City Of Covington | City Of Covington website
City Of Covington | City Of Covington website
The Northern Kentucky Municipal Clerks Association (NKMCA) has awarded Covington City Clerk Susan Ellis with the prestigious title of "Outstanding Municipal Clerk." City leaders praised Ellis for her "unrivaled eye for innovative solutions," "tireless work ethic," and "caring professionalism." The NKMCA, a membership organization that provides resources and networking opportunities for City Clerks in the region, recognized Ellis for her exceptional contributions to the field.
Ellis, who holds the title of Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and Certified Kentucky Municipal Clerk (CKMC) from the Kentucky Municipal Clerks Association, expressed her gratitude for the award. She stated, "I love what I do – I love the customer service aspect of it. A city clerk should be a multitasker and be able to deal with anything that comes up. You’ve got to be able to roll with whatever is going to happen."
As Covington's City Clerk, Ellis undertakes numerous responsibilities, including preparing agendas and compiling minutes for meetings of the Covington Board of Commissioners, ensuring the publication of legal notices and ordinances, and managing records maintenance, retention, and retrieval. She has also spearheaded the digitization of City records, implemented improvements for paper flow, and efficiently responded to Open Records requests from the public and media.
Since assuming the role in 2021, Ellis has successfully tackled significant tasks. She developed operating procedures for document management, compiled a new City Policy Manual, and organized historical documents stored in City Hall's basement. City Manager Ken Smith commended Ellis's work on this project, describing it as a "behemoth undertaking" that involved meticulous vetting of historical records and the creation of an efficient organization system.
The recognition from the NKMCA holds immense significance for Ellis, as it stems from recommendations by the Mayor, City Manager, and Finance Director. Ellis shared, "One of the things that I really cherish is that Steve Webb, the City's Finance Director, said I bring more value to the position than anyone he’s ever met."
Ellis also emphasized the importance of the NKMCA as a valuable resource for municipal clerks. She praised the organization for providing a platform for like-minded professionals to share knowledge and avoid reinventing the wheel. Ellis noted that attending the NKMCA's spring conference made her realize the indispensability of such resources in performing her job effectively.
The role of the municipal clerk, along with being a tax collector, is one of the oldest in local government. Ellis, who will present on the history of the position at the NKMCA, highlighted its ancient origins, dating back to 1200 A.D. She explained, "It was once upon a time all just memory. The original city clerks were called 'Remembrancers,' their memory serving as the public record."
Covington City Clerk Susan Ellis's exceptional contributions and dedication to her role have earned her the title of "Outstanding Municipal Clerk." Her commitment to innovation, professionalism, and customer service has not only garnered recognition from her peers but also contributed to the efficient functioning of the city's operations.
To find out more, go to this link: https://www.covingtonky.gov/news/2024/01/03/covingtons-remembrancer-aka-city-clerk-wins-top-honor
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