A Message From Your Region IX Directors
MARC A. DONOHUE, MMC | SHAWN CAMPBELL, MMC
It has been an incredibly busy, rewarding, and deeply inspiring spring for your Region IX Leadership Team. Over the last few months, we have logged quite a few miles traveling across our beautiful region and beyond and our suitcases may never be the same! From state conferences in Washington and California to joining colleagues from around the globe in Reno, Nevada, we have been on a mission to represent you.
At every single stop, we had the wonderful opportunity to champion the core mission of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC): advancing professional education, fostering lifelong learning, and proving that clerks are the real superheroes of local government. We also focused heavily on how to supercharge the unique spirit of collaboration that makes Region IX so impactful.
Grab a cup of coffee (or for Marc a Diet Coke) and take a look back at where we’ve been, the powerful themes that shaped our travels, and the rockstar leadership guiding our associations!
March: Finding Wonder and Wisdom in Washington
Our spring travels officially kicked off with a trip to the Washington Municipal Clerks Association (WMCA) Annual Conference, which focused on the theme, “Wisdom Begins in Wonder.”
This beautiful theme reminded us all that professional growth starts with a spark of curiosity. The educational sessions challenged us to look at shifting public records requirements, changing municipal landscapes, and tech updates not as hurdles, but as opportunities to transform curiosity into practical wisdom for our communities.
It was a true privilege to see WMCA President Heidi Napolitino lead this gathering with her trademark warmth and vision. Heidi’s dedication to fostering mentorship perfectly matched our Region IX mission. We loved speaking with everyone about how leaning into wonder together strengthens our collective regional bond, ensuring that jurisdictions of all sizes can easily share their wisdom across state lines.
Congratulations to the following award recipients at this year’s WMCA conference:
• Cailey Couch, Trailblazer of the Year Award
• Jennifer Krembs, Trailblazer of the Year Award
• Kandice Besaw, Inspiration Award
• Melissa McCain, Inspiration Award
• Tami Pevey, Inspiration Award
• Kelsey MacDonald, Inspiration Award
• Kim Agfalvi, Clerk of the Year
• Shawn Campbell, Lifetime Achievement Award
Also, congratulations to Perri Gallucci for being sworn in as WMCA’s next President. We look forward to seeing your leadership in the year ahead!
April: Empowering in California
In April, we headed south to join our California colleagues for the California Municipal Clerks Association (CMCA) Annual Conference, centered around the powerful theme, “Empower” at the beautiful Disneyland Hotel!
Talk about a direct jolt of magic and inspiration! The educational programming dove headfirst into building professional equity, expanding the digital toolkits available to clerks, and equipping members with the leadership strategies needed to confidently navigate any shifting municipal climate.
CMCA President Ashton Arocho’s magical Disney vision for the week came to life. The conference
including incredible networking opportunities, highlighted with the CMCA After Dark event that was hosted by Netfile in Tommorrowland!
For the first time in years, CMCA was also able to fundraise over $8,000 for future scholarships through their silent auction and purse raffle!
Thank you everyone who contributed to those fundraisers, a future Clerk will be able to attend an educational training because of your generosity!
Taking the microphone together, We were incredibly proud to speak directly with the membership about how we represent your voices on the international stage at IIMC, highlighting how our regional collaboration brings this empowering spirit to life.
Congratulations to the following award recipients at this year’s CMCA conference:
• Marth Torres, Award of Distinction in Mentorship
• Keri Johnson, Award of Distinction in Administration, Organization, and Communications
• Kelsey Pettijohn – Award of Distinction in Leadership
• Genoveva Rocha – Award of Distinction in Humanitarian
• City Clerk’s Office, City of Pico Rivera – Innovative Program
• Erika Ramirez – Deputy City Clerk of the Year
• Maria Dacanay – Assistant City Clerk of the Year
• Posthumously Mitzi Ortiz – Lifetime Achievement Award
• Kerry Bigelow – Clerk of the Year
Also, a congratulations to the incoming CMCA Board of Directors and President Suzanne Guzzetta. We can’t wait to see what you’ll accomplish in the coming year ahead!
May: Global Visions and Big Celebrations at IIMC in Reno
The grand finale of our spring tour brought us to Reno for the milestone 80th Annual International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) Conference, highlighted by the theme, “Global Insight, Local Impact.”
Bringing together clerks from all corners of the globe, the energy was unmatched. High-impact sessions tackled everything from adaptive leadership development to global cybersecurity trends and leveraging AI for organizational efficiency. The big takeaway was clear: the grand strategies we gather on a global scale are the exact tools that allow us to make a meaningful, tangible impact right back home in our local communities.
Words cannot adequately express how immensely proud we are of Dawn Abrahamson, who presided over this global gathering as the IIMC President. Having one of our very own from Region IX leading the international stage with such grace, intelligence, and dedication was the absolute highlight of the trip!
We were beyond excited to see our very own Northwest Clerks Institute Director, Joann, Tilton, awarded the Institute Director of the Year award by President Abrahamson! Joann’s dedication to advancing education and the Clerks profession knows no bound. We were thrilled to see her highlighted in front of her Institute Director peers.
In addition to that recognition, we were also excited to see Cassidy Mueller from Washington awarded the Presidents Award of Merit!
Cassidy is a rising star in our association and has already made lasting contributions on the Futures Committee group with IIMC.
