Erika Smith, Author at ClerkBase

Hilton Head Island Selects OnBoardGOV to Manage Boards, Commissions, and Committees

Erika Smith2026-01-05T20:46:30+00:00January 21st, 2026|OnBoardGOV, OnBoardGOV client spotlight|

Welcome OnBoard, Hilton Head Island! The Town of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina has selected OnBoardGOV, a boards and commissions management solution from ClerkBase, to streamline how staff manage boards, commissions, and committees—while improving transparency and access for residents. Designed specifically for municipal and county operations, OnBoardGOV helps staff reduce manual work, maintain accuracy, and [...]

Why Video Meeting Platforms Still Matter for Your Public Meetings in 2026

Erika Smith2025-10-28T19:47:25+00:00January 14th, 2026|citizen participation, virtual meetings|

Over the past five years, virtual and hybrid meetings have become essential tools for local governments. These meeting formats have opened doors that previously limited who could participate, giving residents a voice no matter their location or schedule. That said, the laws governing how you conduct these meetings vary across states. For example, Massachusetts recently [...]

Welcome OnBoard, Andy!

Erika Smith2026-01-05T17:00:16+00:00January 12th, 2026|about us, OnBoardGOV|

Andy Parris, the newest member of Team ClerkBase. Please join us in welcoming Anderson "Andy" Parris to Team ClerkBase. Andy is taking the role of Customer Relations Specialist. He's been working on getting to know OnBoardGOV and getting familiar with our clients. Soon he'll be reaching out to check in with them, making [...]

New year, new fears?

Erika Smith2026-01-02T21:54:11+00:00January 7th, 2026|OnBoardGOV, technology for municipal professionals|

It doesn't have to be. As we turn the page to 2026, we know the challenges municipal and county clerks—and your entire teams—are facing can feel overwhelming. Increasing workloads, staffing shortages, growing expectations for transparency, accuracy, and efficiency, along with navigating new technologies, are top concerns for local government staff. On top of that, many [...]

Our annual reintroduction post

Erika Smith2026-01-05T16:25:16+00:00January 5th, 2026|about us, OnBoardGOV|

We've made it a tradition at each New Year to reintroduce ClerkBase and OnBoardGOV. Just a few moments to say hello, share a bit about our journey, and welcome new faces to the OnBoardGOV community. Whether you’re just discovering us or have been with us for years, we’re truly glad you’re here! Since our start, [...]

Plymouth Massachusetts is OnBoard!

Erika Smith2025-09-30T20:29:04+00:00November 26th, 2025|boards and commissions, OnBoardGOV client spotlight|

Historic Plymouth, Massachusetts, known as “America’s Hometown” and the site of the first Thanksgiving, is streamlining its board and committee management by adopting OnBoardGOV. Streamlining Boards and Committees Managing dozens of boards and committees is no small task. Plymouth has chosen OnBoardGOV to centralize agendas, minutes, and scheduling, making it easier for staff members to [...]

10 Things Clerks Can Do in December to Make 2026 a Breeze

Erika Smith2025-09-30T19:18:23+00:00November 19th, 2025|#clerkslife, boards and commissions|

Can you believe it's nearly the end of the year already?! December can feel like a whirlwind, but it’s also the perfect time to pause, catch your breath, and get ready for the year ahead. A little prep work now means a smoother start for you, your boards, and your community in the new year. [...]

The 2025 annual Thanksgiving recipe share

Erika Smith2025-10-16T20:26:19+00:00November 12th, 2025|Uncategorized|

Each November, ClerkBase takes a delicious detour from our usual local government topics to celebrate a historic Thanksgiving recipe that connects us to America's past. This year, we're sharing Indian Pudding, a classic New England dessert with deep roots in Thanksgiving traditions. Indian Pudding dates back to colonial America, when settlers adapted British puddings by [...]

Authentic Leadership for Clerks

Erika Smith2025-10-07T18:53:54+00:00November 5th, 2025|career advice, leadership|

You'll hear advice to “be yourself” often when talking about government leadership. While authenticity fosters trust, true effectiveness for municipal clerks comes from self-awareness. Knowing when one’s “authentic” response might be clouded by impulse, stress, or unexamined habits. Authenticity vs. Knee-Jerk Reactions Being an authentic leader is not about saying or doing whatever feels "natural" [...]

November civic engagement ideas for municipal clerks

Erika Smith2025-09-24T17:48:48+00:00October 29th, 2025|#clerkslife, citizen engagement|

November offers valuable opportunities for municipal clerks to engage with their communities in meaningful and timely ways. While the cooler weather may prompt a shift indoors, there are plenty of creative outreach ideas that can inform residents and encourage active participation in local government affairs. Seasonal Themes to Leverage November’s mix of local and national [...]

About Erika Smith