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Meet Register of Deeds Anita Savage
Each week, Duplin Journal highlights a community member whose hard work and dedication represent the spirit of Duplin County. This week, Duplin Journal invited Register of Deeds Anita Savage for a Q&A session.
As the custodian of all real property records, Savage’s role is integral to the operation of local government ensuring that documents are accurately recorded, preserved, and accessible to the public. A native of Warsaw, she takes great pride in supporting the community.
Her leadership fosters collaboration with other key departments, ensuring that all property deeds meet legal standards and are properly verified. Her work supports the transparency, legal integrity, and security of property transactions, which are vital for economic development and individual property rights.
In this Q&A, Savage shares insights into her journey in public service as she became the first African-American woman elected to the Register of Deeds office. She is now serving her second term.
What motivated you to pursue a career in the Register of Deeds office?
The satisfaction of being able to assist citizens with vital records and recording of real property documents. I take pride in providing efficient customer service while helping citizens.
Can you tell us more about your journey from being hired as a deputy in 2003 to being elected Register of Deeds, now serving a second term?
I was hired in January of 2003 as a Deputy Register of Deeds. Attended the Basic School for Registers of Deeds through UNC School of Government in November 2003. I received my certification as a Certified Deputy Register of Deeds in 2007. I was promoted to assistant Register of Deeds in 2016. In November 2020, I was elected to the Duplin County Register of Deeds; it was a historic moment becoming the first African American elected to this position. I was elected by the citizens of Duplin County to serve a second term as Register of Deeds in November 2024.
What advice would you give young women who aspire to lead in government or other fields?
The advice I would give to young women who aspire to a career in any field is those core values my parents taught me. I was taught to be brave, stay focused on my dreams, remain true to myself, and to be diligent on my journey.
What role does the Register of Deeds play in economic development or local real estate transactions as the official custodian of important property records?
The Register of Deeds office is the recorder of real property records. The Register of Deeds is the custodian and manager of those records here in Duplin County. Once a document is recorded and scanned into the Register of Deeds recording system, the document is accessible immediately in the office and online at the Register of Deeds website duplinrod.com.
How does the Register of Deeds office collaborate with other local government agencies or the court system to ensure the accuracy of documents?
The Register of Deeds office collaborates mostly with the Duplin County Tax Department. Prior to recording a deed in the Register of Deeds office, the deed has to go to the tax office. There are components that the Register of Deeds office must check for prior to recording: originality of the document, that the document meets North Carolina’s recording standards and notary verification. The accuracy of the document is on the person who drafted/prepared the document.
Looking ahead, are there any initiatives or new technology you would like to see implemented in your office or the services you provide?
Starting Monday, March 10, the Register of Deeds office began e-recording maps. This is a huge accomplishment for the Duplin County Register of Deeds. The office will begin accepting both 18×24 and 24×36 size maps/plats for recording.
What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending my spare time traveling with my family and shopping.
What was the last book you read?
North Carolina Guidebook For Registers of Deeds by Charles Szypszak is a resource book that you will often find me reading.
Where’s your favorite place to eat in Duplin County?
The Filing Station of Kenansville. The food is delicious, and the service is always great! You will always see someone you know there, which makes for good conversation.
What, in your opinion, is the best thing about Duplin County?
Southern hospitality. It’s such a great place to live. The people here are always willing to help one another.
