Manning High School graduate and Manning native Monica E. Reed is Clarendon County's newest magistrate judge.
Sen. Kevin Johnson, D-Manning, recommended Reed and Gov. Henry McMaster approved her for the post last week. She replaces Ric Thames, who resigned his commission in April. She will fill the remainder of his term through April 2018.
"I love to serve others," Reed said. "As I reflect upon my hometown and what we offer our (residents), I realize there are many opportunities for myself and others like me to fulfill the needs of this community. I want to do my part as a resident and native of Manning and Clarendon County to positively influence the lives of others in our area."
Clarendon County magistrate judges oversee bond court in the mornings and evenings at the Clarendon County Detention Center and also preside over traffic court cases and other minor offenses which do not arise to General Sessions Court. They are also responsible for hearing small claims cases that do not arise to the level of Common Pleas Court.
Reed has a bachelor's of science degree in computer science from Francis Marion University, which she received in 2004. She has a master's degree in business administration from the same school, which she received in 2011.
She currently works in the information technology sector as a technology consultant for a Fortune 500 company. A self-described entrepreneur, she is also the owner and operator of The Marion House, a popular events venue in Manning.
As for other work in the public sphere, she has been on the Manning City Planning Commission since 2005, and she is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
"When others see me, I want them to know that young, African-American women are vital to the success of this community," Reed said. "We are highly capable of attaining our goals through preparation, hard work and determination. I am a logical, fair, analytical and detail-oriented individual. I feel that these are good characteristics for a magistrate judge to have."
