City Clerk Myra Heard has announced her retirement, effective Friday, Sept. 1. Heard began work with the city in 1999, was appointed city clerk September 2002, and later promoted to city clerk/assistant to the city manager in December 2012. As city clerk, she was the only city employee appointed by the city manager and approved by the Salisbury City Council. She served as a key member of Salisbury’s management team.
During her time as City Clerk, Heard worked closely with City Council on matters of community interest and served as a liaison between citizens and city government. Heard has been active in the North Carolina Association of Municipal Clerks and held several positions in the association, including District 9 Director and Program and Education Chair.
She is a graduate of both the Public Executive Leadership Academy (PELA), the first City Clerk in North Carolina to complete the program, and the Municipal and County Administration Course through the UNC School of Government and the LEAD program through the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business Administration. She led the development and implementation of Salisbury’s first Citizen Academy that began in 2014. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree from Catawba College in 2012, and she is an active member of First Baptist Church.
“Throughout Myra’s tenure she has been the consummate professional not only in managing my office, but managing the affairs of our elected officials as well,” said City Manager W. Lane Bailey. “Myra is a one-of-a-kind employee. She was a valuable member of our management staff and will be sorely missed by everyone on the team.”
“It has truly been an honor and a blessing to work for the City of Salisbury for the last 18 years,” said Heard. "I have been given many opportunities to learn and grow in my career, and I have enjoyed serving the citizens, elected officials and co-workers of our great City. I am excited to begin this new chapter in my life, and I look forward to the opportunity to spend more time with my family.”
The city deputy city clerk will continue to handle Heard’s duties in her absence until the position is filled.