About us
History
With our first organizational meeting on November 11, 1976 at the Institute of Government, Chapel Hill, the NCACC was formed to provide an opportunity to exchange ideas and techniques used in the performance of the Clerks’ duties, to obtain information on the operation of the respective departments in the 100 counties of the state, to obtain knowledge on existing and new federal and state programs and laws affecting county government, to keep abreast of new trends implemented in and by county governments in the state and to promote, create and improve efficiency in the operations and record keeping of the Clerks’ office throughout the state of North Carolina.
Mission
Our goal is to create a professional organization that would give opportunities for Clerks to exchange ideas/information and initiate plans for continuing organizational activities, formulate specific projects to help develop strong leadership and to separate the position of Clerk to the Board of Commissioners from other positions which had historically performed the duties of Clerk, i.e., Register of Deeds, Finance Officer, Manager.
All Upcoming Events
Conferences and Workshops
2021 Virtual Annual Conference
April 21-23, 2021 – PAST
- Letter from the President
Letter from the President
Winter, 2021
Hello Clerk Family,
Wow, I think 2021 has decided it would not be outdone by 2020! What a year it has been so far! I thought it would be fitting to share a quote that I came across in early January that really stuck with me –
“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow!”
Spring will be here before we know it, and due to the persistent conditions with the pandemic, the Board of Directors has decided to cancel the in-person 2021 Annual County Clerk’s Conference in New Hanover County, and convert it to a VIRTUAL platform. The virtual conference will be held during the same date range (April 21-23). Please continue to reserve these dates and we will get more information out to the Listserv and on this website as soon as possible. Also, anyone who carried forward their conference registration fees from the cancelled March 2020 Conference at Great Wolf Lodge, will be reimbursed in full. Please contact Lindsay Ray, Treasurer, for more information.
A quick reminder – if you have not started on your 2021 Outstanding Clerk Point sheet, that deadline is just around the corner. Please contact Julie Bennett, Committee Chairperson, if you have any questions.
I want to thank all of you for what you do for the Association and for your counties. Thank you for forging ahead and providing leadership and knowledge to your communities during these uncertain times! I hope to see you all in April at the virtual Annual Conference.
Sincerely,
Donna S. Buff, President
NC Association of County Clerks
Contacts
Officers and Board of Directors
| Position | Name | County | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| President | Trisha Hogan | Transylvania | Email Trisha Hogan |
| Vice President | Debbie Harris | Davidson | Email Debbie Harris |
| Secretary | Lindsay Ray | Chatham | Email Lindsay Ray |
| Treasurer | Melissa Long | New Hanover | Email Melissa Long |
| Past President | Donna Buff | Gaston | Email Donna Buff |
| Director | Lauren Linker | Cabarrus | Email Lauren Linker |
| Director | Debra Ivey | Southwestern COG | Email Debra Ivey |
| Director | Vickie King | Lenoir | Email Vickie King |
| Director | Phyllis Nowlen | Cleveland | Email Phyllis Nowlen |
| Director | Carol Bowden | Wayne | Email Carol Bowden |
Directory
There are many names and many faces to remember! The Directory of County Clerks & Deputy Clerks gives you a unique opportunity. It will assist in helping you to begin putting faces with names or just prove as a refresher from those you’ve met in the past. It is also a great networking tool! Updates to the directory may be submitted to Melissa Long.
Committees
The NCACC President will appoint all committees and has the duty to see that all committees function effectively.
There are currently 18 Committees: Nominating, Outstanding Clerk, Program, Site Selection, Scholarship, Membership, Homepage, Newsletter, Historian, Professional Development, State Certification, Scrapbook, Records Retention, Goody Bag, Door Prize, Hospitality and Directory.
Members should contact the President if they are interested in serving on any committees and/or note their interest on the membership form.
