A Fond Farewell to Bridgette Bell
The City of Kannapolis bids farewell to its esteemed City Clerk, Bridgette Bell, who is retiring after an impressive 37 years of dedicated service to the community. Over the decades, Bridgette has played a crucial role in city governance, collaborating with six mayors, 21 city council members, and four city managers.
As she prepares to leave her post, Bridgette reflected on her time in service, stating, ‘I have had the pleasure of meeting lots of amazing people and forming lifelong friendships, both in the private sector and internally with my coworkers. It is with mixed emotions that I say goodbye.’
A Rich Career Spanning Generations
Bridgette’s journey began in the fall of 1987 when she was hired through a temp agency by then-City Manager Gene McCombs. Originally asked to ‘try out’ for the clerk position, Bridgette quickly proved her value and transitioned to a permanent role shortly thereafter. In those early days, she wore many hats, managing finance, payroll, and city meeting logistics—all while maintaining the city’s records.
Milestones and Achievements
Through her tenure, she has recorded the minutes of over 1,700 city council meetings, witnessing significant historical moments in Kannapolis’s development. City Manager Mike Legg praised Bridgette, saying, ‘She has been an integral part of Kannapolis for 37 years. Bridgette has touched nearly every important document we have generated as a City since our incorporation in 1984.’
A Community Leader and Expert
A native of Kannapolis and a graduate of A.L. Brown High School, Bridgette has earned the prestigious designations of Certified Municipal Clerk and Master Municipal Clerk, and has served on the board of the North Carolina Association of Municipal Clerks. Her contributions to the community have been recognized by both local government officials and state colleagues alike.
Looking Forward to Retirement
Bridgette expresses excitement about her future plans, including traveling with her husband, Larry. She received a proclamation of thanks during a recent city council meeting, commemorating her years of tireless service.
As Bridgette steps into retirement, she leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication, and countless memories that will resonate within the Kannapolis community.
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