Dawn Hadyniak, an election specialist in Sumpter Township Clerk Esther Hurst's office, was recently awarded the Michigan Professional Municipal Clerk designation by the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks.
Hadyniak, who has been with the township for 5 years, began studying for the certification in 2018, but the COVID pandemic extended the usual 3-year program for all candidates. She earned her official designation from the state association last year after completing all the requirements including 120 hours of educational programming. She must now continue to obtain education points to maintain her certification.
The certification program was launched in January of 2014 to encourage city, township and village clerks to seek continuing education specifically related to the duties of their offices, according to a prepared statement from the organization. The group believes a focus on education is essential for municipal clerks to provide informed, quality leadership for their communities in the face of constant legislative change and increased demands on public servants.