Beyond the incredible classrooms, the legendary spirit of our region was on full display during the annual Region IX Dinner. A massive shoutout and thank you to California for organizing
such a fantastic evening at the Alpine! It was an absolute blast to unwind, share laughs, and celebrate our shared bonds as a unified, fiercely supportive delegation of Clerk’s.
Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues!
While our spring tour has wrapped up, the commitment to keeping Region IX connected is just getting warmed up. We are already counting down the days until our upcoming travels later this year, when we head to Oregon in September, Texas in November, and Alaska in December.
These future visits are a vital part of our regional mission. Every state within Region IX faces its own unique landscape, and getting to experience your local environments firsthand gives us the insight we need to champion your interests effectively. Whether we are talking about coastal municipal strategies in the fall or navigating winter governance in the far north, we are eager to keep listening, learning, and stitching our states closer together.
Thank you to everyone who hosted us, spoke with us, and shared their insights over the last few months. You are what makes this region so special. We look forward to seeing many more of you on the road as the year progresses!
For questions or concerns, please reach out to
MARC DONOHUE: mdonohue@eastvaleca.gov / 951-703-4421
SHAWN CAMPBELL: scampbell@auburnwa.gov / 253-931-3055
In Service, Marc A. Donohue, MMC Region IX Director City of Eastvale, CA
Shawn Campbell, MMC Region IX Director City of Auburn, WA
IIMC May 2026 Board Meeting Recap
MARC A. DONOHUE, MMC & SHAWN CAMPBELL, MMC | REGION IV DIRECTORS
The IIMC Board of Directors met prior to the annual conference in Reno, Nevada. Below are highlights of the important items discussed and the actions taken:
1. Executive Director Update
• IIMC’s 2025 year-end budget is $139,614 in the positive, an increase of $73,899 from the initial projection of $65,715.
• The 2026 Annual Conference in Reno has a projected loss of $94,818. This is due to overall speaker costs, the rise of food & beverage costs, and audio visual cost.
• Staff is in the midst of renovating headquarters in Rancho Cucamonga. There was direction provided by the board to look at the potential cost of an ergonomic study for staff to ensure that all their needs are being met and to bring back the cost of enclosing the outdoor restroom
• Staff Update: In July, the Member Services Department will have a staff member, Tammy Storrie, transition toward retirement and, in late September, Janis Daudt will reduce her hours to part-time. IIMC has begun cross-training Marlena Hernandez into that area, where she will move full-time this summer from Administrative Coordinator/Accounts Receivable to Member Services Representative. Stephanie Galarza will become the new Director of Member Services in September. Janis Daudt will become Member Services Representative. IIMC will hire a new person in Administration, taking over those duties.
2. The Board approved the following:
a. IIMC Board and Complaints Policy
b. IIMC Leadership Continuity & Succession Planning Policy
c. Executive Director Succession Planning Process
3. An update was provided by Dr. Jai Ulrich, Director of Certification and Conference Program, on the education points to hours transition. The report noted that the project is now moving into Phase II: Consultation and Data Collection, in alignment with the EPD Committee’s recommendation for broader stakeholder engagement. It was noted in the report that outreach to State Association Presidents has been complete, but the response rate was limited.
In response to that, we noted that none of the Presidents in Region IX were contacted about a survey regarding the transition from points to hours. Direction was provided to staff to re-send the survey out to State Presidents and to also including Immediate Past Presidents, Education Directors, and Institute Directors.
4. We received verbal updates from the following committees:
• Conference Committee
• Education and Professional Development Committee
• International Relations Committee
• Membership/Mentoring Committee
• Public Relations & Marketing Committee
• Research and Resource Committee
All the reports were a receive and file, no action was taken by the board.
5. During the Election Committee report, the Board voted to establish a policy regarding the eligibility, status, grace-period and verification of members when it comes to IIMC Vice President voting.
6. During the IDEAL and Future’s Group report, the Board was provided with information on a recommendation to modify classes of membership and the core duties of the municipal clerk defined under a full member.
Here are the proposed classes of membership:
a. Full Member
b. Associate/Supporting Member
c. Student/Youth Member
d. Transitional Member
e. Retired Member
f. Honorary Member
These are the proposed thirteen core duties of the Municipal Clerk:
I. Legislative Governance
Direct, authenticate, and preserve all actions of the elected officials and statutory boards, including ordinances, resolutions, and minutes.
II. Oversight of the Municipal Clerk’s Office
Lead, facilitate, manage, and evaluate the operations, staff, and budget of their Office to ensure high-performance service delivery.
III. Statutory Compliance and Legal Governance
Under the direction of the agency’s legal counsel, implement, and enforce all statutory, charter and code requirements applicable to municipal administration, elections, meetings, and records.
IV. Elections Administration and Certification
Plan, administer, and certify municipal elections in full compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as intergovernmental agreements. Coordinate all assigned election functions,
including candidate filings, ballot measures, election logistics, and official canvass and certification of results. Administer oaths of office to elected officials in accordance with statutory requirements.
V. Records and Information Governance
Establish and oversee the municipality’s records management system, ensuring lawful retention, preservation, digital transformation, and secure disposition of official records. Preserve institutional memory, maintain archives, and document civic history, milestones, and traditions of the jurisdiction.
VI. Policy Development and Administrative Leadership
Develop, implement, and evaluate policies, procedures, and administrative frameworks governing legislative, records, and licensing operations.
VII. Contract, License, and Legal Instrument Custodianship
Serve as the official custodian and attesting authority for all municipal contracts, deeds, easements, and legal documents. Maintain the Official Seal of the municipality.
