CERA & CERV Graduates in the News
We follow our graduates in the news as they continue to bring greater skill, commitment and expertise to the increasingly complex field of elections administration in the service of their local communities and our nations democracy.
Recognizing Graduate Heider Garcia of Tarrant County
On November 15th, Votebeat Texas released an article on how CERA graduate Heider Garcia keeps the peace with voting activists in Tarrant County. Click below to view this article.
Recognizing Graduate Armando Salud of Yolo County
In celebration of Election Hero Day on Monday, Nov. 7, PEOPLE shared the story of four nonpartisan election officials determined to preserve America's voice. One of these election officials is CERA graduate Armando Salud. Click below to view PEOPLE's article.
Gregg County prepares for November election
On September 27th, Luanna Lewis, deputy elections administrator, was the recipient of the Certified Elections Registration Administrator (CERA) certification. Here is a statement on how her County is preparing for the November Elections.
Clay County Elections Expo
As Clay County Elections Office continues to battle misinformation, disinformation, and mal-information, they have created this PSA to share. Please click the link below to view their video.
CERA/CERV Graduates on Tour
CERA/CERV students tour the Arapahoe County Elections Facility during the Election Center's Professional Education Program summer session held in Greenwood, CO. the week of of July 10-17, 2021.
Congratulations to Marie S. Smalls, Newly Elected President of the South Carolina Association of Registrations and Elections, Inc. Marie is a 2008 CERA graduate.
"It's a tremendous responsibility and I look forward to bearing the torch and being representative of those who preceded me"
Marie Smalls is Certified as a Registration and Elections Administrator from the National Association of Election Officials and is also state certified by the South Carolina Election Commission. Smalls has been with the organization for 16 years. In addition to serving on several committees, she has held offices in the organization as, Secretary, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President and now President.
We congratulate Steve on his recognition and service to his community and to the Election Center!
Steve Moreno, Chair of the Board of Commissioners, Weld County, Colorado, and Election Center Board Member was recently featured in the Greeley Lifestyle Magazine recognized as "Men Making an Impact" in Weld County. Before being elected as a Commissioner, Steve was sworn in as the 28th Weld County Clerk and Recorder, in which he served three terms from 2003-2014. He also served as the Chief Deputy and Deputy Clerk for the Weld County Clerk and Recorder's Office. Steve graduated from the CERA program in August 2006.
Congratulations to Amber McReynolds!
Amber McReynolds, the chief executive officer of the nonprofit National Vote at Home Institute and the former director of elections in Denver, has been confirmed as a member of the United States Postal Service Board of Governors. Ms. McReynolds will serve on the board through December 2026. She received her CERA in August 2010. Congratulations and well wishes in her new role with the United States Postal Service Board of Governors
Congratulations to Kathy Holland!
Director Kathy Holland Named President of North Carolina Association Directors of Elections (NCADE)
Alamance County Board of Elections Director Kathy Holland was elected President of the North Carolina Association of Directors of Elections (NCADE) during the Associations recent conference. The conference was held April 27, 2021 - April 29, 2021 in a virtual format due to COVID 19.
Please see below for a link to the full accouncement.
Congratulations to Derek Bowens, Director of Elections, Durham County Board of Elections, North Carolina for the Clearie Best Practice award. Derek is a 2019 CERA graduate.
Category: Outstanding Innovation in Election Cybersecurity and Technology (Small Jurisdictions) Wait-Time Tracker for Early Voting
This innovative app allowed voters to locate polling places closest to them, view voting information, and see current polling place wait times. Users could also find bus routes or get GPS directions. The results from using this application were extremely positive for both election workers and voters. In the 2020 General Election, over 48% of registered voters in Durham County chose to vote early. This new service helped to alleviate crowds at busy polling places by offering alternatives, provided voters with streamlined real-time information, and fostered staffing needs for early in-person locations.
Congratulations to Armando Salud!
Armando Salud, election official from Yolo County, CA, was promoted to Deputy of Elections on 1/17/2021. Armando was appointed to his new position by the Yolo County Clerk-Recorder/Assessor and approved by the Board of Supervisors. Armando graduated from the CERA program in 2018 and is the current Chair of the Election Center's Professional Education Program Board. He said, "I am thankful for so many who have encouraged, mentored, and believed in me; allowing me to prove my worth, dedication, and commitment to the world of election administration." The Election Center congratulates Armando on his promotion and his continued success in election administration.
Conflict Resolution Checklist
Election Workers Conflict Resolution Checklist helps election workers identify examples of typical problems and situations election workers encounter when helping voters. The checklist provides examples and strategies for a vast range of problems, from disruptive and agitated behavior to common question voters have. We thank Chris Moore, CERA graduate and Deputy Supervisor of Elections, Leon County FL for developing the checklist and making it available to the entire election community. Download your copy today!
