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Summer 2025 
VMCA Mission Statement
VMCA MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Virginia Municipal Clerks Association is to promote professional development through continuing education and networking opportunities. The VMCA challenges its members to use their abilities, talents and strengths in the proficient and effective delivery of local government services.
President's Message
Hello Fellow Clerks,
I hope this message finds you all well and prospering.
I had the pleasure of attending the IIMC Conference in St. Louis last month, and what a fun and exciting experience it was! Reconnecting with clerks from across the country and meeting new ones were highlights for me. I was honored to carry the Virginia flag during the opening ceremony - an emotional and unforgettable moment for me.
Virginia was well represented this year at the Conference, with ten of us in attendance, and it was awesome to connect with all of you in person.
We have been actively working to fill our Committee and Region Director positions. We are still seeking Directors for Region I, II and X. If you are interested or would like to learn more about these opportunities, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Executive Committee - we would love to hear from you.
I'm also pleased to announce that the upcoming Institutes and Academy has been officially scheduled for October 7-10, 2025 at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Richmond. A huge thank you to the Education Committee for working so collaboratively with VCU to make this event possible. I'm especially excited to announce that several of our clerks are session speakers this year. You don't want to miss this conference.
Looking ahead, Region IV Director, Lorainne Spaulding, has graciously offered to host the 2026 VMCA Conference in Blacksburg. We will be sharing more details as planning gets underway - so stay tuned!
Thank you for your continued commitment to VMCA and to each other.
With Gratitude,
Kimberly Ellis, MMC
Pictures below from St. Louis:
Message from the 1st Vice President
Dear VMCA Newsletter readers,
It is hard to believe we are already in JUNE!!
Hopefully we are all out of the budget weeds and can take a breath!
Although we weren't able to see everyone in person in April, it was nice to virtually see so many Clerks from all around Virginia!! We officially have our new Executive Board for 2025-2026 and I can't wait to see all the things we accomplish together!
I hope everyone was celebrated during Municipal Clerks Week!! I just want to say thank you to each of you for being the "Wizard behind the curtain". We keep things together and do amazing things! So not just today, or during Municipal Clerks Week, I hope you are seen, heard and appreciated by your locality every day!
VMCA Institute & Academy is quickly approaching!! I want to give a big shout out and thank you to Shelly and Katherine with VCU for working on and planning another successful Institute. I cannot stress enough the power of the survey! Shelly and Katherine send out surveys at the end of the Institute. Please take the time to take the survey if you strongly feel that something about the Institute was great or needs to be improved. This is our Institute and VMCA and VCU both want Clerks to get the best out of an Institute your locality has paid for you to attend. I can say first hand that Shelly and Katherine take any and everything in the survey into consideration when planning the next Institute & Academy. Surveys are anonymous. Please don't be afraid to let your voice and opinions be heard! We can't fix or address issues or concerns if we don't know about them!
Lastly, I strongly encourage each of you to take care of yourself! Physically, mentally and emotionally. We run around taking care of everything and everyone but ourselves. Take some time during the summer to do something for you! Take that vacation, have a spa day, read a book, spend time with loved ones. Our jobs will always be here, but we only get one YOU!! Make sure you take care of you!
Taking my own advice, I have started reading the book Sacred Rest. Without giving the book away, it talks about giving yourself the permission to embrace rest, set boundaries and seek sanctuary without guilt, shame or fear. I highly recommend you check this book out!
I hope everyone has an amazing Summer!! I look forward to seeing you all at the Institute & Academy in the Fall!!
With lots of thanks and appreciation,
Camisha M. Brown, CMC
Message from the 2nd Vice President
Greetings VMCA Family,
I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve you as your 2nd Vice President - thank you for trusting me with this role! I'm so grateful to serve alongside such an inspiring group of Clerks on the Executive Committee, and to work hand-in-hand with our hardworking Regional Directors. Being part of this organization continues to inspire and energize me, and I'm grateful for the connections and friendships that VMCA has brought into my life.
A special thank you goes out to Kim Ellis for so graciously hosting the Executive Committee in her office in Culpeper for our Annual Business Meeting in April. Your hospitality made our time together productive and enjoyable - thank you, Kim!