VIII. Council, Board, and Commission Support
Provide executive-level procedural guidance, advisory support, and oversight to elected and appointed bodies to ensure lawful, efficient, and effective decision-making. Ensure meetings are conducted in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and adopted procedures. Advise officials, individually and collectively, on the appropriate use of procedural tools and formal actions in a neutral manner. Coach elected officials and presiding officers on meeting management, debate, and effective governance practices to strengthen overall council performance.
IX. Transparency, Ethics, and Public Access Management
Strengthens public trust through proactive disclosure, ethical administration, and measurable compliance with transparency standards, including overseeing systems and communication channels that ensure public access to legislative data, records, and notices. Ensure ethical stewardship of democracy by upholding our democratic values such as transparency, inclusion in decision making, effectiveness, and weighing all values before making decisions.
X. Regulatory and Licensing Administration
Administer municipal licensing, permitting, and regulatory programs assigned by ordinance or statute. Examples include Business Licenses, Liquor Licenses, Dog Licenses, Bingo Licenses, Marijuana Licenses and similar licensing.
XI. Strategic Innovation and Technology Integration
Lead the implementation and ongoing management of technology systems that support Clerk’s Office operations and meetings of the public body. Use data and electronic workflows to improve efficiency, accuracy, security, and public access to information. Ensure council members have reliable access to agendas, records, and supporting materials, and provide direct technical support before and during council meetings. Perform all technical, administrative, and facilitative functions necessary to ensure smooth, efficient, and compliant governance operations.
XII. Financial & Administrative Accountability
Support financial stewardship, develop and administer the budget of the Clerk’s Office.
XIII. Human Resources & Oaths Administration
Support HR processes assigned to the clerk’s office.
Please note that the board did not vote on these items and that they are being assigned to the Constitution Task Force for more discussions and recommendations to the Board. Also important to note that the IDEAL Committee will be merged into the Futures Group since there are overlapping objectives that stand to gain better results working with one committee.
7. The Board received the following financial updates:
• 2025 Draft Year-End Budget
• 2025 Year-End Schwab Investment Statements
• 2025 Audit Report
• 2026 First Quarter Financials
8. The Board reviewed the top three bids for the 2029 IIMC Annual Conference. The final three sites were
• Denver, Colorado
• Ottawa, Canada
• Niagara Falls, Canada
After a secret ballot was conducted, Ottawa, Canada was selected as the location for the 2029 IIMC Annual Conference! We are very excited for our friends to the North. This will be the first conference in Canada since Calgary hosted in 2024.
9. At the conclusion of the meeting, Region Directors each provided updates on their respective regions. If you have any questions regarding any of the updates provided in this article, please feel free to contact us with any follow-up questions.
A Letter to the Clerks Behind Every Public Meeting
It’s All Hands On Deck Time.
We know you see the pattern because you’ve told us over and over again: customer service is at an all time low, the products don’t work, and agencies are left stitching together a patchwork of half-mature tools that were never designed to work together.
We’re building Govinity for the long haul—because that’s the only way to reach the maturity this work demands. It takes commitment. It takes staying power. It takes an all-hands-on-deck team that’s willing to stand beside you, not just sell to you.
We’re not managing agendas
.
We’re modernizing open government.
That’s what we mean when we say The Partner that Public Service Deserves.
If you’re ready, we’d love to have you join us to solve legislative and public meeting management for the next generation of municipal and board clerks. Together.
Thao Hill CEO & Co-Founder, Govinity
We’re not building agenda and public meeting management technology from the outside looking in. This is our life work and you are our people.
ALASKA ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL CLERKS
KIM LANE, MMC | AAMC PRESIDENT
Summertime is FINALLY here! I am sure that along with most of you, it’s my favorite time of the year. During this time of the year, Southeast Alaska rejoices with all the flowers blooming and soaks up every bit of sunshine we can get!
The past few months have been full of travel, learning opportunities, and my favorite….. networking! I had the honor of attended the WMCA Conference in Kennewick, WA (March); the CMCA Conference in Anaheim, CA (late April); and the IIMC Conference in Reno, NV (May). Each event provided outstanding training sessions, fun-filled events and meaningful chances to connect with fellow clerks.
It is truly inspiring to experience the variety of practices across the region, while also recognizing how many shared challenges and goals unite us.
Through my travels and interactions with clerks across Region IX, I have been continually reminded of just how passionate, impactful, and committed this profession truly is. The friendships, mentorship, and collaboration I have experienced have been invaluable, and I remain incredibly grateful to be part of such an exceptional network of leaders and colleagues.
It has been a true privilege to build relationships with so many dedicated professionals who openly share ideas and experiences, offer guidance and encouragement, and work together to navigate challenges with a genuine spirit of mentorship and care. That sense of purpose and commitment is what inspired my 2026 theme, Clerk with Purpose, because I firmly believe the work we do each day carries tremendous value and meaning within our communities.
Region IX is the BEST!!
AAMC EXECUTIVE BOARD UPDATE
Here’s a quick update on what the Executive Board has been working on:
1. Conference timing and location - Our ad hoc committee that was appointed in December, is in the process of evaluating future options for our Annual Conference. Based on member feedback and the RFP’s received, the committee will be exploring the possibility of holding the conference at a different time of year, potentially in November or January. Further details will be shared as this work progresses.
2. Bylaw review - We are in the process of completing a thorough review of our AAMC Bylaws and after the Executive Board approves the amendments, they will be presented to our AAMC Membership for consideration at the Annual Business Meeting in December.
