Department Head

Susan Bigelow, MMC

The Mayor and City Council appointed Susan as City Clerk of Chula Vista in 1998. She came to Chula Vista with extensive public sector experience, which began in 1970 with the City of Menlo Park, California. In 1983, Susan received her certification as a certified municipal clerk (CMC) from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). Certification is achieved by completing a multi-year institute for public officials, sponsored by the League of California Cities and IIMC, and by experience, education, ongoing training, and service to professional organizations and the community. In 2004, Susan received her certification as a Master Municipal Clerk (MMC).

EXPERIENCE

• Elected City Clerk, City of La Mesa (1995-1998)
• Deputy City Clerk, City of La Mesa (1994-1995)
• Owner & CEO of PRISM Southern California (beginning in 1978), a management consulting firm specializing primarily in managing public records for cities throughout California. In addition to records management, Susan also served as Acting City Clerk/Staff Supervisor and Acting Assistant City Manager/Deputy City Clerk for the City of Lafayette, California, where she conducted special research projects, assisted in recruiting for key City positions, and developed a City Council/ policies and procedures manual.
• Assistant City Clerk, City of Menlo Park (1974-1978)

AFFILIATIONS

• International Institute of Municipal Clerks since 1974
• California City Clerks Association (Currently Serving on the Board of Directors)
• Southern California City Clerks Association (served several years on the Board of Directors and currently serving as President)
• San Diego County City Clerks Association (former President)
• Association of Records Managers & Administrators (three years on the Board of Directors of the San Diego Chapter)

EDUCATION & TRAINING

• University of California, Berkeley, B.A., Psychology -- 1969
• University of California, Santa Cruz -- 1966-1968
• Continuing Education for Public Officials (CEPO) Program - 1975-1978
• Training of Trainers Program - 1978-1979
• Various workshops on topics such as supervision, creative problem solving, communications, time management, various computer applications.

Susan is also a Trainer/Facilitator, having completed a 220-hour "training of trainers" program. She continues to teach seminars and workshops on a variety of topics, including records management and the California Public Records Act, for various audiences, including the Southern California City Clerks Association, the Association of Records Managers & Administrators, as well as Chula Vista staff and Board & Commission members.