New chief deputy in charge of circuit clerk's office

Madison County Deputy Circuit Clerk Dina Burch, a veteran of the office that maintains court records, is enjoying the new role she took on after the November election.

Burch was named to the position by Circuit Clerk Mark von Nida, who was elected to the top post after having served many years as Madison County Clerk.

By all accounts Burch was a fitting choice as both she and Von Nida share a strong commitment toward providing good customer service.

Burch said she enjoys interacting with the people that utilize the office, including lawyers, judges and private citizens. “Our counters are busy all the time,” she said.

On any given day, the action is non-stop for the 79 employees Burch oversees in an office divided into felony, civil, family, traffic, document storage and scanning room, office automation and fiscal services.

In addition to maintaining court records, the office is responsible for collecting exhibits during trials, swearing in witnesses and documenting court activity.

The office also takes traffic ticket payments, handles court record copy requests and answers questions about court proceedings.

“We’re responsible for all court dockets in our circuit and scheduling court hearings, issuing summons, notices and warrants and clerking,” Burch said. “We are in court when court is in session.”

Burch replaced Judy Nelson who served in the role from January 1998 through May 2012. Nelson had been appointed Circuit Clerk last May following the death of former Circuit Clerk Matt Melucci. She served until Von Nida was sworn into office.

Burch had a stint outside of public service between 2010 until last December, working as office manager at Gateway Public Adjuster’s Office before she was hired by Von Nida.

She first began working in the Circuit Clerk’s Office in 1986. She started off in the probate mental health area, worked in small claims, and in the felony and civil division, then was promoted to supervisor. She supervised the civil division for 14 years.

Burch is a graduate of Granite City High School South. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville.

Burch lives in Granite City with her husband of 29 years. They have two sons, 26 and 21.