7 May 2025A message from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) Board:
To IIMC Members:
On Friday, May 2, 2025, the IIMC Board held a special meeting to review, discuss and vote on the following topics: 1) the resignation tendered by President Lisa Garcia; 2) the composition of the Ad Hoc Ethics committee; 3) the election for Vice President; 4) and measures, if needed, to ensure IIMC policies are implemented and followed correctly in the future.
1. Resignation Tendered by President Garcia
In accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order, the resignation of an IIMC president must be tendered to the Board of Directors and is not final until accepted by the Board. If the Board does not accept the resignation, the President may elect to continue to serve out the remainder of his/her term or for good reason may decline.President Garcia’s resignation was a meaningful gesture of accountability made after serious reflection. In response, both the Board and the broader IIMC community reacted swiftly and decisively, expressing overwhelming support for her continued leadership. It became clear that President Garcia’s guidance remains vital to the success and stability of our Organization.
Following thoughtful discussion, and a unanimous vote of the Board members present, the Board voted against accepting President Garcia’s resignation. This decision underscores the Board’s strong confidence in her leadership and IIMC’s collective recognition of the integrity, vision, and commitment she brings to IIMC. President Garcia’s initial decision to step aside—despite later clarification confirming procedural compliance—demonstrates a level of integrity and accountability that is both rare and commendable. It is this same transparency and commitment to ethical leadership that the Board, and the entire Organization, values so deeply.
President Garcia has been informed of the Board’s rejection of her resignation, and she has agreed to continue to serve her term as President through May 21, 2025, and as past president of the Executive Committee.
2. The Composition of the Ad Hoc Ethics Committee
President Garcia’s resignation was triggered by questions regarding the formation of the Ad Hoc Ethics Committee as provided in IIMC Code of Ethics 6.05.070 (B). The Board, in consultation with the Board Parliamentarian and legal counsel, conducted a thorough review of the relevant policy language. The Board determined that no violation occurred. The policy section in question pertains specifically to regional representation under certain defined conditions, which were not applicable in this situation. That said, the Board acknowledges the need for greater clarity and is committed to reviewing and refining the policy language to ensure it is unambiguous and easily understood moving forward.3. IIMC 2025 Vice President Election
The Vice President election concluded on Friday, May 2, 2025, 5 pm Pacific time. Those results were vetted by IIMC Elections Committee and were distributed to the members on May 5, 2025. Per the IIMC Election Policy and procedures, the election followed proper procedure, with each candidate meeting the requirements. Therefore, ballots were distributed appropriately to all IIMC voting members in Regions I through XI.4. Policy Review
The Board will be assigning committees to thoroughly review various policies regarding elections and campaigning, composition of committees and a vetting process to ensure ambiguities are removed, ascertaining clear and concise verbiage.The Board appreciates members’ patience and engagement with the integrity of our Organization. Although this episode was painful and best avoided, as a Board, we hope to have learned from it and have emerged with the commitment to make the Organization stronger and better prepared for future success.
Thank you.
