With warmth in her smile, grace in her demeanor, and a legacy carved in excellence, Marie Hicks is closing the chapter on an extraordinary 40-year career of public service to the citizens of Charlotte County. As she retires, the entire community joins together to honor her decades of unwavering dedication, her groundbreaking achievements, and the unmistakable joy she brought to every corner of the Clerk’s Office.
From the moment she walked through the doors of the Charlotte County Clerk of the Circuit Court’s Office on September 3, 1985, under the leadership of then-Clerk Barbara T. Scott, Marie Hicks began a journey that would touch countless lives and transform not only the processes within the courthouse—but the people working inside it.
“Marie had a humble start and became a rising star, because she cared about helping people.”
McKinley G. Williams
Beginning her career as a floater in the Traffic Department, Marie did what others often avoided. She took on the work that was overlooked or underappreciated—disposing of traffic citations by hand, managing backlogs, and lending a helping hand wherever it was needed. Her meticulous nature, strong work ethic, and cheerful attitude quickly caught the attention of supervisors and colleagues alike.
By 1986, she transitioned into the role of Computer Operator before advancing to Court Clerk I, where she attended court, processed court documents, and even served as a Traffic Cashier. She didn’t stop there. Over the next several years, she grew her expertise, moving into Misdemeanor Criminal and Civil Court, processing everything from evictions to adoptions.
By 1989, she was promoted to Court Clerk II, and in 1993, she became a Court Clerk III, helping to lay the foundation for what would become a centralized Appeals Process for both civil and criminal cases—a system that, remarkably, is still used today.
Marie Hicks is no stranger to breaking new ground. She proudly holds the distinction of being the first African American woman hired in the Clerk’s Office, a milestone she never took lightly. Her strength, leadership, and unwavering dignity set a powerful example, opening doors for those who would follow in her footsteps.
In 2015, she became the youngest person in Clerk history to reach 30 years of service. Now, in 2025, she becomes the first employee to reach 40 years of continuous service—a record unlikely to be matched anytime soon.
Over the years, Marie held numerous leadership roles, each one building on the next:
• 2003 – Court Services Supervisor
• 2009 – Senior Court Services Supervisor
• 2015 – Court Services Manager
• 2018 – Court Services Director
• 2021 – Operations Training Coordinator
As a supervisor, she guided and mentored teams ranging from 5 to over 20 employees. Whether managing the courtroom’s pace, streamlining procedures, or encouraging her colleagues with kind words and consistent leadership, Marie’s presence was a source of strength.
In 2023, when the Traffic Supervisor resigned, Marie didn’t hesitate to step in—again—as Interim Traffic Supervisor, even training her own replacement. That kind of commitment doesn’t come with a job description—it comes from a deep sense of purpose and care. Think about it – not many people would train someone to do the job they were already doing.
In her most recent role as Operations Training Coordinator, Marie turned her attention toward building a positive and inclusive culture across the entire office. She scheduled speakers, organized team-building events, and fostered a workplace where people felt valued. She ensured that every initiative aligned with the Clerk’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values—but more importantly, she made sure everyone felt like they mattered.
“I hope that my legacy will be that of positivity and the way that I made others feel,” Marie shared. And indeed, for those who worked with her or simply crossed paths, Marie Hicks leaves behind a legacy not only of historic achievements but of kindness, integrity, and humility.
Public service runs in the family. Marie is the proud mother of Elgin Hicks, who serves as the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Fort Myers. His own reputation for excellence and community commitment mirrors the values instilled by his mother—a living testament to the power of example.
Elgin, along with family, friends, and colleagues from across the state, has often spoken about the quiet strength and warmth that define his mother. Her ability to lead with compassion while remaining rooted in integrity is what has made her a cornerstone of Charlotte County’s government for four decades.
To celebrate this unprecedented milestone, the Clerk’s Office and the broader community hosted a ceremony honoring Marie Hicks’ legacy. But even as the accolades pour in, Marie remains ever-humble.
“It’s been a joy to serve,” she said. “Every position I’ve held has taught me something. But more than that, I’ve had the honor of working with some of the most dedicated, thoughtful, and passionate people you could ever hope to meet.”
And they would say the same about her.
As Charlotte County says goodbye to one of its most beloved public servants, we do so with gratitude in our hearts and admiration for a career that will forever be remembered. Marie Hicks may be retiring, but her influence, her impact, and her inspiring story will continue to shape lives for generations to come.
Congratulations, Marie Hicks—thank you for 40 years of extraordinary service. Your legacy is eternal.
