Professionalism, records management, and elections are some of the tasks that municipal clerks must excel in when they hold the esteemed position of Master Municipal Clerk, and Homestead’s Deputy Clerk Julissa Chavez Mata is the latest addition to this prestigious rank. At the June Special Council Presentations, Councilman Larry Roth recognized this outstanding achievement as the host for Ms. Chavez Mata’s “pinning ceremony.”
“This is a very prestigious accomplishment and I am so proud of Julissa for taking her education to the next level,” remarked Councilman Roth. “She is dedicated to not only herself, but to the City and the residents that reside here.”
Councilman Roth then introduced Elizabeth Garcia Beckford from the Florida Association of Municipal Clerks to perform the swearing in. “Deputy Julissa Chavez Mata has completed this process and is a testament to her commitment and professionalism,” said Ms. Garcia Beckford. “This is your moment to shine, congratulations!”
Once she received her certificates of recognition, Ms. Chavez Mata had a big smile on her face as her brother pinned her. She was surrounded by friends, family, and her coworkers at the City Clerk’s office who have supported her with words of encouragement throughout her journey.
Julissa’s journey to her certification began in 2013 at the City Clerk’s office as an administrative assistant. Just three years later in 2016 she became a notary public, a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, and was promoted to Administrative Assistant Deputy City Clerk. This promotion enabled her to pursue her certification with the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. In 2017 she was promoted to Deputy Clerk at the City of Homestead and in May 2022 received her Master Municipal Clerk designation. Her ambition didn’t stop there as she is currently earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration.
The role of a municipal clerk is often a misunderstood position in local government. Clerks are often thought to fulfill a primarily clerical role when in fact municipal clerks are often the first and most direct link between residents and government. The position is responsible for providing transparency in local government. The Florida Association for City Clerks has 640 members with only 220 of the members as Certified Municipal Clerks. Ms. Julissa Chavez Mata joined the ranks of just 127 who have earned the prestigious title of Master Municipal Clerk.