Shelley George Celebrates 20 Years as Allen’s City Secretary

On Saturday, Feb. 25, City Secretary Shelley George reached a remarkable milestone as the longest-serving City Secretary for the City of Allen, serving in the position for 20 years.

“During Shelley’s distinguished tenure with the City of Allen, she has played a vital role in ensuring the integrity and transparency of some of our City’s most important functions, including elections, public meetings and the careful maintenance of City records,” said City Manager Eric Ellwanger. “Her unfailing commitment to the citizens of Allen for 20 years as City Secretary and 25 years in total is deserving of special celebration.”

As the City of Allen's Secretary, George is responsible for City elections, the citywide Records Management Program, and maintaining an accurate and true record of all proceedings of the City Council. George serves as an administrative aide to the City Council and coordinates appointments to City Boards and Commissions. As the City's Public Information Officer, George responds to open records requests and is the custodian of city records.?

"Shelley is one of a kind, and she does many special things for all of us," Mayor Ken Fulk said. "Her 20 years of service as City Secretary are a true testament to her unwavering commitment to Allen and its residents."

George was recognized as the 2022 Texas Municipal Clerk of the Year and receiving the Distinguished Service Award by the Texas Municipal Clerks Association; both are extraordinary achievements, as nominees are selected by fellow Texas municipal clerks. George also received the Municipal Clerk's Office Achievement of Excellence Award in 2020, highlighting the excellence and expertise she brings to the job.

"Mrs. George possesses all the qualities and resume to be recognized as a leader in IIMC, TMCA, and the TMCA Lone Star and North Texas Chapters," Irma Parker, City Secretary for the Town of Addison, said. Irma nominated George for the Lone Star Chapter, and the Lone Star Chapter then nominated George for the TMCA Municipal Clerk of the Year.?

Former City Secretary Judy Morrison hired George to work at the City of Allen in 1997. George says Morrison’s passion for service as City Secretary has inspired her throughout her two-decade tenure in the same role.

Prior to Morrison’s 13-year tenure as City Secretary, Marty Hendrix served in that role for eight years. Juanelle Cooksey Dalsing served for five years, Larry B. Moore for two years, Robert E. Montgomery for two years, and the first City Secretary A.J. Story for 19 years and one month.

During George’s highly engaged and active professional career, she has dedicated her time and energy to various industry-related endeavors, including serving as President of the TMCA in 2020 with a total of ten years of service on the TMCA Executive Committee and serving on various TMCA committees since 2004. She served as a presenter at the Texas Municipal Clerks Certification Program Election Law Seminar from 2009 - 2022. ?George has also co-authored the Texas Municipal Clerks Handbook, 10th, 11th, and 12th Editions.

"When I think of what we do as City secretaries, I see us as 'doers.' We are the constant resource to the public within our city, and I always think, 'who you gonna call…the City Secretary,'" George said in her acceptance speech at the TMCA Annual Awards Banquet in Georgetown. "Because when our citizens don't know whom to call, they know that when they call their City Secretary, a welcoming voice will answer their call and provide the information they need."

Aside from being an outstanding colleague, George is a proud Allen resident along with her husband and their children. She is currently participating in the Collin County Citizen Prosecutor Academy, is an alumna of Leadership Allen Class XIII and Allen ISD Leadership Class III, and received the Community Builder Award in 2020 from the Allen Masonic Lodge 1435.

"I have known her for almost twenty years. I have never seen her waiver in her determination to be a fantastic City Secretary," Susie Quinn, City Secretary for the City of Murphy, said. "Yet, she successfully strives to live a balanced and purposeful life, taking great care of her family."

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George has been a model of professionalism, integrity and compassion and has earned the gratitude of her peers, colleagues and Allen community. Her deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of Allen residents and tireless work to develop initiatives that address those needs and empower those around her are worthy of special congratulations and best wishes for the years ahead.