By Jessica Coates

jessica.coates@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Myra Heard, Salisbury’s city clerk for the past 15 years, has announced that she will retire effective Sept. 1.

“As mayor,  I have appreciated and valued Myra’s institutional knowledge, her professionalism, her personal integrity, wisdom and instinct in providing the best public service to me and council,” said Mayor Karen Alexander. “Myra’s contributions to our city and its citizens will be missed immensely for decades to come.”

Heard has worked for the city since 1999 and was appointed city clerk in September 2002. She became the assistant to the city manager in December 2012.

“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 Lane Bailey in a news release. “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.”

As city clerk, Heard served as a liaison between residents and the city by ensuring that the City Council complied with open meeting laws and maintaining city records.

She also led the development and implementation of the first Salisbury Citizen Academy, which began in 2014.

“It has truly been an honor and a blessing to work for the city of Salisbury for the last 18 years,” said Heard in a news release. “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 clerk will handle Heard’s duties until the position of city clerk is filled.

Contact reporter Jessica Coates at 704-797-4222.