Lisa Hanks, MMC, city clerk for the City of Fairhope, has been named Alabama’s 2026 Clerk of the Year by the Alabama Association of Municipal Clerks and Administrators.

The honor was presented during the association’s Summer Conference at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, according to a news release.

The award recognizes Hanks’ leadership, professionalism and dedication to both the City of Fairhope and the municipal clerk profession. AAMCA cited her commitment to excellence in municipal government and her willingness to share her knowledge and expertise with colleagues across the state.

Hanks has spent the past 19 years serving as a mentor to fellow municipal clerks, promoting professional development and helping strengthen municipal government throughout Alabama. Association leaders said her work has had a lasting impact on both the profession and the communities it serves.

Municipal clerks play a central role in local government operations, serving as a key connection between residents and their local governments. Clerks help ensure transparency, accountability and effective communication while providing elected officials, municipal employees and the public with accurate information about municipal operations and community affairs.

As the primary source of information within a municipality, the office of the municipal clerk is considered essential to the effective functioning of city and town governments. Municipal clerks provide leadership and expertise that support daily government operations and public service.

AAMCA congratulated Hanks on the recognition and thanked her for her years of service, leadership and ongoing commitment to advancing the municipal clerk profession throughout Alabama.