Please join me in congratulating our 2025 Clerk of the Year, NyKesha Lucas from Dumfries! NyKesha, your dedication and service to your community and this profession are truly commendable, and we are so proud of you!
As I reflect on the past few months... whew, what a time to be alive! Between budget season, our County's search for a new Administrator, conferences, and everything in between, it's been a whirlwind! On the personal side, when our local youth organization decided to step away from our area completely, my husband and I (with the help of some amazing friends) took a leap of faith and started our own teeball, softball, and baseball league to make sure our youth still had the opportunity to play. It's been a huge undertaking, but so worth it!
With all that said... I am so looking forward to a much-needed vacation the week of July 4th! I hope each of you can carve out some time this summer to relax, unwind, and enjoy your families too - you deserve it.
I'm also incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to attend the IIMC Annual Conference in St. Louis in May. It was an unforgettable experience - and the cherry on top was being awarded an IIMC scholarship to help make it possible. I want to encourage all of you to stay up to date with IIMC's newsletters and emails - there are so many great opportunities out there, and you never know what doors they might open. I also had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with some of Virginia's clerks at the conference.
As we look ahead, I'm excited to continue supporting and encouraging Virginia Clerks to join VMCA and get involved. If you're new to VMCA, feeling a bit overwhelmed, or not sure where to start - please don't hesitate to reach out. I would be happy to connect you with your Region Director and/or any member of the Executive Committee and help answer any questions you may have. You are not alone, and we are here to support you every step of the way!
Also, if you know of any new Clerks in your surrounding localities - or Clerks who aren't currently VMCA members - please let me know! I would love the chance to personally reach out, welcome them, and encourage them to get connected with our amazing organization.
And finally, mark your calendars now for the 2025 VMCA Institutes and Academy, happening October 7-10 at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Richmond. Whether you're pursuing your CMC or MMC, or just want to grow as a Clerk, this event is an incredible opportunity for learning, connection, and professional development. I can't recommend it enough!
Wishing each of you a summer full of sunshine, rest, and joyful moments.
With gratitude,
Kaylyn McCluster, MMC
Message from the Past President
I'd like to thank all of the members of VMCA for their support of me during the past year. It was my privilege and an honor to represent this organization as its President. I am excited about Kim now taking the lead and know that she'll continue to serve Virginia Clerks with knowledge, skill, pride, and love. She has assembled a wonderful team so I'm looking forward to an amazing year.
PS for those of you who remember the photo of me with my crazy scrapbooking friends all dressed as Barbie, I thought I'd share the wonderful 'goodbye' gifts I received.
Virginia clerks are THE BEST!
Katherine K. Glass, MMC
Welcome New Members
Kristina Carroll - Town of Waverly
Melanie Clark - Town of Vienna
Ashley Czajka - City of Poquoson
Megan Erwin - City of Bristol
Alexandra Fauber - Shenandoah County
Alvin Gurley - Dinwiddie County
Brendan Harlan - City of Winchester
Brandi Jones - Town of Wytheville
Monica Mallory - City of Charlottesville
Kerri Mellott - City of Winchester
Valerie Padgett - Town of Hillsville
Maxicelia Robinson - City of Charlottesville
Miranda Venable - Charles City County
Membership
Don't forget to renew your VMCA Membership before June 30th!
If you have questions about your VMCA Membership, contact our Treasurer, Teresa Saeed at [email protected].
You can also visit www.vmca.com for more information!
CMC and MMC
Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation:
April 4th - Ruth Visuete Perez - City of Roanoke
Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation:
None
Executive Committee
President
Kimberly Ellis, MMC
Deputy Clerk
Culpeper County
Secretary
Alicia Finney
Clerk of Council
City of Lynchburg
First Vice President
Camisha Brown, CMC
Executive Assistant to County Administrator / Clerk to the Board of Supervisors
Dinwiddie County
Second Vice President
Kaylyn McCluster, MMC
Clerk to the Board of Supervisors
Pittsylvania County
Historian
Eileen Boeing, CMC
Clerk of Council
Town of Leesburg
Parliamentarian
Travis O. Morris, MMC
Senior Deputy Clerk
County of Albemarle
Treasurer
Teresa J. Saeed, MMC
Deputy Clerk
James City County
Immediate Past President
Katherine K. Glass, MMC
Clerk of Council
City of Hampton
Getting to KNOW your Executive Committee
Meet Alicia Finney, Secretary:
Where are you from? Born and raised?
