Carrollton City Secretary, Chloe Sawatzky, was honored at the Texas Municipal Clerks Association (TMCA) Annual Banquet on Thursday, October 20, and is the recipient of the state-wide 2022 TMCA Emerging Leader Award.

City Council also recognized Sawatzky for her achievement and contributions to the City of Carrollton at the Tuesday, October 25 meeting.

“I was completely surprised by the TMCA award and by City Council’s recognition and am extremely humbled and honored,” Sawatzky said. “I am one of many dedicated City employees who work side-by-side to do everything we can to help Carrollton, the citizens, and our community thrive.”

Created in 2020, the Emerging Leader Award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills that exemplify TMCA’s mission and/or vision. The act of leadership can be through service to the nominee’s city, citizens, TMCA chapter, or to the municipal clerk profession.

“There is a long list of state and federal requirements a City Secretary must fulfill which can be especially challenging while serving a population of more than 135,000 in three different counties,” Administrative Services Director Laurie Wilson said. “Carrollton is fortunate to have a City Secretary who is a dedicated public servant, committed to not only meeting those requirements, but exceeding them to ensure the highest level of transparency, integrity, and service is provided. Earning the Emerging Leadership award from such a highly regarded state organization is a testament to the effort Ms. Sawatzky puts in daily on services such as election administration, records retention, transparency, and much more. Those who have worked with Chloe have experienced her passion for government and we couldn’t be more proud that the state has recognized her as well.” 

Sawatzky joined the City of Carrollton as an Administrative Coordinator, Wilson continued. Through hard work and dedication, she quickly advanced to become the Deputy City Secretary and served in that position for two years while earning her Texas Registered Municipal Clerk (TRMC) designation through TMCA. While working on her certification, Sawatzky joined and has been active with the Urban Management Assistants of North Texas (UMANT) serving on their Special Events Committee, as well as with North Texas Municipal Clerks Association (NTMCA) serving as the 2022 Membership Chair. After attaining her TRMC in January 2022, Sawatzky was promoted to City Secretary, and is currently working towards her Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). 

As an active contributor to the City of Carrollton, Wilson said, Sawatzky has participated in numerous programs such as serving on the employee Staff Appreciation & Recognition Committee, completing the Carrollton Citizens Fire Academy, and completing the Carrollton Talent eXchange Program by putting in over 40 hours with the Public Works Department. Through and due to all of this, Sawatzky’s passion for local government continues to grow. 

“Beyond these examples of Ms. Sawatzky’s commitment to the City of Carrollton, she has been recognized for her positive presence, approachability, and eagerness to contribute to the municipal clerk profession,” Wilson said. “She distinguishes herself as an “Emerging Leader” by promoting and personally fulfilling TMCA’s mission of providing professional development through training and professional interaction.

Entries are judged on the overall contribution of the individual to the award category and on specific results/impacts that have been achieved/produced by the individual, such as mentorship, leadership, etc. TMCA is a professional organization dedicated to serving the demands of excellence in Texas' local government and public problem-solving.

The Texas Registered Municipal Clerk (TRMC) certification is not required; however, all nominees must be current members of TMCA and enrolled in the Texas Municipal Clerks Certification Program, or have earned the TRMC.

For more information on Carrollton’s City Secretary’s Office, visit cityofcarrollton.com/citysecretary.