A woman with glasses and short dark hair smiling, standing in an archive room filled with shelves of legal or historical books.

About Cynthia - Howell County’s Circuit Court Clerk

Cynthia Lee serves as Circuit Clerk of Howell County, having been appointed by the Missouri Governor on July 1, 2022, and subsequently elected to the position in November 2022.

Cynthia brings more than 25 years of experience in the court system. She began her career as a traffic clerk and advanced through roles as a criminal clerk, civil clerk, and backup probate clerk, serving in those capacities for 17 years. She later held the positions of Civil Supervisor and Chief Financial Deputy, where she developed extensive knowledge of court operations, case management, and financial administration.

A lifelong resident of Howell County, Cynthia’s family roots and love for the community span four generations, making it easy for her and her husband, Troy, to stay and raise their two children. Her strong work ethic and commitment to public service are deeply influenced by these local ties.

In addition to her public service, Cynthia has been involved in small-business operations in the community. She co-owned West Plains Driveline, Inc., established in 1998 and operated with her husband, Troy Lee, until his retirement in 2025. Her family also has a long history in local business, including Eades’ Machine Works, Inc. (1975–2018) and Bates’ Machine Shop (1962–1975).

Cynthia takes great pride in her ongoing work to serve the citizens of Howell County. Always learning and adapting to technological demands to ensure current and future generations can access court services easily and safely is a duty she takes seriously.