South Charlotte Today

• Which part of the organization do you lead?

The City Clerk's Office

• Why did you decide to work for the City of Charlotte?

In 2004, I was working as the city clerk in my hometown of Shelby. I had been working there 20 years and planned to retire there. When I became aware of the vacant deputy city clerk's position with the City of Charlotte, my late husband encouraged me to apply. A lot of folks thought it odd I would apply for the deputy position, but I thought it represented the opportunity of a lifetime to work for the City of Charlotte – the largest city in the state and highly revered among municipal officials nationwide.

At the time, I was well acquainted with both former City Clerk Brenda Freeze and former Deputy City Clerk Nancy Gilbert from our state and international professional organizations. After a rigorous interview process, I was offered the position the day before Thanksgiving. I took that as a sign it was time to make a move. I'm forever grateful I was offered the opportunity.

• What is the biggest organizational priority you're working on right now?

There are a couple organizational priorities that are "top of mind" for Team City Clerk's Office. One of the core functions of city or town clerks is that they are official records keepers for local governments. That said, we prioritize promoting transparency, maintaining public records and responding to requests for public records.

Another priority is implementing a passport processing service in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center. We were approved and ready to commence providing this service in March 2020, but plans were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic and closure of the building. We hope to begin the approval process afresh in July 2022.

• What is your favorite part about working for the City of Charlotte?

Working here affords me the opportunity to learn from and work with professional and caring colleagues who are truly committed to public service.

• What is your favorite restaurant in Charlotte?

You asked for one? No way! There are so many to choose from. My all-time favorite restaurant in Charlotte was Mickey and Mooch at the Arboretum, which succumbed during the COVID-19 closures. There'll never be another steak and seafood upscale restaurant with such a quaint neighborhood atmosphere and occasional big band or jazz band. Great memories!

Original source can be found here.