Career Paths and Possibilities

In this episode, host Aimee Nemer welcomes municipal lawyer Alan Bojorquez of Texas Municipal Lawyers and Elena Quintanilla, MPA, TRMC, city administrator for the Town of Ransom Canyon, for a conversation about what good governance looks like in practice. Alan shares the origins of the Balanoff Good Government Award and its connection to the Texas Certified Public Manager program, Texas State University’s Hobby Center for Public Service and ASPA, as well as the legacy of longtime public administration educators Howard and Marilyn Balanoff. He walks through the “10 Texas Traits” of good government, including beingrespectful, responsive, effective, transparent, competent, ethical, lawful, innovative, economical and accountable, and highlights the important role municipal clerks play in supporting transparency, compliance and public trust. Elena then shares how Ransom Canyon formally adopted the traits and incorporated them into city operations and communication, helping the community become one of the inaugural recipients of the Balanoff Good Government Award alongside the City of Pharr. Clerk Connections is produced by Association Briefings.   Show Notes For more information on the Balanoff Award, visit here: https://texascpm.com/balanoff-good-government-award/

In this episode, host Aimee Nemer welcomes Dixie Roberts, assistant city manager and city secretary for the City of Alvin; Ashley Shroyer, deputy city manager for the Town of Addison; and Jesica McEachern, assistant city manager for the City of Fort Worth, for a conversation about career growth in local government. They share how their experiences as city secretaries prepared them for leadership roles by developing strong relationships, broad organizational knowledge, and strategic problem-solving skills. The discussion also explores the value of mentorship, embracing new opportunities, overcoming self-doubt, and building a career through curiosity, collaboration, and a willingness to keep learning.   Clerk Connections is produced by Association Briefings.  

In this special episode, the Texas Municipal Clerks Association podcast marks a meaningful transition as longtime host Marie Balthrop passes the mic to incoming host Aimee Nemer. Joined by TMCA Education Director Dr. Amy Holt, the conversation reflects on the origins and growth of the podcast, which launched in July 2024 and has since reached listeners across the United States and internationally. Dr. Holt shares behind-the-scenes history on how the podcast came to life, highlights listener statistics and popular episodes, and discusses the role the podcast plays in expanding educational access and professional connection within the municipal clerk community. The episode also offers a personal look back at Balthrop’s time as host, including her journey into local government, lessons learned through conversations with clerks across Texas, and the importance of mentorship, transparency, and supporting professionals at every stage of their careers. Balthrop and Nemer discuss the value of authentic conversations, the challenges and humor behind recording episodes, and how the podcast has helped reinforce that municipal clerks are never alone in the work they do. The episode closes with reflections on the future of the podcast, plans for increased member involvement in shaping topics and guests, and appreciation for the strong sense of community within TMCA. Clerk Connections is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Marie Balthrop talks with Megan Gregor, CMC, MLIS, founder of MuniRM, about practical strategies for managing records in an increasingly digital environment. Drawing on her background in library science and her experience as a records manager, deputy clerk, and city clerk in Washington state, Gregor explains how she transitioned into consulting and helping organizations implement digital records programs and tools like Laserfiche. The conversation explores key differences between paper and digital records—including how easily digital files are created, the challenges of organizing them, and the risks to record integrity. Gregor also highlights the advantages of enterprise content management systems, from improved search and automation to remote access, reduced storage needs, greater transparency, and environmental benefits. She offers practical guidance on distinguishing between storing and truly managing records, recommends starting with the elimination of transitory records, and stresses the importance of clear policies, organized file structures, and training departments to build long-term compliance and trust.   Clerk Connections is produced by Association Briefings.  

In this episode, host Marie Balthrop talks with Jannette Goodall, city secretary of Fort Worth, and Caitlan Biggs, assistant town manager of Little Elm, for a thoughtful conversation on leading intergenerational teams in today’s workplace. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities that come with managing employees across multiple generations, including differences in work styles, communication preferences, and motivations. The discussion highlights practical strategies for building strong relationships, recognizing individual strengths, and adapting leadership approaches to support diverse teams. Jannette and Caitlan also reflect on the evolving role of technology in local government and how leaders can balance modernization with the core values of public service. The episode offers actionable insights for creating inclusive, collaborative work environments where every generation can contribute and thrive.   Clerk Connections is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Marie Balthrop talks with Robyn Densmore, TRMC, city secretary for Georgetown, Texas, and Jennifer Kirkland, TRMC, city secretary for Kyle, Texas, about what it’s like to serve two of the fastest-growing cities in the state. Robyn and Jennifer share their career paths and discuss how rapid population increases have reshaped their day-to-day work — from managing rising open records requests and evolving election responsibilities to implementing new technology and supporting expanding departments. They also highlight strategies for maintaining employee morale and preserving a small-town level of service in the midst of major growth. The conversation touches on the importance of advocating for resources, leaning on peer support, and celebrating professional milestones, including Jennifer’s recent recognition as the Texas Municipal Clerks Association Emerging Leader Award recipient.   Clerk Connections is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Marie Balthrop sits down with Aimee Nemer, City Secretary for the City of Richardson and TMCA’s 2024 Clerk of the Year. Aimee shares her career journey and reflects on the milestones that have defined her path, including launching Richardson’s Citizens Academy and mentoring the next generation of clerks. The conversation explores the vital role of mentorship, the evolving demands of local government, and the supportive, collaborative culture of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association. The episode also shines a spotlight on the 2025 Clerk of the Year nominees, celebrating excellence across the profession.   Clerk Connections is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Marie Balthrop is joined by James McKechnie, Deputy City Manager and former Deputy City Attorney for Wichita Falls; Becky McGrew, City Secretary for Katy; and Bridgette Begle, municipal lawyer with Olson & Olson, LLP. Together, they explore the vital partnership between city clerks and city attorneys in local government. From managing contracts and handling public information requests to drafting ordinances and resolutions, the discussion emphasizes how strong communication and collaboration between these roles are key to ensuring compliance, transparency, and smooth city operations.   Clerk Connections is produced by Association Briefings.

Join host Marie Balthrop as she sits down with Frances Aguilar, TRMC, MMC, CPM, City Secretary of Pearland, Texas; Kevin Cole, Mayor of Pearland, Texas; Paulette Hartman, City Manager of North Richland Hills, Texas; and Alicia Richardson, TRMC, CMC, City Secretary of North Richland Hills, Texas to explore the keys to effective collaboration in local government. These experienced public servants share their personal paths into the field and offer real-world insights on building trust, defining roles, and improving communication between city staff and elected officials. From onboarding and strategic planning to managing expectations and promoting transparency, this conversation is packed with practical advice for fostering good governance at the local level.   Clerk Connections is produced by Association Briefings.

Join host Marie Balthrop as she sits down with Machiel Covey (Clarendon, Texas), Gretchen Mercer (Canyon, Texas), and Kimberly Sloat (Canadian, Texas) to explore the vital yet often unseen role of city secretaries in small Texas communities. They discuss their unique paths into the profession, the wide-ranging responsibilities they juggle—from elections and HR to budgeting and legal matters—and the challenges of working with limited resources. Through their experiences, they highlight the invaluable support of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association and the power of training, networking, and adaptability in navigating the complexities of small-city governance.   Clerk Connections to produced by Association Briefings.