It’s a new era in the Alexandria Courthouse.

Greg Parks was sworn in as Clerk of the Alexandria Circuit Court on Thursday, and officially took the reins of an office that has more than 800 responsibilities, including the organization of land records and the issuance of marriage licenses.

“I will respect and value all the people who need services from my office and I will strive to make the office work better for more Alexandrians every day,” Parks said after being sworn in by Circuit Court Judge Lisa Kemler.

The 53-year-old Parks won the Democratic primary for the seat in June, and was uncontested in the general election in November. He takes over for Ed Semonian, who served in the role for five consecutive eight-year terms. Parks enters the office with a focus on improving customer service and making technological upgrades to courtrooms. He will also be tasked with the transition of 20 years of records to the Supreme Court of Virginia.

“We know that you have the same customer service focus that we have across the street at City Hall and that you will bring that same focus to serving our common constituents,” Mayor Justin Wilson told Parks.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter said that he considers himself fortunate to call himself Parks’ colleague and also his friend.

“I know that he will diligently and faithfully discharge the duties of his new office without fear or favor, that he will serve the public, the rule of law and the Constitution he just swore to uphold,” Porter said.

Parks was previously the chief counsel for the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals for eight years, and is a former attorney with the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the General Services Administration. He has lived in Alexandria since 2013 and is married to Assistant Commonwealth Attorney David Lord.