2023 Employee of the Year: Jennifer Martin
Published on July 22, 2024
“With an impressive 24+ years of service, [City Clerk Jennifer Martin] has consistently demonstrated her unwavering embodiment of the City’s vision, mission and values,” praised one of Jennifer’s award nominations. A longtime employee with a commitment to extraordinary service, Jennifer was recently named the City of Lenexa’s 2023 Employee of the Year.
Jennifer is passionate about creating the best City Council packet possible each week for Lenexa’s citizens. It’s a busy job, but she has still made time to earn numerous professional certifications and a master's degree, and spearhead charity drives through the City’s We Care Committee.
“Her achievements showcase her expertise and dedication to making Lenexa a leading community,” one nomination said. “Not only does Jennifer excel in her own role, but she goes out of her way to support her colleagues. She is always willing to lend a helping hand, share her expertise, and provide guidance to ensure everyone succeeds. Jennifer’s ever-present smile, cheery greetings, collaborative spirit, positive attitude and willingness to give the benefit of the doubt create a harmonious work environment where teamwork thrives. As is clearly obvious, Jennifer is an example for all employees to emulate.”
We asked Jennifer to share more about her rewarding 24 years of service with the City of Lenexa.
How would you describe your job?
The city clerk is the official record-keeper of the City, a historian of sorts. I am responsible for assembling and editing the content for meeting agendas and packets that explain what the City Council will consider at its meetings. I take minutes at the meetings, ensuring that the business of the City is recorded accurately for future generations. I also oversee open records requests, the volunteer program, am a liaison to county and state agencies, and attest to documents on behalf of the City.
What energizes you at work?
I love problem-solving issues and working through the different possibilities to find the solutions. I enjoy working independently and in teams to develop solutions to challenges and to improve processes.
What would surprise people about your work?
Being a city clerk is a lot of fun! I love all the opportunities I have to meet our residents at meetings and events. I get to work with all of the City departments and staff, plus clerks from Kansas, the United States, and the world.
How has your job changed since you started working for Lenexa?
When I started working here, I was a customer service representative in Community Development processing building permits. I did that for 11 years and then became the licensing and permitting supervisor. After 18 years, I moved to the Executive Department as the city clerk.
A lot has changed over the years, especially technology. We didn’t have a website when I first started, and now a lot of my work is done on or through our website and using many other cloud-based solutions. We’re still not completely paperless, but we’re much closer than we were 24 years ago!
What’s been one of your proudest moments on the job?
Certainly, being named Employee of the Year is at the top! But before receiving this honor, it would have been obtaining my master’s degree in public administration from the University of Kansas, which took seven years to complete while I was working full time.
Lenexa hosts several fun events and programs for employees each year. What’s a favorite of yours?
I enjoy attending the holiday lunch every December. It’s so festive and we have fun playing games, visiting with coworkers, and eating.
What is your favorite thing about working for the City of Lenexa?
City employees get to have an impact on this community through their work and to watch it grow and evolve as a result of that work. I believe that Lenexa’s elected officials and staff do the right things for the right reasons and with the betterment of the city in mind at all times. I’m blessed to work and live in Lenexa!
What do you find most rewarding about your role?
To know that I am representing the City in a positive way and changing how the general public feels about public servants is extremely rewarding. When someone emails or calls me to say “thank you” for information or documentation I’ve provided for them, it makes me happy.
Why would you encourage someone to work for Lenexa?
The culture is phenomenal and family-oriented! This organization has supported me through so many life stages, from having children to losing a parent, going to grad school, changing departments and positions. The City’s policies have always been there to provide the needed protection and support, and my co-workers have encouraged me in all my endeavors.