HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 02_11/13/2025 Agenda Item #2.
Regular Council
STAFF MEMO
A-1
Meeting: Regular Council - Nov 13 2025
Staff Contact: Mayor Molly Young Department: Council
Recognition of Village Clerk Lori McWilliams on Receiving the Inaugural Florida Certified Professional
Clerk Certification
SUMMARY:
Village Clerk Lori McWilliams has achieved a significant milestone, becoming one of the first
municipal clerks in Florida to earn the Florida Certified Professional Clerk (FCPC) certification. The
certification was conferred by Florida State University (FSU) Institute of Government (IOG).
McWilliams was pinned with her certification on October 7, 2025, marking a historic moment for
Florida's city clerks. In 2014, former Florida Association of City Clerks (FACC) President Audrey
Sikes envisioned a Florida-specific certification for municipal clerks. In 2020, the President of FACC
turned to McWilliams, a former FACC President, to lead the Certification Task Force.
Through many years of task force meetings held in partnership with the FSU IOG, and countless
hours and challenges, McWilliams and her committee helped spearhead the program from concept to
reality. After approval by the FACC Board, the rigorous 20-month program officially launched in
February 2024.
The FCPC curriculum was designed to provide practical tools for leading municipal clerk teams and
processes while building upon the foundation of Florida municipal organizational management. The
program specifically targets exemplary municipal clerks who are committed to sharpening their
leadership skills, embracing their vital role in Florida government, and preparing for both current
challenges and future opportunities.
"The Florida Certified Professional Clerk program has been a transformative experience, helping me
to dive deeper into my leadership style, while improving and enhancing my leadership capabilities,"
McWilliams said. "The program has helped me become a more authentic and visionary leader and
Clerk. It has offered me ways to challenge myself to think more critically and to expand my leadership
potential."
For her capstone project, McWilliams explored "Using Al to Streamline ADA and Communication
Processes in the Clerk's Office," researching and testing real-world artificial intelligence tools that will
directly improve efficiency, communication, and services within the Village.
"Most of all, this program takes leadership to a new level," McWilliams noted. "The FCPC program is
more than improving on leadership skills; it is providing Clerks with a vision and training us to lead in
an authentic way that inspires our teams. The FCPC program has given me a fresh enthusiasm to
transform my community with innovation, integrity, and results."
Page 10 of 603
Agenda Item #2.
As one of 18 graduates in the inaugural FCPC class, McWilliams has not only achieved personal
professional growth but has also helped, along with her committee, establish a new standard of
excellence for municipal clerks throughout Florida.
This document and any attachments may be reproduced upon request in an alternative format by
completing our Accessibility Feedback Form, sending an e-mail to the Village Clerk or calling 561-
768-0443.
BUDGET INFORMATION:
BUDGET AMOUNT N/A AMOUNT AVAILABLE N/A EXPENDITURE AMOUNT: N/A
FUNDING SOURCES: N/A IS THIS A PIGGYBACK:
❑ Yes ❑ N/A
DID YOU OBTAIN 3 QUOTES?
❑ Yes ❑ N/A
COMMENTS/EXPLANATION ON SELECTIONN/A
Page 11 of 603