At last month’s Milledgeville city council meeting, City Manager Hank Griffeth introduced Courtney Chavers as the new city clerk.
Chavers applied for the position in August and officially obtained the title Nov. 12. A Bainbridge native, she moved to Milledgeville to be closer to her family and apply for the position.
“I chose Milledgeville because it is closer to my family and because of its history. This is a rich community with a lot to teach and is within an hour to most of my family members,” said Chavers. “I’m excited to be learning and becoming a crucial member of this community.”
Prior to becoming a city clerk, Chavers worked as a records clerk for more than six years with the Bainbridge Department of Public Safety. Not wanting to be stagnant in one job, she set a goal to become a city clerk and look for new opportunities that would take her knowledge and experience and benefit another community.
“As a records clerk I handled all records requests and transferred them to the departments needed. I was also the first person all customers and employees saw when entering the office. I also served as a car seat technician as well and handled walk-ins and check-ins,” said Chavers. “I enjoyed my job but I don’t believe in being too stagnant. I wanted to level up and becoming city clerk was the next step for me.”
Prior to starting her new position, Chavers received her associates degree and took the initiative to enroll in a two-day, 15-hour course to learn the duties of becoming a city clerk. Griffeth praised her at the last city council meeting for completing the course and bragged that Chavers showed her devotion to the new position by paying for the course with her own money.
“The course was a mandated training course all city clerks are required to take,” said Chavers. “I wanted to become a city clerk and that was something I took the initiative to do. I was confident in myself.”
Chavers is attending school to obtain her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and stated she is currently working to acclimate to her new position, network, and process resources for the city. She believes her leadership skills, relationship- building skills, and devotion to her community will be a great asset to the city.
“In Bainbridge, I was nominated for the leadership program sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, which gave me an insight on the make-up of leaders in that community, leaders in general, and the skills and assets you need to be a positive influence,” said Chavers. “To be humble, like-minded, goaldriven, detail-oriented, and more. Those are skills I prioritize and are needed in this role.”
Chavers said she has already connected with and enjoyed working with local leaders in the community. She also thanked the city council for being readily available and helpful as she made this transition.
“It’s been wonderful seeing the local leaders work and being able to connect with them and learn from them,” said Chavers. “I look forward to continuing to learn and support them.”
As city clerk, Chavers will be another “face of the city.” She will handle records requests, be present at city council meetings, assist the city council and city departments, and work directly with citizens.
“I am blessed to be able to work here and become a part of Milledgeville’s community. I look forward to continuing to work with everyone and hope to be a positive influence,” said Chavers.