Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Ryan McGill
Stacy Turner was born and raised in Dora, Alabama, on the Walker-Jefferson County line. After attending school locally, she pursued a career in medical transcription. She received an associate degree from University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Walker College, now Bevill State Community College, and secured a job when a physician in Vestavia contacted Bevill to hire a new graduate.
Fast forward twenty years, and Stacy found herself at a crossroads when the doctor she worked for decided to retire. It was during this period of uncertainty that fate intervened through a social media post advertising an opening for the position of Dora City Clerk. Despite initial doubts, Stacy took a leap of faith and applied.
Drawing upon her extensive experience in office management obtained from her tenure as a medical transcriptionist and office manager, Stacy seamlessly transitioned into her new role as city clerk. Her dedication to her hometown fueled her efforts as she worked to enhance her skill set and contribute to the betterment of her community.
In May 2024, Stacy will celebrate two years in her current role. She says, “It has been challenging because I had no idea all the things the city clerk would do, but I feel like I learn something new every single day.”
Central to her responsibilities is the management of the city’s finances, collaborating closely with municipal officials to strategize new developments and ensure the smooth functioning of day-to-day operations. She also attends conferences through the Alabama Association of Municipal Clerks, enriching her knowledge base, offering valuable insights, and fostering connections within a network of like-minded professionals across the state.
Stacy says that learning to manage grants has simultaneously been the most challenging and enjoyable part of her new skillset. “Working with grants is something that I’ve never done before. So, to learn that process and how that works within the city is interesting. I get to see it come full circle, from applying for a grant to working with a grant writer, then getting funding and seeing projects come to life.”
As Stacy continues to play her part in nurturing the growth of the City of Dora, she has embraced her role as city clerk with an unwavering commitment to making a positive difference in her home community. WL
