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Longtime Gadsden City Clerk Iva Nelson retires; Jennifer Smith sworn in as clerk/treasurer
Summary
After 40 years with the city, City Clerk Iva Nelson was honored at the May 26 Gadsden City Council meeting; the council unanimously elected Jennifer Smith to fill the clerk/treasurer vacancy and Smith took the oath of office immediately.
Iva Nelson, who the council said has worked for the City of Gadsden for four decades, was honored at the council's May 26 meeting and said to be retiring effective June 1, 2026. Representative Jenny Shaver presented a resolution from the Alabama House recognizing Nelson's 40 years of municipal service and praising her leadership and community work. "There has never been a better city employee for the city of Gadsden than Iva Nelson," Shaver said as she read the resolution.
The council moved quickly to fill the vacancy Nelson's retirement created. Councilwoman Latham introduced resolution 2026-0499, citing Sections 11-43-3 and 11-43-120 of the 1975 Code of Alabama, and the council suspended the rules and voted to elect Jennifer Smith as city clerk/treasurer for a term beginning June 1, 2026 and ending Nov. 2, 2026.
Jennifer Smith then took the oath of office in the council chamber, repeating the pledge, "I, Jennifer Smith, solemnly affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Alabama... and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office upon which I am about to enter to the best of my ability." Applause followed the oath.
City and state officials and several former colleagues praised Nelson's institutional knowledge and steady presence. Frankie Davis, who worked in the mayor's office for 16 years, and multiple councilmembers described Nelson as an indispensable recordkeeper who assisted the Alabama League of Municipalities and trained subsequent clerks. Mayor Ford and Council President Beck both noted Nelson's long service and said the city will continue to rely on that institutional knowledge as Smith assumes the role.
Councilmembers and staff described Smith as well qualified: during remarks the council noted she has earned certified municipal clerk and master municipal clerk certifications through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks and has served in the clerk's office for roughly 12 years, including as assistant city clerk. The council recorded its formal vote electing Smith before administering the oath.
The resolution recognizing Nelson (state HIR 35) and the council's motion electing Smith were adopted by voice vote. Nelson's retirement becomes effective June 1, 2026; Smith's appointment runs through Nov. 2, 2026, per the council resolution.
The council recessed for a work session and reconvened to continue other business. The meeting adjourned after a public prayer and closing remarks.
