“Everett Clendenin works hard and works smart,” Colonel Randy Glover said. “He brings new ideas to the table and we're happy to have him as part of the command staff.”

Clendenin, who joined the Highway Patrol in 1988, began working in the Dept. of Crime Control and Public Safety's Public Affairs Office as a sergeant in Dec. 2001. His duties included reporting on travel conditions during inclement weather and promoting the Highway Patrol's enforcement operations.

Clendenin became a lieutenant in 2005 and a captain in 2008. Sgt. Jeff Gordon will assume his duties as spokesperson for the Patrol on March 1.

A 1981 graduate of Statesville Senior High School, Clendenin earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in 1985, and his Masters of Science degree in justice administration from the University of Louisville, Kentucky in 2003.

Clendenin lives in Clayton with his wife, Cindy, and their son, William. He is the son of Ray Clendenin and stepson of Shelia Clendenin of Statesville.