BIO
Jennifer Wilkerson
Putnam County Circuit Court Clerk
Born and raised in Putnam County, Jennifer Wilkerson serves as Circuit Court Clerk with a lifelong commitment to public service, accountability, and efficiency in the justice system. For more than twenty five years, she has worked alongside law enforcement, court staff, victims, and families to help ensure the system works fairly and effectively for everyone.
Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Bethel University and a Master’s degree in Leadership and Public Service from Lipscomb University. Her education, combined with decades of hands on experience in the justice system, informs her practical and thoughtful approach to leadership.
She is known for modernizing court operations, improving access to justice, and protecting taxpayer dollars through responsible, transparent management. Jennifer has been appointed by the Tennessee Comptroller to serve on the Advisory Committee for Open Government and currently serves on the Tennessee State Court Clerks Association Legislative Committee, where she works with peers across the state to strengthen court processes and public trust.
Support Jennifer’s Re-election
Serving the Justice System
Jennifer began her career in public service in 1997 at the Cookeville Police Department as a Communications Officer. That early experience gave her firsthand insight into how critical clear communication and efficient systems are for public safety and the justice system.
She later joined the District Attorney’s Office in the Child Support Division, where she saw how complex and overwhelming the court system could be, especially for vulnerable victims. That experience shaped her approach to leadership and reinforced her belief that the system must serve people with clarity, compassion, and fairness.
Protecting Children and Victims
While working in the District Attorney’s Office, Jennifer recognized a major gap in support for child victims navigating the justice system. Determined to address it, she led the effort to establish the first Child Advocacy Center in the judicial district.
Jennifer worked with law enforcement, prosecutors, the Department of Children’s Services, and community partners to create a safe, supportive environment where children could receive forensic interviews, medical exams, therapy, case management, and court preparation. All services are provided at no cost to families.
Under her leadership, the Upper Cumberland Child Advocacy Center became one of the fastest growing centers in Tennessee and now serves nearly one thousand children each year.
Accomplishments While in Office
Jennifer Wilkerson has delivered practical, results driven improvements to Putnam County’s court system, focused on efficiency, access, transparency, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
☆ Proven Fiscal Responsibility ☆
Operated and maintained fiscally conservative budgets while protecting court services.
☆ Eliminated Wasteful Spending ☆
Identified inefficiencies and reduced unnecessary costs to maximize taxpayer dollars.
☆ Smarter, More Efficient Courts ☆
Streamlined operations through technology, improving efficiency and lowering long-term operational costs.
☆ Keeping Taxes Low ☆
Implemented programs that increased local revenue, helping reduce reliance on tax dollars.
☆ Trusted Stewardship ☆
Eight years of clean audits reflecting accountability, transparency, and sound fiscal management.
☆ Reduced Missed Court Appearances ☆
Implemented automated court date reminders that significantly reduce missed appearances and unnecessary warrants.
☆ Improved Juror Communication ☆
Implemented modern communication systems to keep jurors informed through timely text updates, replacing outdated nightly hotline systems.
☆ Expanded Driver’s License Assistance ☆
Trained multiple staff members as driver’s license specialists to help eligible individuals involved in the court system regain driving privileges.
☆ Modern Courtroom Access ☆
Integrated courtroom technology that allows witnesses to testify remotely during proceedings when appropriate, improving access while reducing logistical burdens.
☆ Increased Public Access to Court Services ☆
Improved how citizens, attorneys, and court staff interact with the court system by modernizing communication and information access.
☆ Law Enforcement Support ☆
Implemented electronic warrant systems that streamline processes and improve efficiency for law enforcement and the courts.
Local Roots and Family
Jennifer is deeply rooted in Putnam County. She and her husband, Craig, a Tennessee Highway Patrol State Trooper, have been married for twenty-four years and are raising their children, Payton and Logan, here in the community they love.
Her work is driven by her faith, her family, and a belief that public service should always put people first.
