The Town of Mocksville is excited to announce that Emily Quance has achieved the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). This significant accomplishment reflects her dedication to public service and the Town’s commitment to professional development.
The Rigorous Path to Certification
The IIMC grants the Certified Municipal Clerk designation only to those who meet stringent educational requirements and demonstrate a history of making meaningful contributions to their local government, community, and state. The certification process is rigorous, requiring candidates to complete 120 hours of coursework in public administration, local government law, records management, and ethics.
Quance’s achievement is a testament to her hard work and commitment to lifelong learning. The IIMC, founded in 1947, is a global non-profit organization with 14,000 members across the United States, Canada, and 15 other countries. Its mission is to enhance the educational opportunities and professional development of municipal clerks, offering them a robust network of peers who share a passion for local governance and public service.
Emily’s Role in Mocksville’s Government
As Mocksville’s Municipal Deputy Clerk, Quance plays a key role in supporting local government operations. She works alongside Town Clerk Lynn Trivette to manage public records, prepare meeting agendas and minutes, and uphold transparency and efficiency in town affairs—critical to maintaining the integrity of Mocksville’s democratic processes and delivering accurate, timely information to residents.
The Town Clerk serves as the official secretary to the Town Council and will be responsible for managing all official records and legal documents for the Town, including maintaining the official seal. Key duties include overseeing public records, preparing ordinances and resolutions, managing records requests, and ensuring proper record retention and disposal. The Town Clerk also executes legal documents, attesting to their compliance with statutes and local ordinances. Additionally, the Clerk attends Town Council meetings and related sessions, recording proceedings and preparing minutes. As a liaison, the Clerk communicates with Town staff, Council members, and the public on various matters, such as complaints and requests.
Quance’s journey to becoming a Certified Municipal Clerk began in 2020 when she was sworn in as Deputy Clerk under Interim Town Manager Trivette. Recognizing her potential, Trivette and Town Manager Ken Gamble encouraged her to pursue certification as part of their efforts to ensure a smooth leadership transition ahead of Trivette’s eventual retirement. While managing her professional responsibilities, Quance devoted countless evenings and weekends to coursework, homework, and exam preparation.
Gamble expressed his pride in her accomplishment:
“We are so proud of Emily for reaching this milestone in her career. The Town Board and leadership team is dedicated to growing and developing our staff so they can better serve the community and assume essential leadership positions,” said Gamble. “This certification is a significant milestone in Emily’s professional journey, and we are excited to see her continue to embrace leadership roles within the Town. With her newly acquired skills and knowledge, we look forward to her taking on even greater responsibilities and contributing to the continued growth and success of our local government.”
A Word from IIMC President Lisa Garcia
In her congratulatory message, IIMC President Lisa Garcia, MMC, emphasized the importance of lifelong learning in local government. “In light of the speed and drastic nature of change these days, lifelong learning is not only desirable; it is necessary for all in local government to keep pace with the growing demands and changing needs of the citizens we serve. Your city can take immense pride in Emily’s educational accomplishments and achievement of this milestone,” Garcia said.
Support and Mentorship
Reflecting on her professional journey, Quance shared the impact of mentorship on her success. “Mentors impart wisdom not only through what they teach but also through how they listen, how they challenge us, and how they believe in our potential, even when we struggle to see it ourselves. Ken (Gamble) has consistently encouraged me to ‘stretch’ beyond my limits, leading by example with his integrity and resilience. Lynn’s (Trivette) mentorship goes beyond her lessons—she inspires me to have confidence in myself while also helping me develop skills and a strong work ethic. It’s clear that none of us can succeed alone,” Quance said.
Why Emily Chose to Serve as Town Clerk
Being a Town Clerk is more than just an administrative role for Quance; it is an opportunity to serve her community and contribute to the Town’s growth. “ I take pride in staying organized, assisting others, and making a positive difference in the community. Being a Town Clerk is a rewarding role because it provides the opportunity to serve both the community and the Town Board in a meaningful way,” she shared. “The position blends administrative responsibilities with public service, offering a dynamic mix of tasks and new challenges every day.”
“I love the Town of Mocksville and never want to leave. I want to retire here; this is my home.”
A Career Built on Service
Emily’s career with the Town of Mocksville spans six and a half years, and she has continually risen through the ranks. She was promoted to Human Resources Director in September 2023 after serving as Deputy Town Clerk and Human Resources Specialist over the past several years.
As HR Director, her responsibilities include managing talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation, benefits, and more. Starting in January 2025, Emily will also take on additional Clerk duties while Lynn Trivette steps into the role of Interim Town Manager.
(L to R): Rachel Quance, Jonathan Quance, Nic Quance, Danielle Quance, Emily Quance, Natalie Quance
Personal Life and Community Involvement
Originally from Winston-Salem, Quance and her family have lived in Davie County for the past 17 years. She has strong family roots in the area, with her grandfather and other relatives calling Davie County home. Quance and her husband, Jonathan, originally chose Davie County because of its central location between her job in Winston Salem and his job in Mooresville. Their three children, Nic, Rachel, and Natalie, have been active in Davie County schools.
Outside of work, Emily is an active community member. She served as PTO president at Cornatzer Elementary for six years and has volunteered for Fork Baptist Church in various roles, including Vacation Bible School Director for nine years. She now serves on the finance committee and assists with AWANA and VBS. Emily is also the president-elect of the Mocksville Rotary Club and serves on the youth services committee.