City of Palm Coast Deputy City Clerk Kaley Cook attained her Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) Certification from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). The official pinning ceremony was held during the April 18, 2023, Palm Coast City Council Business Meeting.
IIMC’s primary goal is to actively promote the continuing education and professional development of municipal clerks through extensive education programs, certification, publications, networking across the globe, annual conferences, and research.
Only 30% of the 14,755 members of the IIMC have attained the Certified Municipal Clerk designation. To achieve the CMC designation, Cook has completed the International Institute of Municipal Clerks-approved Municipal Clerks Institute Program conducted by the John Scott Dailey Florida Institute of Government, Florida State University in Tallahassee. This program provides 120 student-instructor contact hours of in-depth courses in managerial and leadership skills, social and interpersonal concerns, and technical training needed to deal with changes taking place in government today. The program aids municipal clerks in improving job performance and recognizes the professionalism of the Municipal Clerk’s office.
Completion of a recognized career development academy or a baccalaureate degree in public administration or a related field, responsible experience in local government, and participation in conferences, meetings, and educational seminars are required to earn the prestigious CMC designation.
Cook began working for the City of Palm Coast in 2020 as a Senior Staff Assistant, helping with a variety of tasks for both the Communications & Marketing department and the City Clerk’s Office.
“As time went on, I realized how much I enjoyed the duties of the Clerk’s Office and pursued a full-time position once one became available,” Cook said. “I continued learning and gaining knowledge in the duties of the Clerk’s Office and then became the records coordinator, where I took an additional focus on city records and public records requests.”
Cook began working towards the CMC certification to further pursue her passion for working in the Clerk’s Office, obtaining her certification in two years, and becoming Deputy City Clerk in 2022. Cook works alongside City Clerk Virginia Smith and Records Analyst Alison Palmer. The Clerk’s Office manages local elections, record keeping, public records requests, City Council meetings, and meeting agendas.
Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin stated, “This is an example of how the City of Palm Coast takes care of its succession planning. We are continuing to provide career paths for the future because it is not just about what happens in the City today, but City Council is responsible for what happens tomorrow and obviously for the years to come.”
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