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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
2023 - Debbie Jermann, C-TRAN

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 Criteria

Applications due by Friday, February 2, 2024

Nomination Form

The criteria for the Clerk of the Year nomination include:

  • Nominees must be an Active member of WMCA (as defined in WMCA’s Bylaws).
  • In good standing (fully paid dues) for the preceding five consecutive years.
  • Anyone can make the nomination (elected official, supervisor, colleague, co-worker)
  • Members currently holding the office of President, President-Elect, Vice President, and Immediate Past President are not eligible for nomination.

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:

  • Leadership, organization, administration and communications.
  • Legislative and governing body procedures, records management, and public relations.
  • Outstanding service to WMCA, commitment to professional development and contribution to the clerk profession (time/length of service, service on WMCA committees, attendance at State conferences, attendance at other WMCA sanctioned training events, involvement in regional groups and/or IIMC committees).
  • Special projects, community activities, and volunteerism.

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.

© Washington Municipal Clerks Association


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