“Experience can’t be taught.” ~ Unknown

“There’s nothing glorious about being a professional. . .
.Professionalism probably comes down to being able to work on a bad day.” ~ Norman Mailer

“Be congruent, be authentic, be your true self.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Experienced:

1996: Not long after being hired by Novi’s Planning Department in 1996, Novi’s Clerk recruited Barb to join her office. With the passing of the Motor Voter Act in 1993, the State of Michigan began its launch of the Qualified Voter File (QVF). Barb, without direction, independently created a process to prepare staff and the public for this highly anticipated innovative election tool which was about to change how local clerks will administer future elections. Barb was given an opportunity in 1999, as a clerk/typist, to share her process with other jurisdictions. Betty Fortino, Clerk of Waterford Township wrote: “Barbara was a fine source of “hands on experience. . and gave us some real insight as to how it can work for us. She has inspired us to go forward with our conversion.”

2000-2019: After the Novi Clerk relocated to Troy, she recruited and hired Barb as her Deputy in Troy. It was Barb’s reputation that earned her spot in Troy and her appointment as Clerk of Independence Township in 2011. Barb continued to serve as Independence Township’s Clerk after being elected in 2012 and reelected in 2016. After serving many years as an observer, as an elected official Barb was honored to finally have a vote and take the lead to present multiple proposed processes, policies and projects before the Township Board. Because of Barb’s preparation and fiscal accountability, her approval rate was 100% having received unanimous approval from her Township Board peers. Barb owes her success to not only the love she has for the work of the Clerk’s office, but also to her reputation that was built over the 25+ years she served in Clerk’s offices across Oakland County.

Professional:

2013 “Clerk of the Year” Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks (MAMC):

After only officially serving less than two years as Independence Township Clerk, Barb was nominated by Supervisor Pat Kittle, and awarded “Clerk of the Year” by her peers. Former coworkers at the City of Troy said “Barb is one of those people who is the first in the office and the last one to leave. We were so excited to hear she won the award, she deserves it.”

2015 “Heart of a Champion” Michigan Library Association (MLA):

Through her work as Independence Township Clerk, Barb Pallotta was described as being instrumental in the survival and success of the Clarkston Independence District Library (CIDL). Julie Meredith, Library Director wrote “She’s not the one standing on the soap box shouting the praises of the library at the top of her voice. Instead, she quietly develops support one conversation at a time, allowing her genuine passion to help educate people about what the library truly means to live in Clarkston and Independence Township.”

Authentic:

‘The difference between who you are and who you want to be, is what you do.” ~ Bill Phillips

1996-2024:

Dr. Carl S. Pates, Engineer, Roush Anatrol wrote “Barbara provides administrative services for approximately fifteen engineers assisting with very technical information. Recently, she has helped with some very large projects, sacrificing her own time to help me and the company. She is very professional with employees and customers, yet she seems to be everyone’s best friend.”

James Wahl, Novi Planning & Community Development Director wrote “I feel it important to mention Barb’s capabilities in dealing effectively with people and in group situations. In her capacity with the City’s Planning Department, she dealt with many sensitive issues that were of interest to citizens and property owners making major investments in property and residences. The accuracy of information and attention to the needs of individual residents and business owners was most important. Barb was always conscientious and courteous in dealing with inquiries, and exhibited initiative and thoroughness in her responses. Her willingness to take on new assignments and pursue information and knowledge beyond the immediate requirements of her position is noteworthy.”

Susan Werpetinski, Troy Precinct Chair wrote “Mrs. Pallotta is an ultimate professional and always represents the City with deep commitment and dedication. At the training she distributed an Election Inspector Training manual that she put together to assist precinct workers in performing their duties on Election Day. Mrs. Pallotta obviously burned some midnight oil to produce a manual this brief, this specific, this detailed, this illustrated, and this easy to comprehend. In two decades of working elections someone finally got it right. And that someone is Barbara Pallotta.”