Whether you’re newly appointed or looking to strengthen your foundation, this webinar will guide you through the essential duties every City Secretary must master in their first six months. We’ll break down the historical role of the City Secretary, clarify how this position fits within the broader structure of city governance, and walk through the critical tasks you’ll face early on—from filing your oath of office to updating state records and managing board and commission information.

Participants will gain practical insights into agenda preparation, meeting management, minute-taking, and compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act. We’ll also cover the core responsibilities surrounding oaths, appointments, ordinances, and official records. Finally, we’ll highlight the technology and software tools that support modern municipal operations, including agenda systems, records management platforms, and required posting and archival practices.

This session is designed to equip new City Secretaries with the confidence, clarity, and tools they need to hit the ground running. Join us to build a strong foundation for success in one of the most vital and historic roles in municipal government.

Our trainers will be:

Bobbie Jo Taylor, currently serving as City Secretary and Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Alvarado, brings over 27 years of experience across several Texas cities, including Kennedale, Ovilla, Crandall, and Wilmer. She has consistently excelled in managing city operations, coordinating elections, maintaining public records, overseeing planning and development, and providing comprehensive support to city leadership at every level.

She holds certifications as a Texas Registered Municipal Clerk and a Master Municipal Clerk, and a Code Enforcement Officer.  She has served in key roles with the Texas Municipal Clerks Association, including as a Trustee, Scholarship Committee Liaison, and member of the 2024 TML Session Committee. She is also active in the Yellow Rose Chapter, where she currently serves as Secretary.

Alice Holloway serves as the City Secretary for the City of Joshua, bringing more than 33 years of dedicated service to municipal government. Before joining Joshua, she served in similar leadership roles in other Texas cities, gaining valuable experience and establishing a strong reputation for integrity, efficiency, and dedication to public service. She has proudly served as a City Secretary for 24 years.

 Alice is an active member and past president of the North Texas Municipal Clerks Association and a member of the Yellow Rose Chapter. She also previously served as president of the Lone Star Chapter. In addition to her leadership in professional associations, she currently serves as a Trustee on the Texas Municipal Clerks Association (TMCA) Executive Board, helping to support and advance the municipal clerk profession across the state.

Committed to lifelong learning and professional excellence, Alice holds her TMCA Certification and has earned both the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) and Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) designations through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). She is also an Athenian Fellow and holds a paralegal certificate. Most recently, she achieved the IIMC Education PLUS Program (EPP) Bronze Certificate, an accomplishment earned not only by a select few in Texas, but in the country.

Mayra Rios is a Municipal Leader serving as the City Secretary for the City of Brownsville, Texas, where she supports City Commission operations and oversees legislative processes, elections, records management, and vital statistics. She is committed to ensuring transparency, compliance, and effective local governance while fostering strong collaboration across departments and with elected officials.

Mayra currently serves as President of the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV) Chapter of the Texas Municipal Clerks Association (TMCA), where she focuses on professional development, regional collaboration, and strengthening connections among municipal clerks throughout the Rio Grande Valley. She holds the Texas Registered Municipal Clerk (TRMC) designation through the Texas Municipal Clerks Association (TMCA), in partnership with the University of North Texas.

With a background in legal and municipal administration, Mayra brings a strong understanding of governance, parliamentary procedure, election law, and public records, paired with a people-centered leadership approach. She is known for her collaborative style, commitment to mentorship, and dedication to continuous improvement.

"Connecting Community & Governance" is both her professional motto and the guiding principle behind her work and leadership.

Amanda Valdez, TRMC, City of Fair Oaks Ranch.

Register for Live or On-Demand!

Note: On-Demand version available 3 days after the live version takes place.