CLICK HERE FOR THE ATTENDEE LIST
2025 AMCA Annual Conference & Elections Training Attendance Record & Assessments
In order to earn certification credit, you must submit your attendance and complete the education assessments through this LINK.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT YOUR ASSESSMENT ASSIGNMENTS:
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22, 2025 - 5:00 P.M.
(The assessment is ONLY required if participant is looking to earn education credit.)
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY
PROFESSIONAL HEADSHOTS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE CONFERENCE!
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Bring-A-Book Take-A-Book
For more information, Click Here.
Tuesday, July 22 - AMCA Annual Conference
7:30 AM - Full Breakfast & Networking
8:00 AM - Remarks from Various Sponsors
8:20 AM - Welcome to Fountain Hills
Presenter:
Honorable Mayor Gerry Friedel, Mayor, Fountain Hills
8:25 AM - Overview of Program/Day
8:30 AM - Opening Session: They Might Not Be Crazy - Working With People You Disagree With (And Might Not Even Like) | Ballrooms 1-2
Presenter:
Dallin Cooper
Dallin Cooper – Bio
Dallin Cooper is a globally recognized speaker, author, and serial entrepreneur. Having led international organizations and orchestrated two successful exits, he has dedicated his career to transforming the way category-leading companies communicate, connect, and lead.
From the smallest towns in Wyoming to the bustling streets of China’s largest cities, Dallin has challenged audiences to rethink the way they see the world. His groundbreaking insights on communication and leadership have been featured in top-tier publications and major news outlets worldwide, cementing his reputation as a go-to expert for organizations seeking to bridge the gap between their people.
Dallin has advised and spoken for industry-leading organizations such as Meta, Charter, RE/MAX, and MGMA, empowering leaders to question long-held assumptions, break through communication barriers, and foster cultures of trust and collaboration. His work goes beyond inspiration—he provides actionable strategies that drive measurable impact.
With a dynamic presence and an ability to challenge conventional thinking, Dallin equips leaders with the tools they need to cultivate deeper connections, unlock innovation, and drive meaningful results in an ever-evolving world.
Presentation:
They Might Not Be Crazy Presentation
10:30 AM - Break and Vendor Hall
10:45 AM - Breakout Sessions
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Get On The Bull: Finding The Line Between Grit and Burnout | Ballrooms 1 and 2
Presenter:
Dallin Cooper
Dallin Cooper – Bio
Dallin Cooper is a globally recognized speaker, author, and serial entrepreneur. Having led international organizations and orchestrated two successful exits, he has dedicated his career to transforming the way category-leading companies communicate, connect, and lead.
From the smallest towns in Wyoming to the bustling streets of China’s largest cities, Dallin has challenged audiences to rethink the way they see the world. His groundbreaking insights on communication and leadership have been featured in top-tier publications and major news outlets worldwide, cementing his reputation as a go-to expert for organizations seeking to bridge the gap between their people.
Dallin has advised and spoken for industry-leading organizations such as Meta, Charter, RE/MAX, and MGMA, empowering leaders to question long-held assumptions, break through communication barriers, and foster cultures of trust and collaboration. His work goes beyond inspiration—he provides actionable strategies that drive measurable impact.
With a dynamic presence and an ability to challenge conventional thinking, Dallin equips leaders with the tools they need to cultivate deeper connections, unlock innovation, and drive meaningful results in an ever-evolving world.
Presentation:
Get On The Bull Presentation
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Effective Onboarding and Training for Board and Commission Members | Ballroom 4
Presenter:
Stacy Saltzburg, MMC, MPA, City of Flagstaff
Stacy Saltzburg – Bio
Stacy Saltzburg has over 15 years of municipal experience and has served the City of Flagstaff since 2007. She has been the City Clerk since 2018 and served as Deputy City Clerk for six years prior. She is passionate about public service and lifelong education. Stacy holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Northern Arizona University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Arizona State University. She is a Master Municipal Clerk and is both a Certified Election Officer of the State of Arizona and a Certified Municipal Elections Official from AMCA/League of Arizona Cities and Towns.
