CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Vickie Koelman, Administrator of Elections, is announcing her retirement as of February 28, 2017.
Koelman has been Administrator for 26 years and previously held positions in the Clerk and Master’s Office and for the Chancellor’s Office with Montgomery County.
“After 31 years in county government, it’s time for me to retire and take some time for myself,” Koelman said. “I was hired at the Election Commission when they got their first computer. It was my job to input all the registered voter information into that computer. To say that technology has changed this office over the years is an understatement. Our technology now includes voting machines, voter registration systems, GIS mapping systems and electronic poll pads to make checking in voters at the polls easier and faster. That’s a long way from one computer!”
As she recalls those she has worked with over the years, a big smile spreads across her face. “Our poll workers are a wonderful group of people that have an incredible spirit about them. They are truly excited to be a part of the electoral process each and every time, and they make our elections possible. Many of them have become great friends and are truly invaluable to us,” she said.
In the over 30 years that Vickie has served Montgomery County, she has grown especially close to the election commissioners.
“I consider our commissioners family. Many of them have evolved through the years beside me and without them I don’t know what I would do. I will greatly miss them and I could not have asked for kinder, more genuine people to work alongside,” she said. “I can’t forget my staff, they are a great team and it takes all of them to make an election happen. They are the reason that our elections run seamlessly. I hope whoever my successor is, will work with each of them and learn from them. Our employees are our biggest asset and are great advocates for the election process and I have been blessed to have them as part of my team.”
Koelman also reminisces about all the colleagues that she has worked with across the state of Tennessee and the State Election Officials that she has come to know as friends. “We have worked tirelessly to improve election laws to make the election process better for the citizens of this great state. They have been wonderful to me, and I will certainly miss working with them.”
“I hope to see this office remain on a steady course for future elections. I have enjoyed my years with Montgomery County, but it’s time for me to spend time with my grandchildren and to enjoy a little traveling. I’m excited about what the future holds.”
“Vickie has been a huge asset to Montgomery County and I certainly hate to lose her, but I can understand her decision. She leaves some big shoes to fill and we certainly owe her a debt of gratitude for her long service to our county. I wish her the best in her retirement,” County Mayor Jim Durrett said.
The Administrator of Elections position is posted on the Montgomery County website. Interested candidates can visit www.mcgtn.org/human-resources/employment for more information or to apply. For questions concerning this position, contact Tim Swaw, Human Resources Director, at 931-648-5715.