3. Policies & Procedure amendments - We approved amendments to the Vendor section and forms in the AAMC Policies & Procedures.
4. Approved AAMC Resolution No. 2026-01 that supports an act relating to Public Records; specifically managing and preserving audio and video recordings and relating to fees for the inspection and copying of public records under the AK Public Records Act.
5. Scholarships for Northwest Clerks Institute (NCI) – Four scholarships were approved for Alaska clerks to attend the 2026 NCI.
6. Mid-year Athenian Dialogue - Finally, we have an Athenian Dialogue scheduled for June 25, 2026, featuring the book Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if your life depended on it by Chris Voss.
LOOKING AHEAD: AAMC ANNUAL CONFERENCE – DECEMBER 2026
Our AAMC Committees have been hard at work planning and scheduling for the upcoming
annual conference in December. Here is what we have scheduled for the conference.
• Sunday, December 6th - Nuts and Bolts Academy on Parliamentary Procedures and The Role of the Clerk with Sheri Pierce (concurrent with Advanced Academy).
• Sunday, December 6th - Advanced Academy on Writing Policies and Procedures with Jordan Peabody (concurrent with Nuts and Bolts Academy).
• Monday, December 7th - There will be a Keynote Speaker after the Opening Ceremony from Geoff Welch. Following Keynote, we will all be together until after lunch. Following our lunch, we will have concurrent sessions that will include both beginner and advanced sessions.
• Tuesday, December 8th - There will be General sessions for everyone which will include sessions in AI, Trust and Communication, De-escalation, Resilience and Overcoming Stress and other well thought out informational and networking sessions.
• Wednesday, December 9th Approved the Annual Conference Athenian Dialogue –following the annual conference. This year’s book selection is Death of a Public Survant by Daniel A. Rosemond. Thank you again to Beth McEwen for agreeing to be the facilitator. This Athenian Dialogue will be in-person at the Anchorage City Hall.
For those of you who have it on their bucket list to come to Alaska, please consider this your formal invitation to come to Anchorage Alaska to attend the AAMC 61st Annual Conference! I would love to see you there…. Just be sure to bring your winter gear.
I wish you all a wonderful and sunny Summer! Warm regards, Kim Lane, MMC, AAMC President
President’s Update: Building on Momentum
PERI GALLUCCI, MMC | WMCA PRESIDENT
It’s hard to believe I’ve only been serving as President for just a little over two months and so much of that time has been spent on the road connecting with many of you. While I’m still getting my footing in this role, I want to take a moment to highlight some of the incredible progress we made last year and share where I’m hoping to take us this year.
LOOKING BACK AT A PRODUCTIVE YEAR
This past year was filled with thoughtful improvements and meaningful updates, including:
• Continued work to align and standardize officer and committee descriptions
• Simplifying membership requirements from four criteria to two, ensuring we remain inclusive and supportive of those whose roles may only partially meet previous definitions
• Clarifying membership dues classifications, particularly for our retired members
• Establishing a timeline for reviewing official documents
• Updating financial policies and bylaws to reflect current needs and best practices
• Transitioning to Office 365, which gives us position-based email addresses for continuity and a centralized, accessible document system for all officers
• Launching an ad hoc committee focused on increasing conference sponsorship opportunities
These efforts have helped strengthen our foundation and we’re just getting started.
LOOKING AHEAD: ENGAGEMENT, CONNECTION, AND KINDNESS
When I ran for President, my primary goal was to increase member participation. With over 330 active members and less than a third currently engaged, there is so much untapped potential within our association.
Before stepping into this role, I initiated a membership survey to better understand our member’s needs, what’s working, and where we can grow. Thanks to the work of IPP Napolitano and the ad hoc committee, we’re actively exploring how to turn that valuable feedback into action.
Based on what we heard, there are several new updates:
• A refreshed budget presentation to improve clarity and transparency
• A newsletter refresh, including a monthly spotlight on committees which go beyond job descriptions to showcase what makes each group meaningful and impactful
• A new feature, Kindness Korner, where members can share how acts of kindness have made a difference in their work or lives (because kindness really does inspire!)
• Ongoing collaboration with membership committee chairs to bring fresh, fun ideas to engage more of our membership
And of course, we’re already looking ahead to the 2028 IIMC Annual Conference which will be held right here in beautiful Washington State!
SAVE THE DATE: SPOKANE 2027
Mark your calendars now! Our 2027 Annual Conference will be held in Spokane the week of March 22–26, and for the first time, it will be held in conjunction with a Region IX conference.
This means even more opportunities for learning and connection including the chance to earn up to 9 points through two Athenians, an academy, and conference sessions. We’re planning for an even larger gathering this year, and I truly hope to see you there. Side note, Region IX Director Shawn Campbell is working with IIMC to potentially have more educational points available! Stay tuned for further updates!
Greetings from Oregon!
SCOTT S. STAUFFER, MMC | OAMR PRESIDENT
Hello from the 211 members of the Oregon Association of Municipal Recorder (OAMR) and happy summer!
Our conference theme this year in Oregon is Lifting Each Other Up and as an association we have talked a lot about how to do our work better, how to be better public servants, and evolve our association into its best self. There are several things we’re doing to pursue this theme and below are a few of those things. But, in short, your Oregon friends hope you are doing well in your corner of Region IX and we hope to see you soon – either at our conference in September at Lincoln City, at the Region Conference in Spokane in March, or at any one of our region’s fabulous educational and networking gatherings. Be well Region IX!