Presentation:
Effective Onboarding and Training Presentation
Resources:
RESOURCE - 2019 BC Member Guide
RESOURCE - 2019 BC Staff Liaison Guide
RESOURCE - New Appointment
RESOURCE - Certificate of Appointment
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I Want it on the Record: Best Practices in Preparing Meeting Minutes | Navajo Room
Presenter:
Stephanie Smith, MMC, Best Best & Krieger LLP
Stephanie Smith – Bio
Stephanie D. Smith, Director of Elections Services for Best, Best & Krieger, is a Master Municipal Clerk and has served on the Executive Board for the City Clerks Association of California, most recently as President in 2018-2019. With 35 years’ experience in municipal government, she worked for the cities of Paramount, Perris, Lake Forest, and Murrieta before retiring from City employment and moving to the private sector, where she heads up the firm’s Election Services division, providing Municipal Clerks with election advice and redistricting demographic and public hearing services. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management and is the author of over 100 published articles on a variety of topics, including workplace change initiatives, personnel issues, business management, work/life balance, and financial planning. Her first book, ‘Values-Based Goal Setting: How to Dream Big and Live the Life You Were Meant to Live” was an Amazon #1 bestseller in the Vocational Guidance and Business & Money Short Reads categories. She trains regularly for the City Clerks Association, Master Municipal Clerk Academy, California Building Officials Association, and facilitates Athenian Dialogues throughout the western United States and virtually across the United States.
Presentation:
2024-2025 AMCA Annual Report
1:15 PM - Breakout Sessions
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Leading through the Tumult: Setting Yourself Up for Success | Ballrooms 1-2
Presenter:
Val Gale, Assistant Fire Chief, City of Chandler
Val Gale – Bio
Val Gale is the Professional Development Assistant Chief for the Chandler Fire Department. He holds an Associate in Applied Science degree in Emergency Response & Operations from Chandler Gilbert Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Arizona State University, and a Master of Administration degree with a Public Management Emphasis from Northern Arizona University. He spent five years as a member of the National EMS Advisory Council, has successfully completed the Fire Service Executive Development Institute program through the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and is a Designated Chief Fire Officer through the Commission on Professional Credentialing.
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Arizona America250 Commission – America’s Semiquincentennial | Ballroom 4
Presenter:
Laura Terech, Executive Director, Arizona Secretary of State
Laura Terech – Bio
Laura Terech began her career teaching kindergarten and 2nd grade before serving as a State House Representative at the Arizona Legislature. As a Representative, Laura sat on the House Education committee and served as the ranking member on Municipal Oversight & Elections. Transitioning from the Legislative to the Executive branch, Laura is proud to serve as the Executive Director of the Arizona America250 Commission, housed out of the Secretary of State's Office.
Presentation:
Arizona America250 Commission Presentation
Link:
Arizona America250 Commission
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From Deputy to THE Clerk – Tips for Career Advancement and Adjusting to Role of City/Town Clerk | Navajo Room
Panelists:
Chaveli Herrera, MMC, CPM, Town of Gilbert
Agnes Goodwine, MMC, City of Peoria
Evie McKinney, CMC, City of Apache Junction
Chaveli Herrera – Bio
Chaveli Herrera joined the Town of Gilbert in January 2019 as the Deputy Town Clerk and has served as Town Clerk since November 2020. Prior to joining Gilbert, Chaveli served as Records Administrator with the City of Maricopa for over four years. Chaveli earned master’s degrees in public administration and criminal justice, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in security intelligence studies from NMSU. Chaveli has her MMC designation, is a Certified Public Manager, and is election-certified through AMCA and the Arizona Secretary of State.
Agnes Goodwine – Bio
Agnes Goodwine currently serves as the City Clerk for the City of Peoria. With over 30 years of experience in local and state government, Agnes previously served as Deputy City Clerk of the City of Mesa from January 2014 to August 2023, where she managed and administered the city’s elections, managed the Judicial Advisory Board, records management, and voter outreach programs. She also held prior positions as City Clerk for the City of East Point, Georgia and former Deputy City Clerk for the City of Johns Creek, Georgia.
Mrs. Goodwine obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Saint Leo University and holds a Master Municipal City Clerk (MMC) designation through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. She is a Certified Municipal Elections Official through the Arizona Municipal Clerks’ Association and the Arizona Secretary of State’s office.
