Former Lucerne District Comptroller Bednar oversees the clerk’s office

Former Comptroller of the District of Lucerne Michel Bednar returned to the district government as the new warden of the court clerk and prothonotary.

County Judicial Services and Records Superintendent Joan Hoggart confirmed on Tuesday that Bednar has been hired as protonotary/clerk of the magistrate, saying Bednar began work on Feb. 10.

“Michelle has extensive managerial and financial experience, which is very important for this position,” said Hoggart. “The protonotary/clerk of the courts is one of the most staffed departments in the county and needs a manager with Michel’s skills.”

The position is open because previous manager Jim Haddock was elected state representative in the 118th legislative district.

Hoggart said a committee of department heads was involved in the interview and selection process, which resulted in a recommendation to hire Bednar.

Bednar will receive $53,000 in this position.

Bednar, a Coningham resident, said she cares about the county’s success and looks forward to effectively managing civil registration and criminal cases on behalf of taxpayers and the public.

Bednar was first elected Controller in 2013 and was re-elected in 2017. Walter Griffith regained his controller seat when he ran against Bednar in 2021.

Before becoming a controller, Bednar said she worked for more than 25 years in finance and securities investment and spent five years as an elected township tax collector.

Her pre-controller experience included positions as an office manager for Newbridge Securities Corp. in Wilkes-Barre, Financial and Payroll Controller at First Security Investments, Sales/Office Worker at Westmoreland Club and Corporate Trust Controller at First Eastern Bank.

She holds an Associate’s Degree in Tourism and Travel Management from Lucerne County Community College.

The county announced the position of court clerk/protonotary in November, after Haddock won the seat of state representative. Compensation has been announced ranging from $52,000 to $56,000 per year.

Haddock has led the combined office since September 2013.

Prior to the introduction of self-government in January 2012, the offices operated independently and were managed by an elected protonotary and an elected clerk of the courts. A reorganization in 2013 took over both offices.

Contact Jennifer Learn-Andes at 570-991-6388 or tweet @TLJenLearnAndes.