Ashanti Austin serves as the Chief Administrative Officer. In her role, she provides oversight for all administrative functions within the Executive Office of the Clerk, including communications, support services, and data analytics.

Austin began her career as a second-generation clerk employee at the age of 14 years old. After fulfilling the high school community service hour requirement at the Putnam County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office, Austin began working as a Student Page Clerk. As the youngest person employed by the office, she became familiar with Florida’s Public Record Laws in this role, responsible for public records requests on criminal traffic, misdemeanor, felony, and civil traffic cases. Sworn in as Criminal Deputy Clerk on her 18th birthday, Austin became a full-time employee upon graduation from Crescent City High School.

Following employment in Putnam County, Austin became a court clerk at the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller’s Office. Austin worked in both the criminal and family law departments, attending both circuit and county court proceedings before being promoted to supervisor. As a supervisor, she provided oversight to the Traffic and Jury Management Department before a shift back to Family Law to meet organizational needs. Austin then transitioned into the role of Special Assistant to the Clerk within the Executive Office of the Clerk.

After nine years of experience within the Clerk’s office, Austin joined the St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners in October 2021 as Assistant to the Deputy County Administrator. While in this role, Austin provided executive-level support to the Deputy County Administrator and Assistant County Administrator, supporting 12 county departments.

Austin was recently selected for the Direct Commission Officer Program with the United States Navy Reserve.

Austin is a lifelong resident of Florida, raised in Crescent City. During high school dual enrollment, Austin completed her associate in arts degree at St. Johns River State College. She then earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Flagler College. Currently enrolled in the Public Policy Institute at Jacksonville University, Austin is pursuing a master’s degree in public policy.