Mrs. Goodwine is a member of the Arizona Women Leading Government, the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, I-NAPA AZ Board Member, and the Arizona Municipal Clerks Association. She has served as past Chairperson of the AMCA Communication Committee, member of the AMCA Election Committee, and the NFBPA Central Arizona Chapter.
In addition to her public service career, Agnes is a certified yoga teacher who brings mindful teaching practices to both personal and professional environments. Her approach helps individuals cultivate wellness habits that promote clarity, growth, and purpose.
Evie McKinney – Bio
Evie McKinney has worked at the City of Apache Junction for over 25 years in various departments including Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Economic Development, Finance, the Water District, and City Clerk’s Office.
In her role at the City Clerk's Office, Evie processes various applications for licenses and special events, maintains a citywide records management program, coordinates city code and revisions of city code, and updates and maintains the city clerk and City Council websites to ensure they meet statutory requirements.
Evie is an Arizona Certified Elections Officer and in the process of becoming a certified municipal clerk. She has earned certificates from the Arizona Municipal Clerk's Association Institute, AGTS Supervisor's Academy, and Clerical/Administrative Conferences/Seminars.
2:30 PM - Arizona Secretary of State’s Office Update: Arizona Notary Program and Enhancements | Ballrooms 1 and 2
Presenters:
Honorable Adrian Fontes, Secretary of State, State of Arizona
Aaron Aylsworth, Director – Transformation & Innovation
Adrian Fontes – Bio
In 2022, Adrian Fontes was elected as Arizona's 21st Secretary of State. Secretary Fontes is a proud Arizona native, an honorable veteran of the United States Marine Corps, and the father of three daughters, who has spent a lifetime fighting for justice and defending our Democracy.
Secretary Fontes served on active duty from 1992 to 1996 and was nominated for a meritorious commission. His service to our country taught him the importance of dedication, discipline, and sacrifice to forcefully fight for the American dream.
After graduating from law school, Secretary Fontes spent his career advocating for justice and fighting for those who are disadvantaged — first as a prosecutor with the Denver District Attorney and then at the Maricopa County Attorney’s office. He later led the International Prosecution Unit at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. He practiced law for 15 years before running for office in 2016 when he was elected Maricopa County Recorder.
As Recorder, Secretary Fontes revolutionized the election system by ensuring that every eligible Arizonan had the access they needed to vote. Adrian enhanced ballot tracking technology and increased process transparency, winning recognition and awards from election organizations across the country.
In 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 crisis and amidst violent protests, Maricopa County saw record voter turnout, as well as record numbers of new voters registered for both parties. Secretary Fontes later testified before Congress to inform them of threats facing election officials.
Secretary Fontes is committed to preserving integrity in our elections, making voting easier for registered voters, and ensuring that Arizona’s business community has a non-partisan partner in the Secretary’s office.
Link:
Arizona Secretary of State’s Office Update
3:30 PM - Break and Vendor Hall
3:45 PM - Closing Session: How Storytelling Sparks Civic Engagement, Builds Trust, and Gets Voters to Show Up | Ballrooms 1 and 2
Presenter:
Dana Berchman, Oh, hi! Communications
Dana Berchman – Bio
Dana Berchman, founder and CEO of Oh, hi! Communications, is a seasoned leader in digital transformation, community engagement, and storytelling with over two decades of experience in both the public and private sectors. As the former Chief Digital Officer for Gilbert, Arizona, Dana pioneered innovative strategies that transformed the way the city connected with its residents, earning her national recognition and multiple awards, including an Emmy. Dana is also the host of the Oh, hi! Stories Podcast, where she shares insights and stories that inspire city leaders and communicators to think creatively and act boldly. From her early days at MTV and MSNBC to her transformative role in local government, Dana has always been at the forefront of change, helping organizations adapt and succeed in an ever-evolving digital world.
Presentation:
Closing Session Presentation
4:45 PM - Wrap-Up Comments & Vendor Hall
5:00 PM - Special Offsite Reception | Grapeables Wine Bar in Fountain Hills
Special Offsite Reception at Grapeables Wine Bar in Fountain Hills at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 22. The reception will begin after the sessions end that day.
