FW: "Professional Clerks to the Board of County Commissioners Week” May 3-9, 2026
Maria Hass
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Good afternoon, Board Chairs, Vice-Chairs, Managers and COG Directors:
I am writing you today to let you know that “Professional Clerks to the Board of County Commissioners Week” is May 3-9, 2026. This ‘Week” was initiated 57 years ago by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks to recognize and honor municipal (city, county, townships, etc.) Clerks for the critical role they play to their Boards and local citizenry (see attached fact sheet). Most Clerks will not bring this to the attention of their Boards, because they do not want to “toot” their own horn, so as President of the NC Association of County Clerks, I am reaching out to all counties to share this important week. I am sure you will agree with me, the role of Clerk to the Board is essential to county government.
Your Clerk to the Board and Deputy Clerks (if applicable) are not just a historians and record keepers, they are the face of your county government, the liaison between you and your constituents and other government agencies; and honestly, all things to all the people you serve as elected officials. Clerks work quietly behind the scenes, doing the heavy lifting no one ever sees. In addition to general job duties, Clerk to the Boards run PR for your Board, managing disgruntled citizens and/or employees, and diffusing difficult situations. They maintain public trust in your Board through their transparency and professionalism. There is so much more I could say about the role of Clerk to the Board, but I trust you already recognize your Clerks contributions, value, and worth.
If you have a few minutes to spare, please read the attached SOG publication, titled “City and County Clerks, What They Do and How They Do It”. It’s a great read, yet still not all-inclusive of the duties your Clerk performs. In consideration of this special week, I would like to ask each of you to adopt a proclamation in honor of your Clerk to the Board and recognize them during a public meeting or special event. I have attached two draft proclamations, one in greater detail and one condensed. Please feel free to modify it to your personal and professional preference. Other ways you can recognize and show your appreciation is by sharing the proclamation on your social media pages and with your local newspaper and radio stations. You can also spotlight your Clerk to the Board on your county/COG website, bring them coffee/lunch/goodies, or give a small gift of appreciation. Anything that says, “We appreciate you and value your contributions as our Clerk to the Board”.
Thank you for all, for all you do for your counties, and for setting a time aside to recognize your Clerk to the Board during "Professional Clerks to the Board of County Commissioners Week”. If it isn’t too much trouble, please send me a copy of any adopted proclamation and any photos that might be taken. I did not copy any of your Clerks on this message; in the event you wish to do something special.
County Managers: Please make sure your Board Chairs and Vice-Chairs receive this information. Thank you.
Best,
Maria
Maria Hass
Assistant County Manager
Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners
President, NC Association of County Clerks
Cherokee County, NC
75 Peachtree St.
Murphy, NC 28906
(828) 835-8578
maria...@cherokeecounty-nc.gov
www.cherokeecounty-nc.gov
Mission Statement: To stand steadfast in service to God and others, to build and strengthen personal and professional relationships, and to build and strengthen public confidence and trust. ~ MH ~
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