Born into a Coast Guard family, I was raised mostly in coastal towns on the East Coast. But in 2001, we dropped anchor in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, and I've proudly called Central Virginia home ever since.
What is your favorite family tradition?
Our unofficial family tradition is a competitive card game called Racetrack. First invented by my great-grandmother and passed down in our family, it's a mix of gin rummy and spades and involves heavy smack talk.
Do you have a hobby you’d like to share? What do you do in your free time?
I'm a DIY enthusiast! Emphasis on the enthusiast... My significant other, Anthony, and I share a love for tackling home projects together, even when they don't go exactly as planned. When we're not wielding a hammer, you can find us kayaking, hiking, or wandering around Lynchburg's charming downtown.
The beach will always have my heart! But a cozy cabin in the Virginia mountains make me just as delighted.
I love all food so I hate playing favorites, but give me chips, salsa, and a margarita and I'm a happy girl.
In 5 years, I hope I'm still loving my work, growing as a leader, and continuing to serve my community in meaningful ways. In 10 years? Who knows, maybe mentoring the next wave of municipal rockstars!
Let's call it strategic happenstance. I was determined to work in local government, fell in love with the work, and practically stalked the job board until the right door opened. Best persistent decision I ever made.
If you could be any age for the rest of your life, which would you choose? Why?
My mid-30s have felt like the perfect mix of confidence and curiosity. Old enough to know better, young enough to still chase big dreams and try new things.
Committee Chairs
Audit Committee
Judi Green, Chair
Senior Executive, Deputy Clerk
Matthews County
Budget Committee
Teresa J. Saeed, MMC, Chair
Deputy Clerk
James City County
Bylaws Committee
Wanda F. Watkins, MMC, Chair
Deputy Clerk of the Board
County of New Kent
Clerk of the Year
Aimee Mann, MMC, Chair
Deputy Clerk / Records Officer
Spotsylvania County
Education & Professional Development
Mina D. Barberis, MMC, Chair
Deputy City Clerk
City of Norfolk
Newsletter
Ashley R. Clatterbuck, MMC, Chair
Town Clerk
Town of Culpeper
Nominating Committee
Rachael Brinson, CMC, Chair
Town Administrator / Town Clerk
Town of Remington
Scholarship Committee
Wendy J. Chewning, MMC, Chair
Town Clerk
Town of Orange
Website Development
Travis O. Morris, MMC, Co-Webmaster
Senior Deputy Clerk
County of Albemarle
Kyna Thomas, MMC, Co-Webmaster
Clerk of Council / Chief of Staff
City of Charlottesville
Calendar of Events
2025 VMCA Institutes & Academy - October 7-10 in Richmond
2026 VMCA Annual Conference - April in Blacksburg
2026 IIMC Annual Conference - May 17-21 in Reno, Nevada
2027 IIMC Annual Conference - May 9-12 in Fort Worth, Texas
Educational Opportunities
Check out the IIMC and VMCA websites for lots of information and opportunities!
Also, pay close attention to the weekly IIMC email blast for upcoming webinars and courses.
Region Directors
2024-2025 Region Directors
Region I
Vacant
Region II
Vacant
Region III
Pamela Ulmer
City Clerk
City of Harrisonburg
Phone: (540) 432-7701
Email: [email protected]
Region IV
Lorraine Spaulding, CMC
Town Clerk
Town of Blacksburg
Phone: (540) 443-1026
Email: [email protected]
Region V
Kaylyn McCluster, MMC
Clerk to the Board of Supervisors
Pittsylvania County
Phone: (434) 432-1987
Email: [email protected]
Region VI
Maxicelia (Max) Robinson
Deputy Clerk of Council
City of Charlottesville
Phone: (434) 296-5843 x3036
Email: [email protected]
Region VII
Stephen Clough, CMC
Town Clerk
Town of Warrenton
Phone: (540) 714-9270
Email: [email protected]
Region VIII
Heather Oliver
Town Clerk
Town of Colonial Beach
Phone: (804) 224-7103
Email: [email protected]
Region IX
Susan Wilson
Clerk to the Board
Chesterfield County
Phone: (804) 748-1200
E-mail: [email protected]
Vacant
Getting to KNOW your Region Directors
Meet Heather Oliver, Region VIII Director:
Where are you from? Born and raised?
