promote that information on a social media platform or through our local newspaper source.”
Huddleston said she’s always tried to be active in the community and will continue to be of service in a new capacity.
“I will continue to seek ways to serve our citizens with other needs as they become apparent. During my 12 years of law enforcement, I was able to help fulfill several needs. One being the family and children of Tate County that were required to travel 1-2 hours away for their forensic interviews when child abuse allegations were made. I worked closely with the Director of the Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center in DeSoto County and made our needs known. After gathering data and presenting a request to the Board of Supervisors, Tate County joined forces with Healing Hearts and a partnership was established, allowing our children to receive the necessary services to begin their journey of healing, only 25 minutes away,” said Huddleston.
Huddleston eventually became a board member for Healing Hearts and served as Secretary. She watched closely to evaluate additional needs of children within Tate County.
“Another service I realized was needed but not available to our children was Aubree's Closet. This closet provides our children with adequate clothing and hygiene products after they are removed from their homes with nothing more than the clothes on their back. Through the work of Healing Hearts, I was able to find a location for our closet in Tate County, and with a team of members from multiple agencies, Aubree's Closet was established,” Huddleston said.
With the support of her entire family on her decision to seek public office, Huddleston said she’s ready to meet the demands of the position.
“I understand the personal sacrifices, work ethic, character and integrity that are required in public office,” she said. “In order to fulfill the duties of Circuit Clerk, I will continue serving the citizens with the same dedication and leadership that I’ve given throughout my years of service with Tate County.“
