Courtney Crowson, a former administrative assistant for Fulton Parks and Recreation for about two years, took the oath of office on Sept. 8 for a position that Carolyn Laswell - now retired - held in city hall for 22.5 years.
Crowson is Fulton's new city clerk, a position she describes as "a kind of varied job of many different hats." Although the job has required her to undertake new duties and different tasks, Crowson said her proficiency in multitasking has been valuable asset as she transitions to her new role at city hall.
"I was very fortunate to have that experience (at the parks and recreation department) to kinda guide me, and being able to multitask at so many different things and different projects and events going on," Crowson said. "Just working hand-in-hand with the public. I mean, in parks and rec, I was the face of the office there, so having the opportunity to deal with people one-on-one - it's always beneficial."
As city clerk, her main duties include handling all permits, licenses, official project bids and documents; city council agenda items and meeting minutes; posting public meeting notices and responding to various requests from the public.
Despite the additional responsibilities she's taking on, Crowson said the transition to city clerk has been "pretty seamless." She attributes the smooth transition to already being familiar with the city.
"I grew up in this community," Crowson said. "I've lived in Fulton my entire life, and I have a majority of my family that also lives here ... so I think that's definitely been one benefit in this position. It's really helped me."
Accepting new duties and performing different tasks did not intimidate Crowson when she applied for the city clerk vacancy, mainly because she considers herself a "people person" and enjoys working with people.
"(At) any job or any avenue in my life, I've always enjoyed being around people, so that's one thing I've loved," Crowson said. "I'm always happy to meet new people, so any time anyone wants to come up and introduce themselves, that would be great."
In addition to her time with parks and recreation and the previous jobs she held in Fulton, Crowson became a licensed cosmetologist in 2009. Crowson said she has always tried to be involved in the community, as she knows "quite a few citizens" and different organizations. Since Crowson took the oath of office in September, she has already had a few opportunities to become more deeply rooted in the community - one of the aspects of her job that she values most.
Crowson said applying for city clerk was a stride toward self-improvement - another value she considers important.
"It's kind of a goal I've always had in my own life," Crowson said. "I constantly want to not only be bettering myself, but better the situation that I'm in and better the people that I'm working with, so any time that I have the opportunity to do that, I always try to take full advantage of it."
She added that she decided to apply because she felt her love for hometown and her experience in the city could benefit the community. When asked about her favorite aspect of Fulton, Crowson said: "In a town like Fulton, almost everyone knows everyone, which I think some people tend to not like, but it's a very, very community-based area, so many people know each other. There is a real sense of community and caring about your fellow citizens in the city, and I think that's one of the things that draws new people to the area."
Now with almost three months of experience as city clerk, Crowson said her biggest current challenge is trying to modernize and streamline various processes in city hall.
"There are quite a few things that we need to kind of bring up to date and work on, so that's been our focus: trying to streamline and make things more efficient," Crowson said.
Despite any frustration with operations at city hall, Crowson said: "The great thing about city council is that everyone gets along very well, and everyone has the common goal of doing what's best for the city, so it has been a very positive experience."
Crowson added that everyone at city hall has made her feel welcome. She said: "I have a great support system - whether it's family or here in administration or the city council - everyone has been very supportive and I'm fortunate for that."
When she's not taking notes at city council meetings or in her office at city hall, Crowson enjoys traveling, watching movies and attending concerts.
"Just anything to get out and something I don't have to think about too much - just kind of a relaxing time," Crowson said.
As the holiday season approaches, Crowson has her sights set on a cruise to the Bahamas with her fiance of six years. Crowson said the trip will be her third cruise.
"We always try to go to different places," she said. "I like to see something new. I mean, any time you can expose yourself to new cultures - you can't put a price tag on that."