Circle Of Excellence: Archive

Name Organization / Municipality Reason for Nomination State
Scotty Lynn Kelly City of Sanibel Sanibel was decimated by Hurricane Ian. An incredible amount of leadership and teamwork is needed to recover after a storm of this magnitude; it wouldn’t have been possible without our City Clerk, Scotty Lynn Kelly. Even with her own home destroyed, she was always with the team; assisting emotional residents and providing much-needed relief to our staff as we continued SAR. Her personal sacrifices show her undoubted dedication to our City and residents. Florida
Shari Moore City of Saint Paul For your dedication and commitment to IIMC Foundation’s Silent Auction!!!! It’s amazing. MN
Sharon Cassler City of Cambridge I would like to nominate Sharon Cassler for the Circle of Excellence, Wall of Honor. I first was appointed to my position of Clerk of Council in 2015 at the City of Montgomery, Ohio and shortly thereafter joined the Ohio Municipal Clerks Association and IIMC. Right away, Sharon reached out to me and welcomed me with open arms. She helped to educate me on the mission and purpose of the OMCA and the role of clerk. When I attended my first One Day Academy and the Annual Institute, Sharon was by my side to make me feel welcomed and to answer questions. She introduced me to other Ohio clerks to integrate me into a team of women who have become a great source of information, encouragement and friendships. Sharon epitomizes professionalism, compassion and the role of mentor to me. She has become a trusted confidant and champion of mine to get involved in the OMCA. Her character is of the highest I have known. She truly loves seeing others succeed and is a woman of great integrity. She has exposed me to meeting people and possibilities I would have not found on my own. If she is not already honored, I ask that she is. She is more than worthy to be. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Connie Gaylor Ohio
Shavala Ames City of College Park I am nominating Shavala Ames due to her standard of morals, ethic, and service. Mrs. Ames follows the policy set forth despite conflicting leadership and recent leadership changes. GA
Sherry Aguilar City of Surprise Sherry has been a City Clerk for over 30 years. She has not only been the historian for the City of Surprise but she has also helped create that history. She has gone through initiatives, referendums, recalls and a whole lot of candidate elections. She has dealt with being listed on lawsuits, testifying in court and keeping her cool throughout. She has been a quiet voice of reason for me in my City Clerk journey. I have looked to her for guidance, for a laugh, and for moral support. She is truly one of the best examples of a City Clerk. Arizona
Sonya Pevan Houston Sonya has been a valuable asset through the mentoring program to new clerks in Alaska. She is always available to answer questions, and very knowledgeable. As a new clerk this resource has been invaluable to my growth as a city clerk. CA
Stephanie Patterson City of Powers Mrs. Patterson was the youngest city recorder in Powers' history. She began her career at 28 years old in 2011 as a single mother with no prior local government experience. Since then she has excelled as the de facto city manager, obtaining multi-million dollar grants and partnerships for the small community that otherwise would never have been secured. Mrs. Patterson has also proven to be a strong advocate for employee rights, developing policies and practices to protect employee rights and ensure fair and equal treatment across all departments. Powers is better for her being there. As a former Powers resident I am happy to have known her and hope she continues to do great things for that town. Oregon
Tara Brown City of Brighton Tara is currently the President of our Clerks Association. She is always willing to help fellow clerks in whatever their needs. She advocates on behalf of clerks everywhere so our voices can be heard. She has been asked to speak at several Clerks and City Manager conferences (MGFOA), She has taught classes on FOIA, elections and is a all around leader and advocate in her field. Michigan
Terri Wright City of Kennewick Terri has been a very active member of the Washington Municipal Clerks Association (WMCA), currently serving as one of the WMCA Webmasters, keeping our members up to date on the activies and offerings of WMCA, and a WMCA Executive Board Member. But what prompted me to write this nomination is who Terri is as a person - her smile can light up a room, and she makes everyone feel welcome - whether you are a veteran clerk or a brand new clerk. I have worked with Terri many years on fundraising and Terri has done more than her part helping to raise funds for WMCA Scholarships, ensuring clerk education continues. Terri is a rock star!!! Washington
Thomas Schmiderer City of Oceanside Thomas and I worked together in the City of Oceanside, where the City Clerk is an elected position. Thomas is a Certified Municipal Clerk, holds a wealth of institutional knowledge, and is always striving to educate himself to continue to improve the City with his work and to develop the employees he manages. He exemplifies public service and upholds values of integrity, transparency, and honesty in government. He is an excellent mentor to those who are lucky enough to work with him, and takes time to ensure that all those he works with have understanding of the tasks that Clerk's offices do. California
Tisha Gieser City of Issaquah I met Tisha because she kindly offered to mentor me through the IIMC mentorship program. She continuously provides me with advice and guidance and always makes time to meet with me for our scheduled check ins. She provides service and contribution beyond just that of the City of Issaquah, her influence and positive impact have broken past the jurisdictional boundaries and made it to the City of Maple Valley. It's intimidating being a newer clerk and taking on the various responsibilities and tasks of a clerk. We play an important role and it can be hard to feel confident enough to take it all on but having Tisha there to give me some guidance along the way has made my transition to this role significantly more successful and enjoyable (for everyone... haha). Tisha is an amazing example of how Clerks care for the community. WA, USA
Tracey Borst Thetford Tracy Chair of NEMCI&A and has worked hard with her board to continue its certification program during the COVID pandemic by offering online classes in 2020 & 2021. Her efforts to promote education shows a true commitment to the Clerk profession. VT
Valarie Merritt City of Poulan Mrs. Merritt has shown dedication and loyalty to the City of Poulan for almost 18 years. Mrs. Merritt has performed as Municipal Clerk, Water Clerk, and City Clerk throughout her tenure with the City of Poulan. Mrs. Merritt has a heart for the community she serves, has been an exemplary employee over the years, and steps into any role asked of her with grace. Mrs. Merritt has been pivotal to the City, and is instrumental in keeping the City on a steady path throughout her time with us. Georgia
Vicki Martin Burrillville Vicki Martin rocked it in 2020! Despite it being her first full year as clerk, during a pandemic, when three fifths of her staff tested positive (yikes): the Burrillville Town Clerk's office ran like clockwork. RI
Vida Barone City of Cerritos A group of municipal clerks nominates Vida Barone for the Pat Hammers Spirit Award. Vida is the City Clerk for the City of Cerritos and the President and CEO of City Clerk Management Services, Inc. With over 20 years of experience working for local municipalities, she is recognized for her expertise in municipal elections, records management, and City Clerk services. However, what sets Vida apart is her exceptional leadership as a servant leader. She selflessly shares her time and expertise to guide and mentor other clerks, advocating for them to take their seats at the table. Vida is also a lifelong learner, pursuing a second master's degree while managing a consulting business and working full-time. Her grace, confidence, and knowledge inspire other clerks to volunteer and become leaders in their organizations and communities. Vida has trained, mentored, and opened doors for many clerks, inspiring them to follow her example. The undersigned thank Vida Barone for her outstanding contributions to the Municipal Clerk profession and nominate her for this esteemed award. CA, United States of America

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