OAMR NEWS
At its April 16, 2026, meeting, the OAMR Board heard the usual reports of all the good work our committees are doing and took several actions –including adopting a revised records management policy and retention schedule and gave direction to the Records and Regulations Committee (RRC) to form a workgroup to implement the new records management policy. The Board also approved a letter of support for Oregon House Bill (HB) 4177 – which would have addressed public meeting law issues raised by the Oregon Government Ethics Commission (OGEC) ruling in 2025 – and the Board approved a revised Financial Policy document and several budget adjustments. For more information about this meeting check out the April 16 meeting page on the OAMR website.
CONFERENCE INFORMATION
You’re invited to join OAMR at our 44th Annual Conference and Academy at Chinook Winds Casino & Resort, Lincoln City, September 21-25, 2026. We’ve lined up a wonderful group of academy, Athenian Leadership Dialogue, and session speakers – find out more and register today at www.oamr.org and click on EVENTS.
NEW OAMR MEMBERS
Since the last newsletter, OAMR has welcomed several new members:
• Courteney Halstead, City of Waterloo
• Desyree Ambriz, City of Gervais
• Nicole Tritten, City of Westfir
• Jessica Isley, City of Condon
• Anthony Pagano, City of Gold Beach
• Monica Burmeister, City of Sisters
• Shiela Kowling, City of Mount Vernon
• Jennifer Hummel, City of Aurora
• Susan Roberts, City of Culver
• Loran Jessee, City of Gold Hill
• Kim Karber, City of Columbia City
• Pamela Dornbusch, City of Monmouth
• Cyrstal Rey, City of Spray
• Neal Morphis, City of Yachats
• Lacey Townsend, Tualatin Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD)
• Amanda Chaves, City of Lakeside
• Becky Sturm, City of Powder
• Stepha Kvokov, City of Warranton
• Allison Schwister, Yamhill Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD)
CMCS
Since the last newsletter, OAMR has congratulated several new CMCs!
• Rachel Thomas, City of Newberg – CMC
• Rachael Bateman, City of Cornelius – CMC
• Hanna Bentley, City of Warrenton – CMC
• Kat Ricker, Chehalem Parks and Recreation District (CPRD) – CMC
What’s Keeping California Busy
SUZANNE GUZZETTA, MMC | CMCA PRESIDENT
I’m Suzanne Guzzetta, City Clerk for the City of Milpitas and recently installed President of the California Municipal Clerks Association. As I sit down to write this update for Region IX and finally have a minute to catch my breath, I’m realizing what a whirlwind the last two months have been.
In mid-April, I was in Costa Rica enjoying some much-needed beach vacation time. Before I knew it, we had wrapped up the CMCA Annual Conference at the Disneyland Hotel, traveled to Reno for the IIMC Annual Conference, welcomed a new CMCA Board year, and returned home to budget season.
Not only have I been working through budget discussions in my own city, but I’ve also been working alongside the CMCA Board and Finance Committee as we prepare to adopt the Association’s FY 2026-27 budget. Add preparations for Milpitas’ November 2026 election, and there hasn’t been much time to sit still.
Despite the packed schedule, one of the highlights of Reno was spending time with my fellow Region IX presidents. While I’d met most of them before, it was wonderful having the opportunity to get to know them better. I returned home from IIMC exhausted but excited for the year ahead.
At our Annual Conference, we introduced Sacramento as the host city for CMCA’s
2027 Annual Conference and unveiled our conference theme, Fortitude for Tomorrow: Building Systems That Endure. The truth is that this theme has been taking shape in my mind for more than a year.
As budgets tighten, costs continue to rise, and organizations are asked to do more with less, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about what it takes to build programs, processes, and institutions that can withstand change. Between the work on my desk today and the projects already on the horizon, I’m reminded that much of what we do as clerks is not just about solving today’s problems, it’s about helping our organizations prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.
When I entered the Clerk profession in 2006, most of what we created and preserved existed on paper. Today, much of that work is digital, and the pace of technological change continues to accelerate.
Having witnessed that transformation firsthand, I’ve learned that some of the most important work we do happens before change arrives. The move from paper to digital didn’t happen overnight, nor will the next generation of challenges facing our organizations. Preparing for change is what continues to draw me to the idea of building systems that endure.
I’d like to invite each of you to join us at the 2027 CMCA Annual Conference from April 14-16, 2027, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Sacramento, California. Together, we’ll explore how municipal clerks can continue building resilient organizations, strengthening our profession, and preparing our communities for whatever comes next.
Municipal Clerks Institute at CSUSM Celebrates Another Successful MMC Session and Extends Partnership Through 2029
The Municipal Clerks Institute (MCI) at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) recently celebrated the successful completion of the June 2026 MMC Series 300 session which focused on “Understanding our Communities.” MMC 100 focuses on “Understanding Yourself” and MMC 200 focuses on “Understanding Your Organization.” Municipal clerks from throughout California gathered for a week of advanced leadership development, professional networking, and education designed to support local government service.
Participants are encouraged to visit the Municipal Clerks Institute website for complete information regarding upcoming CMC and MMC sessions, including future course dates, registration information, program requirements, and frequently asked questions. calclerks.org/page/MCI
The Institute also marks an important milestone in 2026. The original three-year partnership agreement between California State University San Marcos and the California Municipal Clerks Association (CMCA), established to launch the Municipal Clerks Institute, reaches its conclusion this year. Building on the success of the program and its positive impact on municipal clerk education throughout California, CSUSM and CMCA have executed an extension of the agreement, continuing their partnership through December 31, 2029. Through the extension we will continue to focus on Institute’s Strategic Plan - Educate • Engage • Elevate (The 3 E’s). We strive to educate our students, engage them with one another and their communities, and elevate the profession as a continuum of public service.
