Johnston to Retire

Johston to Retire at 38-Year Mark in Public Service

Mary Johnston has attended roughly 824 public meetings in Westerville since becoming Clerk of Council in 2003. She has three more meetings to oversee in January 2023. After a nearly 40-year (20 of those in Westerville) professional career committed to serving the public, Johnston is planning new pursuits in retirement with her husband.

The Carolinas will be the backdrop for most of these pursuits, as the two states offer access to mountains for hiking and cycling, as well as beaches for warmth and relaxation. The Johnstons will also be full-time grandparents and will be spending time with their new grandchild.

Johnston announced her retirement just two years after serving as president of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), a professional association serving 15,000 members and representing municipalities of less than 500 to more than 10 million residents. Her term was during the height of the pandemic; even her swearing-in as president was over Zoom. But she adapted quickly, pledging to focus the organization on advancements in education and mentoring.

Through mentorship, Johnston turned a job into a career in her hometown of Freeport, Illinois, a professional courtesy she carried on with Westerville’s new Clerk of Council, Jessica Hilts.

When I applied to be a deputy clerk back in Freeport, I had no experience,” said Johnston. “The clerk there took me under her wing and became my mentor. When she retired, I stepped into the role and never looked back. We were able to repeat history here with Jessica.

Hilts received her certification from IIMC earlier this year, having served as Deputy Clerk since 2020. She begins her role as full-time Westerville Clerk of Council in February.

Johnston’s parting words for this community are characteristically generous.

I feel like we will always have a home in Westerville, with lifelong family and friends to come back to,” said Johnston. “As we travel and find new communities to love, Westerville will always be a special place that was so much more than just a job.

"IN THE WORDS OF COLLEAGUES"

"Mary is simply the spirit of this workplace. She is that person in the office that makes coming to work fun. Whether it’s by sponsoring an impromptu ice cream social or her infectious laugh, Mary has that great sense of balancing work and life that has benefited all of us." MONICA IRELAN, WESTERVILLE CITY MANAGER

“Mary has been a breath of fresh air to Council and the team, always. You can’t find a day on the calendar in 20 years when Mary did not have a welcoming smile. Mary was more than perfect in her role for anyone that wanted anything at anytime anywhere. She was also a long-time team member for Westerville for Honor Flight. Mary was always helping quietly without need for accolades.” MIKE HEYECK, CHAIR, WESTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL

“When I served on Council and as Mayor, Mary was nothing short of invaluable. She coordinated nearly 200 weddings and helped me teach third-graders about government. I always received comments about how proficient and professional she is, but people always added that they knew she cared about their request, project or issue. Thank you, Mary, for your years of service and for caring while doing it.” KATHY COCUZZI, FORMER WESTERVILLE CITY COUNCIL MEMBER AND MAYOR (2005-2020)

“Mary has such a big heart for service and for people. People may not know how much Mary and Mark have done for local veterans. She served as Treasurer for the Westerville for Honor Flight committee from 2008-2021, and they donated supplies and products from their personal business so that veterans could go to Washington, D.C. She is a mentor and role model in more ways than she ever knew.” CHRISTA DICKEY, COMMUNITY AFFAIRS DIRECTOR