Grapeables is located at 12645 N Saguaro Blvd #9, Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.
Wednesday, July 23 - AMCA Elections Training
7:30 AM - Breakfast
8:00 AM - Introduction/Housekeeping
Presenter:
Fatima Fernandez, Town Clerk, Town of Prescott Valley
8:02 AM - Scholarship Committee
Presenter:
Amy Putnam, Town Clerk, Town of Parker
8:05 AM - The Election Relay: Mastering the City-to-County Handoff in Arizona
Presenters:
Whitney Juszczak, Assistant Elections Director, Coconino County
Cindy Scott, City Clerk, City of Page
Whitney Juszczak – Bio
Whitney Juszczak is the Assistant Director of Elections for Coconino County, Arizona, with a strong background in public service across various local and state government roles. She holds a bachelor's degree in public health from Oregon State University and an MBA in Business Analytics from Southern Oregon University. Juszczak actively engages in civic initiatives, including voter education on election processes in Coconino County. Under her leadership, the Elections Department received a People's Choice Award from the Elections Center and a 2024 Clearie Award from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission for their commitment to innovation and election safety.
Cindy Scott – Bio
Cindy Scott currently serves as the City Clerk, a role she has held for the past year. With a Master of Business Administration in Accounting, she brings a strong foundation in fiscal management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership to municipal operations.
Before her appointment as City Clerk, Cindy was the Center Director for the Coconino Small Business Development Center, where she led initiatives to support local entrepreneurs, managed program development, and provided in-depth business consulting services. Her background includes extensive experience in organization, project planning and implementation, and research, which she continues to apply in the public sector to enhance transparency, efficiency, and service delivery.
Presentation:
The Election Relay: Mastering the City-to-County Handoff in Arizona Presentation
9:35 AM - Click, Vote, Learn: Election Training via Mentimeter
Presenters:
Denise Archibald, City Clerk, City of Phoenix
Maria Ceaglske, Deputy City Clerk, City of Litchfield Park
9:50 AM - Break
10:00 AM - Discovering and Implementing E-Qual
Presenter:
Hope Olguin, Election Filing Manager, AZSOS
Hope Olguin – Bio
Hope Olguin joined the Secretary of State’s Office in May of 2023, serving as the Elections Filing Manager for the Secretary of State’s Office overseeing ballot measure, candidate, campaign finance, and lobbyist filings. Prior to joining the Secretary of State’s Office, Hope served Maricopa County for 19 years, overseeing candidate filing, campaign finance, customer service, political party and jurisdictional services in the Elections Department and school district elections for the County School Superintendent’s Office. Ms. Olguin is an Arizona Certified Election Official as well as a Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (CERA) through the Election Center’s Professional Education Program from Auburn University. Hope is a native of Arizona, where she lives with her husband, their three teenagers, and their mini poodle – Phil the Ballot.
Presentation:
Discovering and Implementing E-Qual Presentation
11:00 AM - Behind the Process: Candidate Packet Simulation
Presenter:
Jasmine Pernicano, City Clerk, City of Goodyear
12:00 PM - Lunch
1:00 PM - Politically Charged Elections
Presenter:
Kris Baxter-Ging, Communication & Marketing Director, City of Tempe
Kris Baxter-Ging – Bio
Kris Baxter-Ging is an award-winning journalist and PR practitioner. Her communications career spans more than three decades, including 24 years with the City of Tempe. During her tenure in Tempe, three mayors have been elected, two General Plans have passed, and several bond elections have taken place. She was also involved with a special election regarding the Arizona Coyotes project.
The City of Tempe Communication team has been named Team of the Year by the Phoenix Public Relations Society of America and has won several awards for its work.
