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WHEELING -- New Ohio County Clerk of Courts Ella McCardle was sworn into office by her former boss Wednesday.
McCardle, 47, received the oath from Circuit Judge David Sims, for whom she had most recently served as administrative assistant.
Sims expressed pride in McCardle before the ceremony and wished her well.
"I loved working for Judge Sims," McCardle said. "You couldn't ask for a better judge. You couldn't ask for a better boss."
Nevertheless, she indicated she was "beyond excited" to start the next chapter in her career.
McCardle brings more than 15 years of legal and court experience to the position.
Prior to working for Sims, McCardle served eight years as deputy circuit clerk under former Circuit Clerk Brenda Miller.
She started her career in Wheeling at the law office of Elgine McArdle, who also was present for McCardle's swearing-in event. The two are not related, and despite their last names sounding similar, they are spelled differently.
Miller retired effective Aug. 28. McCardle was unanimously appointed to succeed her by 1st Judicial Circuit Court Chief Judge Joseph E. Barki III and Circuit Judges Jason A. Cuomo, Michael J. Olejasz and Sims.
Miller does intend to run for re-election when the office goes on the ballot in 2028. The position is something to which she aspired.
"I love the job. I love every aspect of it," she said. "I love working with the people. I just love everything about the office.
"Several years ago, it was in my thought process to be there when Brenda retired. I am just so excited to be in there and make the office as it can be and has been."
She plans to seek the input of the judges and those working in the Circuit Clerk's Office as to what changes should be made there.
McCardle is married to Micah McCardle, and together they have a family of seven children and four grandchildren.