Dane County judiciary appoints Internet Tech specialist as new clerk of Circuit Court

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On Wednesday the Dane County Judiciary appointed Information Technology Specialist Jeff Okazaki to serve as Clerk of Circuit Court, effective January 29, 2024, according to court officials who noted Okazaki currently works as the IT Specialist for the Dane County Office of the Clerk of Circuit Court.

He will serve the remainder of the Clerk’s current term, ending on January 4, 2027.

The appointment follows the announcement by current Clerk of Circuit Court Carlo Esqueda that he will be retiring on January 26 after 17 years in elected office.

“Mr. Okazaki possesses a unique combination of education, executive experience, and a demonstrated aptitude for circuit court operations that made him the obvious best candidate for the appointment,” said Presiding Judge Frank Remington.

“We are confident that he will be able to build upon the achievements of Clerk Esqueda, as well as bring new ideas and innovation to our court,” Remington said.

Okazaki said, “I am honored to accept this appointment.”

“I look forward to continuing to serve the people of Dane County, and I am grateful for the opportunity to improve and enhance the administration of justice,” Okazaki added.

Before joining the Dane County Clerk of Circuit Court’s Office, Okazaki served as Executive Director of the Human Society of Jefferson County. Prior to that, he served as Executive Director of More Smiles Wisconsin, a Madison non-profit agency with a mission to provide access to dental care and treatment to low income patients.

Okazaki earned both an undergraduate degree and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Bradley University. He lives in Sun Prairie with his wife and two children, court officials noted.