Adding to the accolades following her retirement as Fountain Hills Town Clerk, Bev Bender was recognized by the Arizona Municipal Clerk’s Association (AMCA) meeting here last week in Fountain Hills.

Bev was presented with the Presidential Award of Distinction by AMCA President Lynda Bushong of Yuma.

Bushong said, “this award is bestowed upon a deserving AMCA member who has assisted the Board with the vision and mission of AMCA.

“[Bev] has been the calm to many of my storms and honestly, if it wasn’t for her encouragement, support and god knows she has the patience of a saint, I truly would not be standing here, in this capacity before you today. She is/was a terrific clerk and will be missed dearly.”

Mayor Linda Kavanagh was on hand to support Bev.

“As Mayor of the Town of Fountain Hills, it was a privilege to have served with the capable assistance of Bev Bender as our town clerk,” Kavanagh said. “Her knowledge, experience, and professionalism were indispensable in facilitating the smooth operation of the town. I appreciated on a daily basis the kindness and civility she exhibited toward all the town hall staff.

“Bev will be sorely missed. I wish her the very best for a wonderful retirement.”

Town Manager Grady Miller was out of town and not available for the presentation but made comment via a letter.

“I was pleased to learn that the [AMCA] wishes to bestow upon Bev Bender the Presidential Award of Distinction,” Miller said. “I cannot think of a single municipal clerk who is more deserving of this honor than Bev.”

Bender began working for the Town of Fountain Hills in 1994 and became town clerk in 2003 and held the job until her retirement last month. She is just the second town clerk for Fountain Hills since incorporation in 1989.

She was certified as a Master Municipal Clerk in 2010 and has maintained continuous certification as an election official by the Secretary of State’s Office.

“With Bev’s retirement…she will be leaving behind a legacy of 24 years of accomplishments, outstanding customer service, and one of the best run Town Clerk operations in Arizona,” Miller said. “Most of all Bev will be tremendously missed by her friends and colleagues at the Town of Fountain Hills.”