The Village of Oak Park joins communities across the country in recognizing Professional Municipal Clerks Week, May 3 – May 9, 2026. This week highlights the essential role Municipal and Deputy Clerks serve in local government and their commitment to public service.
Municipal Clerks, including Oak Park's Christina M. Waters, serve as the professional link between residents, elected officials and various levels of government. Their work ensures transparency, access to information, and the smooth administration of local government operations.
The International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), a professional association representing more than 15,000 members worldwide, sponsors Professional Municipal Clerks Week. The organization encourages municipalities to recognize Clerks for their dedication to continuous learning, professional development, and service excellence.
IIMC President Dawn Abrahamson, MMC, City Clerk of Vallejo, California, encourages Clerks to use this week to raise awareness about the important services they provide and the vital role they play in strengthening civic engagement.
Professor William Bennett Munro once noted, “No other office in municipal service has so many contacts. It serves the Mayor, the City Council, the City Manager, and all administrative departments, without exception.”
The role of the Clerk requires a strong understanding of law, administration, and public service, along with a commitment to ongoing education and professional growth.
Waters has served as Oak Park’s Village Clerk since May 2021 and is an active member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and regional professional organizations.
"In Oak Park, transparency and access aren't optional," said Waters. "They're expectations. The Clerk's Office exists to deliver on both."
Qiana Carswell, life-long Oak Park resident and active community member, serves as Deputy Village Clerk as of December 2025.
To contact the Village Clerk's office, please call 708.358.5670 or email clerk@oak-park.us. More information is also available at www.oak-park.us/clerk.