Harden is set to retire after nearly 20 years as Russell County probate judge.

RUSSELL COUNTY, Ala. (WTVM) – Russell County has elected a new probate judge.

Democrat Belinda Strickland won the race, defeating Republican Christy Mott.

After nearly two decades of service, Probate Judge Alford Harden is retiring. He took the oath of office in 2007, taking on the role of a non-lawyer with extensive banking experience.

“This particular judgement touches your life more than any other,” Judge Harden noted.

A probate judge oversees a wide range of personal matters, including marriages, inheritances, adoptions and deeds. Judge Harden is currently serving his final term, marking his 18th consecutive year. His banking experience fueled his passion for helping others.

“My experience in banking allows me to help people. Banking changed and then it became digital and so I wanted to get into a position where I could help people one on one,” he explained.

Among his notable accomplishments, Judge Harden has successfully reduced the time it takes to complete requests submitted to his office and made adoption more accessible to families in Russell County.

“That’s been the best part of my job, helping children go into a home where they are loved and cared for,” he said. “I still cherish it. I have my kids back, you adopted me 10 years ago, and I wanted to stop by and say hello. It just lifts me up, especially on a bad day when I see that I’ve touched someone’s life and someone’s family like that.”

Most of Harden’s staff has been with him throughout his tenure. Janita Cornelius, Russell County business license manager, shared how Judge Harden inspired her to grow.

“He made me learn more than I thought I could learn. But in any business you have to be able to move forward in what you do, and he was there to support me along the way,” Cornelius said.

“I love people and I love communication. I’ll miss it,” Judge Harden reflected. “I think this is a new chapter that God is opening for me. I just have to go down this path and see what it brings.”

Judge Harden emphasized that the role of a probate judge has a profound impact on the lives of everyday people. As of January 2025, the gavel in Russell County will be in the hands of Belinda Strickland.