2020-2021 Committees
- Annual Conference Planning Committee
- Kym Crowell, Chair, New Hanover County
- Melissa Long, New Hanover County
- Laura Williams, Moore County
- Lauren Linker, Cabarrus County
- Debbie Harris, Davidson County
- Trisha Hogan, Transylvania County
- Lindsay Ray, Chatham County
- Jason Robinson, Scotland County
- Vickie King, Lenoir County
- Phyllis Nowlen, Cleveland County
- Debra Ivey, COG
- Donna Buff, Gaston County
- Birthdays
- Gwen McGougan, Chair, Hoke County
- Nan Holton, Craven County
- Paula Seamster, Caswell County
- Lynn Wilson, Davidson County
- Bylaws Revision
- Phyllis Nowlen, Chair, Cleveland County
- Ashleigh Sloop, Forsyth County
- Melissa Long, Pender County
- Sarah Call, Wilkes County
- Jennifer Gamble, Lee County
- Janice Evans, Nash County
- Carol Bowden, Wayne County
- Jessica Godard, Martin County
- Courtney Norfleet, Pamlico County
- Vickie King, Lenoir County
- Kay Draughn, Burke County
- Clerks’ Reference Guide
- Lindsay Ray, Chair, Chatham County
- Katie Mosher, Beaufort County
- Debra Ivey, SW COG
- Debbie Harris, Davidson County
- Thom Freeman-Stewart, Orange County
- Renee Fleetwood, Hertford County
- Directory
- Melissa Long, Chair, New Hanover County
- Amy Anderson, Iredell County
- Katie Mosher, Beaufort County
- Monica Toomer, Durham County
- June Hall, Columbus County
- Fundraising
- Trisha Hogan, Chair, Transylvania County
- Debbie Harris, Davidson County
- Katie Mosher, Beaufort County
- Dana Cuddington, Johnston County
- Goody Bag & Door Prize
- Vickie King, Chair, Lenoir County
- Debra Weary, Granville County
- Dana Cuddington, Johnston County
- Angela Stacks, Gaston County
- Monica Toomer, Durham County
- Historian
- Jason Robinson, Chair, Scotland County
- Membership
- Debbie Harris, Chair, Davidson County
- Debra Weary, Granville County
- Brenda Reaves, Person County
- Lynn West, Union County
- Jessica Godard, Martin County
- Courtney Norfleet, Pamlico County
- Nominating
- Jason Robinson, Chair, Scotland County
- Phyllis Nowlen, Cleveland County
- Debra Ivey, SW COG
- Julie Wand, Onslow County
- Outstanding Clerk
- Julie Bennett, Chair, Washington County
- Paula Woodard, Johnston County
- Kristen King, Franklin County
- Carolyn Barger, Rowan County
- Professional Development & Program
- Trisha Hogan, Chair, Transylvania County
- Donna Buff, Ex-Officio, Gaston County
- Debbie Harris, Ex-Officio, Davidson County
- Lindsay Ray, Ex-Officio, Chatham County
- Lauren Linker, Cabarrus County
- Phyllis Nowlen, Cleveland County
- Kym Crowell, New Hanover County
- Melissa Long, New Hanover County
- Monica Toomer, Durham County
- Tory Frink, Alamance County
- Dana Crisco, Randolph County
- Scholarship
- Donna Buff, Chair, Gaston County
- Jason Robinson, Scotland County
- Lindsay Ray, Chatham County
- Julie Wand, Onslow County
- Debbie Harris, Davidson County
- Julie Bennett, Washington County
- Scrapbook
- Kristen King, Chair, Franklin County
- Karen Davis, Camden County
- Dana Cuddington, Johnston County
- Angela Stacks, Gaston County
- Dena Cook, Richmond County
- State Certification
- Kym Crowell, Chair, New Hanover County
- Courtney Norfleet, Pamlico County
- Debbie Harris, Davidson County
- Melissa Long, New Hanover County
- Janna Singleton, Pitt County
- Service Requirement
- Lindsay Ray, Chair, Chatham County
- Julie Wand, Onslow County
- Donna Buff, Gaston County
- Trisha Hogan, Transylvania County
- Lauren Linker, Cabarrus County
- Communications Committee
- Debbie Harris, Chair, Davidson County
- Lauren Linker, Cabarrus County
- Donna Buff, Gaston County
- Melissa Long, New Hanover County
- Carol Bowden, Wayne County
- Paula Seamster, Caswell County
- Debra Ivey, SW COG
- Allen Coleman, Orange County
- Phyllis Nowlen, Cleveland County
- Kay Draughn, Burke County
- Nan Holton, Craven County
- Lindsay Ray, Chatham County
- Vickie King, Lenoir County
- Angela Stacks, Gaston County
Clerk of the Year Award
Tyrrell County Clerk Penny Owens Named 2020 Clerk of the Year
Tyrrell County Clerk to the Board Penny Owens was presented the 2020 Howard Holly Outstanding Clerk of the Year Award on April 23, 2021, during the North Carolina Association of County Clerks Annual Conference. The Conference was held virtually (due to COVID-19). Mrs. Owens received the award during the virtual banquet on Friday morning.
