2024 Clerk of the Year Recipient Paula Swisher, MMC Clerk Clerk/Treasurer for the City of Brier During the Annual Awards Banquet on March 21st, 2024 at the Yakima Conference Center, now Immediate Past President Lisa Neissl presented the 2024 Clerk of the Year Award to Paula Swisher, MMC! Paula is the City Clerk/Treasurer for the City of Brier. As many of you are aware, Paula has served WMCA in many roles including two terms as a Board Member and through the offices of Vice-President, President-Elect, President, and Immediate Past President. Paula is probably most well known for her service as the Conference Planning Committee Chair, for over a decade, creating an engaging environment for learning and networking all tied into the theme of the President. She has since continued by mentoring the current Chairs and serving as the Venue Liaison to ensure that WMCA has solid, fiscally responsible contracts with venues all across the state. Paula was nominated by Debbie Jermann, Clerk of the Board for C-TRAN along with Brier Mayor Dale Kaemingk and multiple other WMCA Past Presidents and clerks. The nomination package spoke of her passion for WMCA and reliable mentorship of fellow clerks from all across WMCA and IIMC. Mayor Kaemingk spoke about her dedication to Brier, how deeply she cares for her staff, and the impressive knowledge base she provides for their city. He noted that in addition to her regular duties, of which there are many, she led the effort to get a ballot measure passed to annex into the South County Regional Fire Authority, and now serves as the city Liaison to the Board of Commissioners. It was clear from the nomination as well as Immediate Past President Neissl’s personal experience, that Paula is a passionate supporter of WMCA and a fierce friend who is highly valued and appreciated by her entity as well as clerks across the state. Congratulations Paula and thank you for your many years of dedication and service to the world of Clerks! |
Past Recipients
2024 - Paula Swisher, Brier 2022 - Gina Anderson, Woodland 2021 - Bonnie Wilkins, Des Moines 2020 - Alice Attwood, Tonasket
2019 - Deborah Estrada, Mercer Island 2018 - Christy O'Flaherty, Tukwila 2017 - Diana Quinn. Algona 2016 - Mari Ripp, Woodland 2015 - Dee Roberts, South Bend 2014 - Carol Etgen, Fife 2013 - Alice Bush, Lakewood 2012 - Ali Spietz, Mercer Island 2011 - Margo Tackett, Westport 2010 - Pam Kolacy, Port Townsend 2009 - Cheryl Proffitt-Schmidt, North Bend 2008 - Virginia Olsen, Mountlake Terrace 2007 - Terri Pfister, Spokane 2006 - Cindy Aldous, Marcus 2005 - Sharon Mattioli, Shoreline 2004 - Doris Sorum, Tacoma 2003 - Agnes Bennick, Yelm 2002 - Kelly Hennessey, Mill Creek 2001 - Roland Signett, Ferndale 2000 - Pam Olsen, Brewster 1999 - Diane Underwood, Cashmere 1998 - Linda Ruehle, Issaquah 1997 - Linda Alvar, Lynnwood 1996 - Margery Price, Kennewick 1995 - Mable Knowles, Waterville 1994 - Doris Schaible, Redmond 1993 - Marie O’Connell, Bellevue 1992 - Robin Wohlheuter, Auburn 1991 - Marie Jensen, Kent 1990 - Beverly Garvey, Prosser | Nomination CriteriaApplications due by Friday, February 2, 2024 The criteria for the Clerk of the Year nomination include:
The nominee must have made significant contributions or performed outstanding service to WMCA, to the profession of municipal clerk, and to his/her individual municipality in the following areas:
Nominations should be submitted in a confidential manner and in collaboration with the nominee’s elected officials, appointed officials, supervisor, or colleagues by including letter(s) of support. The only WMCA members not eligible to be considered for nomination are those holding the office of President, President-Elect, Vice President and Past President. Don’t let this opportunity to recognize one of your peers pass you by! The WMCA President selects the Clerk of the Year. The person who nominated the Clerk of the Year will be notified to determine how the recipients jurisdiction, as well as family/guest(s), will be provided the necessary information should they wish to attend the annual banquet. |