The extension reflects the shared commitment of CSUSM and CMCA to providing exceptional professional development opportunities while strengthening the municipal clerk profession across California. Together, the partners look forward to continuing to educate, engage, and inspire current and future municipal clerks for years to come.
Nearing the Finish Line: Celebrating a Strong 2026 at the Northwest Clerks Institute
As we approach the close of the 2026 Northwest Clerks Institute, we are proud to reflect on another year defined by learning, leadership, and the remarkable dedication of our participants. This year’s cohort brought together municipal professionals from Washington, Oregon, and Alaska, along with one participant from California, expanding the reach and impact of the Institute across the West Coast.
Across all three Professional Development levels, participants engaged deeply with a curriculum designed to strengthen foundational knowledge, sharpen technical skills, and elevate leadership capacity in the clerk’s office. The energy, curiosity, and commitment displayed throughout the program reaffirm why the clerk profession continues to thrive.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT I: FOUNDATIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CLERK CAREER
PD I participants began their journey by building community and confidence through interactive team building and communication exercises. The week introduced essential clerkship concepts, including:
• The CMC pathway and how to navigate it with intention.
• Codification and ordinance drafting, emphasizing clarity and legal consistency.
• State specific legal issues and the evolving regulatory landscape.
• The role and history of the municipal clerk
• Records management fundamentals and the importance of lifecycle stewardship
• Business writing, minute taking, and parliamentary procedure
• Ethics in public service and the responsibility clerks hold as trusted leaders
Participants left the week with a strong foundation and a clear sense of purpose as they begin their professional journey.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT II: DEEPENING SKILLS AND STRENGTHENING PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Building on the PD I foundation, PD II participants stepped into a week designed to expand their technical expertise and strengthen their ability to support transparent, accountable local government. This year’s curriculum blended practical tools with leadership focused learning, giving clerks the confidence and capacity to navigate increasingly complex responsibilities.
Highlights from the 2026 PD II program included:
• Governance Groove: Mastering Municipal Records Management
Managing records effectively through sound governance, policies, procedures, standards, and practices.
• Finding Hidden Records
Practical strategies for locating and managing hidden records to support efficient, compliant responses to public records requests.
• Communication Begins With Presence
Strengthen authentic leadership presence by aligning communication, decision-making, and influence.
• Self-Care and Collaboration
Tools to navigate change, build connection, and collaborate effectively, including in remote settings.
• Build Your Conflict Capable Leadership Skills
This session equips participants with a practical framework, mindset, and tools to navigate conflict confidently, protect relationships, and achieve constructive outcomes.
• Onboarding New Councilmembers
Seasoned clerks share an onboarding process and toolbox to prepare candidates and newly elected officials for success.
• Onboarding New Staff Members
Veteran clerks share lessons learned and practical tools to help clerks onboard new staff and keep experienced staff current.
• Political Astuteness
Navigate local government dynamics with diplomacy, awareness, neutrality, and practical skills for communication, alignment, and sound judgment.
• Creating Successful Results and Relationships for Leaders
Help leaders build self-awareness, strengthen communication and relationships, and adapt their style to unite teams around shared goals.
PD II participants brought strong engagement and thoughtful questions throughout the week, demonstrating their commitment to strengthening their organizations and elevating the profession.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT III: LEADERSHIP, INNOVATION, AND THE FUTURE OF THE CLERKDOM
PD III participants stepped into a week designed to elevate their leadership presence and prepare them for the next chapter of their careers. The curriculum encouraged reflection, innovation, and the development of advanced skills that support high level service to their communities.
This year’s PD III program featured:
• The Wild, Wild West: Wrangling Local Government Social Media Accounts
A practical, high energy session on platform use, legal compliance, community engagement, and managing criticism.
• Let’s Network the Process
Peer driven roundtables where clerks shared tools, workflows, and solutions to real world challenges.
• How Can I Help? De escalation in the Workplace
Preventing escalation, setting boundaries, and supporting mental health for both staff and the public.
• Leading with Purpose
Identifying one’s professional “North Star,” navigating conflict, and aligning actions with organizational values.
• Records Ready: Retention and Disposition
Applying retention schedules and carrying out legally compliant disposition.
• Developing Effective Workplace Policies
Writing clear, concise, and reader friendly policies that support organizational consistency.
• The Role of the Clerk Revisited
A thoughtful look at the profession’s evolution and each participant’s future path in the Clerkdom.
• Speaking to Be Heard Above the Noise
Public speaking strategies for today’s fast paced communication environment, led by Executive Speech Coach Deb Sofield.
• Not Reinventing but Reimagining the Wheel: ChatGPT for Municipal Clerks
A forward looking session on integrating AI tools to streamline workflows and enhance public service.
PD III participants demonstrated remarkable leadership, curiosity, and readiness to take the next step in their professional journey.
A YEAR DEFINED BY ENGAGEMENT, COMMUNITY, AND PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE
From first year participants discovering the breadth of the clerk profession to third year attendees refining their leadership presence, the 2026 Institute has been a powerful reminder of the dedication clerks bring to their communities.