Mrs. Owens has worked for Tyrrell County for 19 years as the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. In addition to numerous committees over the years, she has served as a member of the Association’s Board of Directors. Mrs. Owens has achieved the status of Certified Municipal Clerk through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. She has also achieved the designation of North Carolina Master County Clerk through the North Carolina Association of County Clerks.
The Howard Holly Outstanding Clerk Award is presented in recognition of accomplishments superior to accepted standards and distinguished continuing contributions to county government in North Carolina.
Congratulations Penny!
Davidson County Clerk Debbie Harris Named 2019 Clerk of the Year
Davidson County Clerk to the Board Debbie Harris was presented the 2019 Howard Holly Outstanding Clerk of the Year Award on April 23, 2021, during the North Carolina Association of County Clerks Annual Conference. The Conference was held virtually (due to COVID-19). Mrs. Harris received the award during the virtual banquet on Friday morning.
Mrs. Harris has worked for Davidson County for 18 years. Along with being the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners, she is also a Paralegal. In addition to numerous committees over the years, she has served as a member of the Association’s Board of Directors, and held the offices of Secretary, Treasurer, and this year will be Vice-President of the Association. Mrs. Harris has achieved the status of Master Municipal Clerk through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. She has also achieved the designation of North Carolina Master County Clerk through the North Carolina Association of County Clerks.
The Howard Holly Outstanding Clerk Award is presented in recognition of accomplishments superior to accepted standards and distinguished continuing contributions to county government in North Carolina.
Congratulations Debbie!
- Previous Clerk of the Year Awards
Year Name County Served as President 2018 Julie Bennett Washington 2016-2017 2017 Paula Woodard Johnston 2015-16 2016 Kristen King Franklin 2014-15 2015 Gaynell Lee Lee N/A 2014 Carolyn Barger Rowan 2013-14 2013 Kathy Greene Caldwell 2009-10 2012 Debby Core Brunswick 2011-12 2011 Jeanette Deese Carteret 2010-11 2010 Marcia Wilson Wayne N/A 2009 Gwen Bryan Craven 2003-04 2008 Brenda Hunter Davie 2007-08 2007 Elizabeth "Libby" Corn Henderson 2006-07 2006 Kathy Hughes Buncombe 2005-06 2005 Kay Blanchard Harnett 2004-05 2004 Susan Banks Pitt 1998-99 2003 Pam Robertson Rockingham 2002-03 2002 Lois Askew Washington 1993-94 2001 Joyce Ennis Johnston 2000-01 2000 Wanda Smith Caldwell 1997-98 1999 Sandra Catherwood Vance 1996-97 1998 Betty Blankenship Caldwell 1997-98 1997 Marsha Fogle Cumberland 1987-88 1996 Ida Smith Columbus 1992-93 1995 Barbara Moore Union 1994-95 1994 Charles Mashburn Alexander 1991-92 1993 Bobbie Wilson Granville 1989-90 1992 Alice Fortner Iredell 1979-80 1991 Jane Cole Forsyth 1983-84 1990 Oleta Lopez Hoke 1989 Odessa Johnson Rockingham 1985-86 1988 Norma Bodsford Guilford 1988-89 1987 Lucie Harrell New Hanover 1986-87 1986 None Listed in History N/A N/A 1985 Eleanor Creech Johnston N/A 1984 Judy Matthews Transylvania 1980-81 1983 Virginia Edwards Carteret N/A 1982 Belinda Formyduval Onslow 1982-83 1981 Rachel Goins Stanly 1981-82
Minutes, Forms & Resources
Minutes
2020
- Business Meeting Minutes – March 25, 2020 (PDF)
- Business Meeting Minutes – August 14, 2020 (PDF)
- Business Meeting Minutes – November 19, 2020 (PDF)
2019
- Business Meeting Minutes – March 21, 2019 (PDF)
- Business Meeting Minutes – August 23, 2019 (PDF)
- Business Meeting Minutes – November 14, 2019 (PDF)
2018
2017
- Business Meeting Minutes – January 19, 2017 (PDF)
- Business Meeting Minutes – April 6, 2017 (PDF)
- Business Meeting Minutes – August 11, 2017 (PDF)
2016
