Candidate: Carol A. Dunaway

I am a Jackson County native.  I attended Marianna High School and Chipola College.  I received my bachelor’s degree from Troy State University Dothan and shortly thereafter began my career in public service.  For the past 20 years, I have been an employee and mediator with the court system in Fourteenth Judicial Circuit.  Currently, I am this circuit’s Alternative Dispute Resolution Director as well as a Florida Supreme Court certified mediator. My role is to manage all mediation programs in the circuit and serve as a mediator.  Mediators help citizens resolve their own disputes prior to the case going before a judge. They are peacemakers.  I am a strong advocate of mediation and mediated over 2000 cases and have taught family mediation skills to classes across the state of Florida.  During my time with the courts, I have developed, sought funding, and managed several successful court programs in the small claims, family, foreclosure, and dependency divisions.  I have also been appointed by the Florida Supreme Court to the statewide ADR Rules and Policy Committee - a committee that drafts proposed rules and rule changes for the mediation profession.  The FLSC also appointed me to the Mediator Qualifications and Discipline Advisory Committee for the Northern District.  This committee investigates complaints against mediators and makes recommendations as to mediator sanctions for ethical violations  or possible dismissal of the complaint. 

Although, I am assigned to cover the entire circuit, my office is currently housed on the 2nd floor of the Jackson County Courthouse on the southside.  When I look out my window, I have a clear view of the Supervisor of Elections office.   I hope to one day fulfil my vision of being your next Supervisor of Elections.