I was born on Andrews Air Force Base in Prince George's County, MD. After my dad retired from the Air Force, my parents decided to call the surrounding area home. I spent the majority of my life calling Clinton, MD, my home.
What is your favorite family tradition?
Friday Night Lights. I think even when our kids aren't playing anymore, we will attend our High Schools' home games.
Do you have a hobby you’d like to share? What do you do in your free time?
I haven't taken on a hobby. Mom of two teenage boys, 2 dogs, a cat, and a husband, there is no time for that. When I do have free time, I am binge-watching my shows.
My family and I tend to pick the beach as our vacation destination. But for me, the best place is this one primitive camping spot in the mountains on the James River.
I enjoy foods from all over the world; my all-time favorite dish is bulgogi and kimchee.
In 5 years, I will still be here working as the Town Clerk. In 10 years, hopefully, I will be retired and driving my RV across the country.
I was working as a Deputy Court Clerk in Fredericksburg. We had just moved within the Town limits, and I was looking for something that was a little closer to home for family reasons. At the same time, the position was posted for a Deputy Town Clerk. I applied, and the Town Clerk hired and trained me to take her position when she retired.
If you could be any age for the rest of your life, which would you choose? Why?
I was going to put 17 years old, but then I thought back to what was going on when I was 30 years old. I think that I would want to be 30 again. My boys were still my little guys, and my parents were still alive. Everything was good.
Region III News
Middletown Clerk Christina Smith is proud to announce that for the past 12 years the Town of Middletown will not have a tax increase! Clerk Christina was given special recognition for her organizing their summer celebrations to include a Memorial Day Service at their Veterans Memorial. Their July 4 celebration is shaping up to be bigger and better and they are inviting everyone to the GardenFest at Belle Grove Plantation on June 7.
Waynesboro City Clerk Julia Bortle is the proud owner of a new used vehicle. She's been driving it for three years but the bank no longer has their grips on it. It's all hers. She was also just re-elected as secretary for the Waynesboro Lions Club for the fourth year running and was asked to step up as zone chairman. She also continues her membership with the Blue Ridge Shooters Club and after much practice can now state that she can hit the side of a barn... if standing in it.
Waynesboro is the proud owner of a Bicycle Traffic School Playground located in Constitution Park. With the cooperation of the Rotary Club, Office on Youth and the Parks and Recreation Department, it's designed to teach kids the rules of the road safely while having fun.
Waynesboro is also getting a facelift around the city. Downtown visitors have noticed some big, colorful things starting to take shape on a few blank walls. That's because three brand-new murals are underway for this year's Virginia Street Arts Festival.
Brianna Taylor, RSW Regional Jail Authority Board, has been enjoying time with her family. Her sons recently completed their first Trampoline and Tumbling competition season, with both of them achieving State and Regional Champion titles. Additionally, all three of her children participated in their first jackpot show, where they showed lambs and goats. Brianna's husband, Anthony, is a local musician with several live performances scheduled throughout the year.
Christine Wade, Deputy Clerk for Dayton VA, is proud that the Town of Dayton's first summer concert for 2025 was a success! They hosted Little Walter & The Convictions which is a band that plays all hits from the 60s and 70s. Over 200 people enjoyed the first concert.
The Town of Dayton's Sunset Park got a new Wayfinding sign. The park is better known as "The Purple Park" due to the playground equipment being purple.
Region V News
Region V sends warm wishes as we head into the summer months! We hope everyone is finding time to recharge and enjoy a little sunshine with family and friends. As we move into this busy season, it's a great time to reflect on recent accomplishments and look ahead to what's coming next.
