Established in 1969 by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), the annual celebration of Professional Municipal Clerks Week is an opportunity to recognize the importance of municipal clerks in communities all across the country. Now in its 54th year, this year’s Professional Municipal Clerks Week took place between April 30 and May 6, 2023.
“Municipal clerks play a key role in cities and towns across the country,” said Joe Cronin, Seabrook Island Town Administrator. “In addition to supporting elected and appointed officials, municipal clerks possess a thorough understanding of state and local laws relating to public meetings and municipal records.”
In cities and towns across the state, including Seabrook Island, municipal clerks are charged with ensuring that local governments comply with all requirements of the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. They also serve as a resource for residents and business owners daily by receiving and fulfilling open records requests under the Act.
Katharine Watkins has served as the Town Clerk/Treasurer for Seabrook Island since July 2021. A native of Canton, Connecticut, and a graduate of the College of Charleston (BS/MPA), Ms. Watkins joined the Town of Seabrook Island from the City of Folly Beach, where she previously served as a Utility Billing Clerk from 2015 to 2018 before being promoted to Municipal Clerk in 2018.
In recognition of her growing responsibilities with the town, Ms. Watkins was promoted to serve as the town’s first ever Assistant Town Administrator on May 3, 2023. In her new position, Ms. Watkins will take on additional management responsibilities in support of the Town Administrator, including human resources, information technology (IT), payroll, and procurement. She will also supervise administrative, business licensing, and court personnel, while continuing to perform the duties of the Town Clerk/Treasurer.
“I can think of no better time than during Professional Municipal Clerks Week to recognize Katharine’s contributions to the town as our Town Clerk/Treasurer,” said Joe Cronin, Town. “She has proven herself to be an effective leader and an excellent member of our team. I look forward to her continued professional growth as our new Assistant Town Administrator.” he added.
Please join us in recognizing Katharine Watkins for her service to the town as our Town Clerk/Treasurer, and in congratulating her on her recent promotion to Assistant Town Administrator.
-Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island