Presentation:
Politically Charged Elections Presentation
2:00 PM - Mastering the Essentials: Election Best Practices Breakout Session
Presenters:
Annie Reidhead, Town Clerk, Town of Thatcher
Richelle Valenzuela, Executive Assistant, Town of Marana
Presentation:
Mastering the Essentials: Election Best Practices Presentation
3:00 PM - Break
3:15 PM - Benefits of Early Voting & Ballot Drop Box Safety: Making Early Voting Work for Everyone
Presenters:
Michelle Burchill, Yavapai County Recorder
Gabriella Cazares-Kelly, Pima County Recorder
Michelle Burchill – Bio
Michelle Burchill's career in the elections field started as a Voter Registration Specialist. She advanced to become the Executive Assistant to the County Recorder and then the Elections Manager, before being appointed as the Yavapai County Recorder in July of 2022 and then elected in November 2024. She is an Arizona Certified Elections Officer, a member of the Association of County Recorders, the Chair of the Arizona Voter Information Database Steering Committee and is a court-appointed member of a Foster Care Review Board. Currently, she is scheduled to receive her National Certification as an Election & Registration Administrator from Auburn University in August 2025. Michelle lives in Prescott Valley with her husband, children, and grandchildren.
Gabriella Cazares-Kelly – Bio
Gabriella Cazares-Kelly (she/her) is the Pima County Recorder, taking office in January 2021. She leads an office that oversees voter registration, early voting, and document recording for the county. She is a proud, union-dues-paying, former #RedForEd public school educator and community organizer. She is one of four women who co-founded Indivisible Tohono, a grassroots, community organization that provides opportunities for education and civic engagement for members of her tribe, the Tohono O’odham Nation. She was inspired to run for office after encountering many systemic barriers preventing people from simply getting registered to vote. She lives with her husband, Ryan, and their two children, who are now voting age. She is the first Native American to hold an elected Pima County office and one of only four Native Americans to ever hold a county-level office in Arizona. @GabriellaCKelly @PimaRecorder
Presentation:
Benefits of Early Voting & Ballot Drop Box Safety Presentation
5:00 PM - Wrap up
Presenter:
Fatima Fernandez, Town Clerk, Town of Prescott Valley
Thursday July 24 - AMCA Elections Training
7:30 AM - Breakfast
8:00 AM - Introduction / Housekeeping
Presenter:
Fatima Fernandez, Town Clerk, Town of Prescott Valley
8:02 AM - Announce Basket Winners
Presenter:
Amy Putnam, Town Clerk, Town of Parker
8:07 AM - Campaign Finance 101: Legal Requirements and Best Practices
Presenter:
Christina Estes Werther, Partner, Pierce Coleman PLLC
Christina Estes Werther – Bio
Christina Estes Werther is a Partner at Pierce Coleman PLLC and has extensive state and local government experience, specifically in election law. As a former State Election Director for the State of Arizona and a current certified election officer, Christina has represented local governments in various election-related matters. Christina serves as primary legal counsel for municipalities and is a Citizens Clean Elections Commissioner.
Christina received her J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, Washington and a B.S. in Family Studies and Human Development from the University of Arizona.
Presentations:
Campaign Finance 101 Presentation
Campaign Finance Hypotheticals Presentation
Documents:
Campaign Finance Reporting Schedule 2026 Elections
Suggested Clerk Conflict of Interest Reporting for 2026 Elections
Campaign Finance Hypotheticals - Breakout Groups
12:00 PM - Wrap up
Presenter:
Fatima Fernandez, Town Clerk, Town of Prescott Valley; Scholarship Committee
12:30 PM - Elections Certification Testing
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Conference Rates
AMCA Member
One Day - Tuesday, July 22 | AMCA Annual Conference:
$125 - Includes breakfast, lunch and reception
One and 1/2 Days - Wednesday and Thursday, July 23 & 24 | Elections Training:
$140 - Includes breakfast and lunch on Wednesday and breakfast on Thursday
Full registration for two and 1/2 Days | Both Annual Conference and Elections Training:
$200 - Includes food and reception for all days
Non AMCA Member
One Day - Tuesday, July 22 | AMCA Annual Conference:
$135 - Includes breakfast, lunch and reception
One and 1/2 Days - Wednesday and Thursday, July 23 & 24 | Elections Training:
$155 - Includes breakfast and lunch on Wednesday and breakfast on Thursday
Full registration for two and 1/2 Days | Both Annual Conference and Elections Training:
$230 - Includes food and reception for all days
Registration closes on July 11, 2025.
Cancellations must be received in writing prior to July 11, 2025 to league@azleague.org to receive a partial refund. All cancellations will be charged a $20 cancellation fee.
No refunds will be provided after this date.