The commitment to learning, collaboration, and service continues to elevate the profession — and the Northwest Clerks Institute is honored to be part of this journey. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2027 as we continue building strong, skilled, and purpose driven leaders across the Northwest and beyond.
LUNCH TIME WITH REGION IX
VIRTUAL EVENT!
Region IX Directors Marc Donohue and Shawn Campbell are excited to host the upcoming Lunch Time with Region IX virtual event on Thursday, August 13, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m. Alaska Time / 12:00 p.m. PT!
You can register for the event by clicking here. During this event, we’ll be providing updates on everything related to IIMC and answering any questions that you might have.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Region IX CMC Certifications
FROM DECEMBER 2025 THROUGH MAY 2026
Audrey Persons, CMC
Associate Clerk to the Council Pierce County WA
Dan Vessels, Jr., CMC City Clerk
Maggie Kimmel, CMC
Kendyl Hardy, CMC
Deputy Clerk/HR Administrator
Deputy City Clerk
Rosalinda Ibarra, CMC City Clerk
Josie Camacho, CMC City Clerk
Karina Lafarga, CMC
Steve Burnham, CMC
Ellena Branson, CMC
Taylor Brown, CMC
Deputy City Clerk
Borough Clerk
Deputy City Clerk
Deputy City Clerk
Alison Foulis, CMC City Clerk
Audrey Malone, CMC
Sarah Ring, CMC
Rachael Bateman, CMC
Hanna Bentley, CMC
Deputy Director/City Clerk Services
Deputy Town Clerk
City Recorder
Deputy City Recorder
Rachel Thomas, CMC City Recorder
Tina Brock, CMC City Clerk
City of Puyallup WA
City of North Pole AK
City of Shoreline WA
City of Yakima WA
City of Wheatland CA
City of Chula Vista CA
Borough of Skagway AK
City of Walnut Creek CA
City of Los Altos CA
City of Larkspur CA
City of Chula Vista CA
Town of Truckee CA
City of Cornelius OR
City of Warrenton OR
City of Newberg OR
City of Marysville WA
Sue Ellen Essert, CMC Administrative Assistant Kenai Peninsula Borough AK
T'Ana Allen, CMC
Deputy City Clerk
Christina Benton, CMC Deputy City Clerk
Annalisa Dominguez, CMC
Veronica Sepulveda, CMC
Lori Young, CMC
Michelle Kang, CMC
Deputy City Clerk
District Secretary
Clerk to the Board
Deputy Clerk
Heather Robley, CMC City Clerk
Melaine Venenciano, CMC Director of City Clerk Services
Haidi Muro, CMC
Assistant City Clerk
Kat Ricker, CMC Public Information Director
Erin Smith, CMC City Clerk
City of Culver City CA
City of Twentynine Palms CA
City of Davis CA
Contra Costa Water District CA
Placer County Water Agency CA
City of Kenmore WA
City of Sequim WA
City of Pittsburg CA
City of Pittsburg CA
Chehalem Park and Recreation District OR
City of Normandy Park WA
Region IX MMC Certifications
FROM DECEMBER 2025 THROUGH MAY 2026
Brian C. Barrett, MMC City Clerk
Michael B. MacDonald, MMC City Clerk
Carolina C. Cruz, MMC
Deputy Clerk
Jennifer Roll, MMC Clerk of the Board
Annamarie T. Porter, MMC City Clerk
Michele Turner, MMC
Borough Clerk
City of Carpinteria CA
City of Ventura CA
Kodiak Island Borough AK
Island County WA
City of Solvang CA
Kenai Peninsula Borough AK
New Region IX Members
FROM DECEMBER 2025 THROUGH MAY 2026
Lorie Pierce City Clerk
Amy K. Aller
Nicole Bissell
Interim City Clerk
Deputy City Clerk
Sara M. Carlson City Clerk
Buffy Gray
Andrea Luparello
Maribel Mena
Senior Admin Assistant/Deputy City Clerk
Deputy City Clerk
Assistant City Clerk
Alberto Quintanilla City Clerk
Adriana Trujillo
Deputy City Clerk
City of Cold Bay AK
City of Fresno CA
City of Palo Alto CA
City of Selma CA
City of Fortuna CA
City of Goleta CA
City of Beverly Hills CA
City of Fremont CA
City of Carlsbad CA
Anneke Turbeville Clerk of the Board/Administrative Manager Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District CA
Allie Anderson-Brusasco City Recorder
Rhonda Bryan City Recorder
Sherri Marineau
Amanda Metcalf
Jayne Borden
Chari Taber
Samantha Asencio
Deputy City Recorder
City Recorder
Finance Director
Deputy City Clerk
Records Clerk
Lisa Berglund, CMC City Clerk
Allison Cheshire
Britney Hazzard
Ruthie Marroquin
Priscilla Moreno
City of Newport OR
City of Reedsport OR
City of Newport OR
City of La Pine OR
City of Stevenson WA
City of Marysville WA
City of Alhambra CA
City of Cypress CA
Clerk of the Board Specialist, Senior Orange County Transportation Authority CA
Deputy City Clerk
Deputy City Clerk
Senior Executive Assistant
Marlene Tapias City Clerk Assistant
Rebekah Walker
Cheryl Wills
Teresa Howard
Meri Jane Bohn
Executive Assistant
Deputy City Clerk
Administrative Assistant
City Clerk/Treasurer
Kelly M. Chelin City Clerk
Jazmin Hernandez
Deputy City Clerk/Treasurer
Carolyn Holm City Clerk
City of La Mesa CA