In May, members from VMCA's Region V had the opportunity to attend the IIMC Annual Conference in vibrant St. Louis, Missouri. It was an incredible experience filled with professional development, inspiration, and connection. There's truly nothing like being surrounded by fellow clerks who understand the work we do and share the same dedication to public service.
We're also looking ahead to the 2025 Institutes and Academy, which will take place October 7-10 at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Richmond. Whether you're working toward your CMC or MMC, or simply want to grow in your role, this event is an excellent opportunity to earn education credits and, just as importantly, build lasting relationships with other professionals in our field. I encourage everyone to make plans to attend - there's so much value in learning and growing together.
Lastly, I'm excited to announce that Sue DeMasi will be taking over as the Region V Director. Sue is no stranger to this role - she previously served as Region V Director before me, and her passion and leadership are unmatched. I have no doubt Region V will continue to flourish with her guidance and experience.
A big congratulations to those who have recently earned their CMC or MMC designations! And to those still working toward your goals - keep going! Your commitment and effort do not go unnoticed.
Wishing you all a happy and productive summer season. I look forward to seeing many of you in Richmond this fall!
Warm regards,
Kaylyn McCluster, MMC
Region VII News
Happy summer from Region VII!
This spring has been extremely exciting as we've had some huge wins in our region! We had some awesome clerks in attendance in St. Louis for the IIMC Annual Conference learning more about our trade, connecting with clerks across the globe, and sharing the wins of our home sweet commonwealth.
Our Region VII clerks have been busy being the backbone of our municipalities, and (hopefully) surviving budget season. We've grown, graduated college with a variety of degrees, completed huge leadership courses like Leadership Fauquier and more. Progress is being made towards achieving CMC/MMC designations and we've even been fortunate enough to have some new members for our region!
We had a blast for Municipal Clerk's week sending out daily messages, building each other up, and celebrating each other with proclamations and more!
Our next Coffee with the Clerks is getting scheduled soon and will be hosted via Teams. If you'd like to join, just drop me a line. Coffee with the Clerks is an informal opportunity to share our experience, guide those who have come after us, and learn from those all around us. We can't wait to host our next one especially as we're working to have Dr. Jai from IIMC to help guide us through the CMC/MMC processes and answer questions! I'm working to schedule this now so if you have a date you want to hit, drop me a line. You can also reach out to Dr. Jai directly to schedule your own one on one call! [email protected]
Don't forget to take a moment for yourselves this season. Go for a walk and enjoy the spring weather and healthy gardens before the heat makes its appearance again. Take a day for an Athenian Dialogue and some extra training so that you can works towards your CMC or MMC with some deliberate steps. I invite you to take a moment to reach out to a fellow clerk in your area. You'd be surprised just how different our roles are even though the title is the same. Take a moment to get to know who is around you and what they're facing as well. Together, we're a stronger community.
Until next time, don't forget to take a vacation and have an AWESOME SUMMER!
Stephen Clough, CMC
In Town of Culpeper news:
The Town hosted Fox5DC LIVE for their Friday Zip Trip on May 30th.
The Town contracted with a local artist (Layton Scarbrough) who recently completed a VA250th mural on Sperryville Pike.
Region IX News
When the previous issue of the newsletter came out, it was cold and we were all preparing for a busy budget adoption season. Hopefully, your budgets have been adopted and your upcoming summer days are as warm and relaxing as floating on a lazy river.
Please join Region IX in welcoming Kristina Carroll, the Clerk of Council for Waverly. We hope to connect with you in person soon, Kristina, at an upcoming conference or event!
In April, Region IX's very own Camisha Brown of Dinwiddie County was elected VMCA's First Vice President. She brings valuable knowledge and skills to this role, and her energy and enthusiasm are contagious. Congratulations, Camisha!
In Chesterfield news:
Longtime Dale District Supervisor James M. Holland was recognized for his nearly two decades of service by the dedication of the Beulah Recreation Center in his name. The new name of the site, which includes both the center and adjacent neighborhood park currently under construction, is the James M. Holland Recreation Complex at Beulah.
The county recently broke ground on a new state-of-the-art animal shelter with a tentative completion date of October 2026.
That's all for now - stay safe over the summer!
Susan Wilson
Contact the Editor
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