Elections Website Ranks High On Disability Access Scale
We would like to congratulate the following CERA graduates for their distinction and recognition in serving voters with disabilities in Texas; Travis County CERA graduates, Dana DeBeauvoir, Dan Roman, Monica Johns, Amanda Katzer, Bruce Elfant, Tiffany Seward, Thomas Miller and LeeAnn Castillo. From Hays County, CERA graduate Jennifer Anderson. From Cameron County, CERA graduate Remi Garza and from McLennen County, CERA graduate Kathy VanWolfe.
Hays County Courthouse, San Marcos, TX, Hays County's Elections Office was recently recognized for its website, both from the local League of Women Voters and Disability Rights Texas (DRTx). Read the full article on the Corridor News website.
Tulsa Mayor recognizes David Boddie's CERA certification
David T. Boddie, Elections Official for Tulsa County Election Board in Oklahoma received his Certified Elections Registration Administrator (CERA) from the Election Center this past summer and was recently recognized for that achievement by G.T. Bynum, Mayor of Tulsa Oklahoma, commemorating his completion of the certification program and achievement as a CERA graduate. Congratulations to David for this esteemed recognition.
In commemoration of David's accomplishment, the certificate presented from Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum
Caldwell County's Elections Administrator receives CERA certification and special recognition from State Representative
Pamela Ohlendorf, a Caldwell County Elections Administrator has been participating in the Election Center's Professional Education Program over the course of several years where she has received continuing education credit from Auburn University in election administration and voter registration.
At her graduation from the program on August 20, 2019 Pamela received the designation of Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA).
In acknowledgment of her accomplishment, Pamela received an additional certificate from State Representative John P. Cyrier of House District 17, along with a Texas state flag that was flown at the capitol commemorating her professional achievement as a CERA graduate.
Commemorating Pamela's accomplishment, the certificate presented from State Representative John P. Cyrier
Lafourche election official to receive national certification
Lafourche Registrar of Voters Mike Boudreaux has been chosen to participate in a national accreditation program in Florida this week.
Boudreaux is traveling to Orlando to receive his certification as an elections and registration administrator, a designation earned through a multi-year course through the Election Center’s Professional Education Program, Auburn University and the University of Alabama.
He and 95 classmates will be awarded the designation at a ceremony Tuesday.
The program aims to “professionalize the management of voter registration and elections administration in promoting and preserving public trust in the democratic process,” a news release from the organization states.
“This is the highest designation available to elections and voter registration officials,” said Tim Mattice, director of the Election Center.
Boudreaux was an elections manager with the Louisiana Secretary of State from 1984 until May of 2017, when he was appointed by the Parish Council as Lafourche registrar.
A total of 1,206 election officials and election vendors have received accreditation.
The Election Center is a nonprofit association of voter registrars and elections administrators throughout the country. Its comprised of city, county and state elections officials and other election related organizations. The group’s primary goal is to support continuous improvement in elections and voter registration through research, professional education, networking and consulting.
Elections director earns CERA title
Michelle L. Wilcox, Director for the Auglaize County Board of Elections will be designated as a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) the highest professional achievement, in a ceremony conducted by the Election Center at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando, FL at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.
CERA designation is achieved only through a multi-year course of study taught by the Auburn University MPA faculty, Auburn, Alabama and conducted by the Election Center’s Professional Education Program. The intent of the program it to professionalize the management of voter registration and elections administration in promoting and preserving public trust in the democratic process.
“This is the highest designation available to elections and voter registration officials,” said Tim Mattice director of the Center. This graduating class of 96 election professionals totals 1,206 election officials and election vendors who have achieved the CERA/CERV status.
This is an outstanding accomplishment.” Mattice said.
“Auglaize County is indeed fortunate to have Michelle Wilcox as one of the top designated professionals in America. Obtaining and maintaining CERA status means that she is committed to a career long process of continuing education to improve the electoral process in Auglaize County Ohio and the nation,” he stated.
Wilcox was appointed director to the Board of Elections in August of 2013. In addition to being CERA Nationally Certified, Wilcox also received her Ohio Registered Election Official Certification this past January.
Wilcox is a member of the Ohio Association of Election Officials where she is currently serving as the 1st Vice-President. She also serves on the OAEO Legislative Committee. She is a member of the Auglaize Democratic Party Central and Executive
Arldt Earns Highest Mark
Carla R. Arldt, Elections Administrator for Lee County, Texas will be designated as a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) the highest professional achievement, in a ceremony conducted by the Election Center at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando, FL at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2019.