Esther J. McCrackin

City Clerk

Henderson, NC

 

As a little background, for more than 25 years my husband and I lived in Florida. When I was offered a position in NC, we jumped at it because we are not hot weather people. Well, the position was not what I expected, but we decided we’d stay in the area and find “easy” jobs until we retired.  Instead, I found not only a new position but a whole new career as City Clerk in Henderson.

 

My prior experience working in the private sector prepared me for the “administrative” part of the position but government and the public sector is a whole different ballgame. I feel fortunate the administrative/organizational portion of the job is not taking away from the challenge of learning to be a good city clerk. There is a lot to learn regarding NC laws, clerk procedures, what type of public notice needs to be given and all the other nuances. One of the biggest changes is the issue of confidentiality. For years it was drilled into me that everything is confidential—now just about everything is open to anyone and everyone.

 

In keeping the All American baseball theme, I know my curve ball of learning would not be where it is today without the help of my City Manager, City Attorney and all our staff. Of course all my Clerk friends (both personally known and unknown) have also helped me grow by sharing on listserv, and with educational opportunities and conversations during conferences. I am very thankful I have such a great team behind me and that I have the Major League organizations—the NCAMC and the IIMC—to lean on.

 

I’m not sure where this analogy came from because I’d much rather be on a football field where things move quickly and you can see the plays fall into place. That’s what Clerk’s do…keep things moving quickly and keep things in place! I love being a clerk, serving the public and staff, and I hope to spend many more years getting to know more of you and working in this great profession.