Ashanti Austin serves as the Chief Administrative Officer for the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller. In this role, she provides strategic management and leadership for all administrative functions with the Executive Office of the Clerk and non-court divisions within the organization.
Austin began her career as a second-generation clerk at the Putnam County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Office as a Student Page Clerk. As the youngest person ever employed by the office, she quickly became familiar with handling all criminal functions ranging from criminal traffic to circuit felony case management.
Austin joined the team in St. Johns County as a court clerk in 2017. She worked in both the Criminal and Family Divisions before transitioning into leadership. Austin served as a supervisor in Traffic and Family Law. In 2020, Austin joined Brandon Patty’s leadership team serving as the Special Assistant to the Clerk.
Austin served as the Assistant to the Deputy County Administrator in St. Johns County Administration from October 2021 – December 2022. In this position, she gained invaluable insights into county operations. This experience not only deepened her understanding of county government but ultimately led her back to the Clerk’s Office where she could apply both personal and professional experience to continue her career in public service.
Austin proudly serves in the United States Navy Reserve as an Intelligence Officer. Commissioned in March 2023, Austin provides operational support and leadership in support of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command, 5th Fleet.
In addition to public service, Austin is committed to involvement in her local community. She is a member of the Rotary Club of St. Augustine and active volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Johns County. Austin was presented with a Meritorious Public Service Certificate for service on a Florida Bar Grievance Committee from 2022-2025.
Austin is a lifelong resident of Florida, raised in Crescent City and now lives in St. Augustine. She earned an associate in arts degree from St. Johns River State College, a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Flagler College, and a master’s degree in public policy from Jacksonville University.