City of Cypress CA
City of Santa Fe Springs CA
City of Long Beach CA
Jurupa Community Services District CA
City of Riverside CA
City of West Linn OR
City of Tonasket WA
City of Lake Stevens WA
City of Mattawa WA
City of College Place WA
Erika Lopez Customer Service Clerk
Kayla M. Miller
Narissa Strong
Eden Sevilla
Brianna Arroyo
Bianca Castro
Dunelle Longoria
Senior Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant IV
Deputy City Clerk
City of Mattawa WA
City of Bellevue WA
Clark Regional Wastewater District WA
City of Unalaska AK
Administrative Assistant Peninsula Clean Energy CA
Management Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Brenda Lopez, CMC City Clerk
Lina Martinez City Clerk
William O'Brien
Deputy City Clerk
Georgia Shepherd Accounting Specialist
Denise Hall City Hall Office Specialist
Jillian Scerreno
Deputy City Clerk
Mason Fleming Customer Service Representative
Charles Benjamin
Records Technician
Pamela J. Caronongan, MMC City Clerk
Caitlin Corley, CMC City Clerk
Kevin Hayes
Jillian Johnson Arnold
Nicholas Morales
Rose Rodacker
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Administration Specialist
Assistant City Clerk
City of Coronado CA
City of Lake Elsinore CA
City of Adelanto CA
City of Sanger CA
City of San Juan Capistrano CA
City of Laguna Hills CA
City of Des Moines WA
City of Federal Way WA
City of Valdez AK
City of Menifee CA
City of Sutter Creek CA
City of Petaluma CA
City of Norco CA
City of Petaluma CA
City of Huntington Park CA
City of Galt CA
Martha Rodriguez Sotelo Customer Service Representative Lake Hemet Municipal Water District CA
Téa Takaoka
Theresa Talya
Cinthia Ugalde
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Executive Assistant
Pamela Dornbusch City Recorder
Heather La Beau
Kristen Abraham
Planning Assistant/Deputy City Recorder
Deputy City Clerk
Kristian Ballerini City Clerk/Treasurer
Ashlyn Reed
Ben Rodwell
Administrative Assistant
Deputy City Clerk
Adele Tych Town Clerk/Treasurer
Karrie Wolsborn
Deputy City Clerk
Dylan Jacobsen City Clerk
City of Rolling Hills CA
City of Imperial Beach CA
City of Wasco CA
City of Monmouth OR
City of Hermiston OR
City of Langley WA
City of Ruston WA
City of Sammamish WA
City of Moses Lake WA
Town of Hunts Point WA
City of Wenatchee WA
City of Sand Point AK
Barbara Jones, CMC Retired Municipal Clerk
Errica L. Garrett
Nicole Gilbreath
Administrative Assistant
Deputy City Clerk
Asia Higa Deputy City Clerk
Jessica Quezada
Tanya Ruiz
Nidia Valenzuela
Nelly Wogberg
From the Municipality of Anchorage AK
City of Newport Beach CA
City of Rocklin CA
City of Chula Vista CA
Administrative Assistant/Back Up Clerk Las Virgenes Municipal Water District CA
Executive Assistant to City Manager
Administrative Assistant
Clerk of the Board
Neal Morphis City Clerk
Jennifer L. Bell, CMC Deputy City Clerk
Shannon Bland Administrative Assistant
Alexandra Hernandez Deputy City Clerk
Teri Huetis, CMC Retired City Clerk / Treasurer
Magdalena Alvarado Deputy City Clerk
Roshelle Chavez
Executive Assistant/Board Clerk
Andrea M. Cunningham Deputy City Clerk
Sonia Delgado Deputy City Clerk I
Sandra M. Escudero, MMC Retired City Clerk
City of Fontana CA
City of Palmdale CA
Peninsula Clean Energy CA
City of Yachats OR
City of Lynden WA
City of Omak WA
City of Pateros WA
From the City of Thorne Bay WA
City of San Bernardino CA
Tahoe-Truckee Sanitation Agency CA
City of Sacramento CA
City of Torrance CA
From the City of Lomita CA
Maria Kendig Director of Government Services / City Clerk City of Aliso Viejo CA
Sara E. Shor
Deputy City Clerk I
Robert Williams Deputy City Clerk I
Sophia Zafiratos
Administrative Coordinator
Amanda Chavez City Clerk
Courteney Halstead City Recorder
Kennedee Harrison City Recorder
Stepha Kvokov
Deputy City Recorder
Kimberly Agfalvi, CMC City Clerk
Nancy Gillis Recreation Specialist
City of Torrance CA
City of Torrance CA
City of San Ramon CA
City of Lakeside OR
City of Lakeside OR
City of Lafayette OR
City of Warrenton OR
City of Snoquaimie WA
City of Mercer Island WA
Cynthia Isom Clerk of the Board/Facilities Coordinator Okanogan County Transit Authority WA
Sabrina Otness Deputy City Clerk
Lindsey J. Victor Public Records Asst/ Legal Asst I
Tara Whaley City Clerk/Treasurer
City of Sammamish WA
City of Bremerton WA
City of Rock Island WA
What an exciting opportunity to showcase our fantastic Region and commemorate the launch of our new branding/logo! Get ready to express your pride by ordering your preferred items, including t-shirts, crewnecks, hoodies, notebooks, tote bags, caps, and much more, all available in a variety of vibrant colors.
SHOP NOW