Newsletters
2018
2017
- Minute by Minute Winter 2017 (PDF)
- Minute by Minute Summer 2017 (PDF)
- Minute by Minute Fall 2017 (PDF)
2016
Certifications
- NC Certified County Clerk Initial Application 2021 Form (PDF)
- NC Certified County Clerk Recertification Application 2021 Form (PDF)
- NC Master County Clerk Certification Application 2021 Form (PDF)
- NC Master County Clerk Recertification Application 2021 Form (PDF)
- NC County Clerk Certification Requirements (PDF)
Job Descriptions
- Job Description: Deputy Clerk to the Board of Commissioners (PDF)
- Job Description: Clerk to the Board of Commissioners (PDF)
Helpful Documents
- Directory of County Clerks and Deputy Clerks (PDF)
- Handbook and Bylaws Update – October 2020 (PDF)
- Information For New Clerks and Deputy Clerks (PDF)
- North Carolina Counties Regional Map (PDF)
- Outstanding Clerk Criteria Point Sheet (PDF)
Helpful Links
Membership
Dear Fellow Clerks and COG Secretaries:
Membership dues are payable during the first quarter of each fiscal year and should be remitted by September 30th of each year. If you have never joined this wonderful organization, I would like to invite you to consider it now. [Membership Application (PDF) attached here]
Membership in the Association continues to gain ground and you will surely benefit from taking advantage of the improved benefits and vital training offered to Clerks. The benefits from our professional organization, which is an affiliate of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, include:
Training through the Association and in conjunction with the School of Government (SOG)
Ever increasing legislation adds layers of complexity to our roles as Clerks. Training events are structured to ensure we stay abreast of those changes and the way in which they affect our profession and our boards of commissioners. We are ever mindful of the need to render sound management practices.
SOG November Clerks Academies
Topics for the annual SOG Clerk Academies are chosen by the Association and also by the NC Association of Municipal Clerks. Who better to suggest topics for training than those of us who are in the trenches on a daily basis and are in need of the most accurate and up to date information available? We constantly strive to improve the administration of our offices and the topics selected for the January Clerks School offer sound management practices to help achieve our goals.
North Carolina Certified County Clerks (NCCCC) and North Carolina Master County Clerk (NCMCC)
The Association and the SOG listened to county clerks across the state and responded to the need for a state certification program for county clerks. The program focuses on objectives that are more relevant to county government. The first inaugural class was recognized by the Dean of the SOG during the January Clerks School in January 2010. The certification may be used in conjunction with, or replace, the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) and Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designation conferred by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks.
Scholarships
For clerks who need financial assistance in attending the Annual Conference, there are scholarships available. If your county has limited funds for educational training, or has imposed travel restrictions, please apply for a scholarship.
Membership Fee
We can never learn too much. The $55 membership fee is a wonderful bargain in exchange for the knowledge, training, networking, and certifications to be gained for our professional development. Download a membership application (PDF) and mail it with the $55 fee to the address listed on the application or fill out the online membership application and pay the $55 fee via card.
Respectfully,
Debbie Harris
Clerk to the Board
Davidson County Board of Commissioners
NC Association of County Clerks Membership Committee, Chair