Evelyn Reece had a simple, yet profound way to describe Kim Bradford.
“I inherited a clerk with superpowers,” Lexington’s mayor said.
Reece, who started her term in January, is the fourth mayor to work with Bradford, who has been in her role of city clerk for 10 years. She’s been a steady presence at city hall as Reece emphasized Bradford’s professionalism, kindness, efficiency and community knowledge.
Bradford’s impact has been so great that Reece and the city released a proclamation announcing Aug. 3-6 as Kim Bradford Appreciation Week.
“She’s a big part of the glue in Lexington,” Reece said.
Bradford, who was surprised on Monday with flowers, said the community response has been overwhelming. Residents have dropped off homemade goods and sent cards and emails.
“I’m just really grateful,” Bradford said. “Everybody's been so sweet.”
Bradford moved to Lexington with Gene, her husband, to care for her mother, and she found the listing for the job in the paper. It was originally a part-time position, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., which allowed her to work locally and visit her mother.
Following her mother’s death, Bradford stepped into a more full-time role, taking on more responsibilities and hours.
Bradford said the most rewarding part of her job is seeing Lexington succeed. It’s especially satisfying when the city secures grants or completes visible improvements like paving projects, flags and planters.
“It’s a sense of community trying to come together, and I think the city definitely needs that,” Bradford said.
Her role comes with many challenges.
She previously worked with a furniture company and her husband’s automotive shop. Bradford said the accounting part was easy, but the transition into government work was her biggest adjustment.
There are a lot of steps involved with the government, so it takes time to get things done, she said.
“That was the most challenging, because I’m like, ‘Why can’t we just do it?’ ” Bradford said.
Another major challenge is managing the water department, as it encompasses over 370 hookups and serves other communities. Bradford often works alone to email and call residents to alert them when there is a leak or a water shutoff due to repairs.
Bradford’s role also includes maintaining records of multiple boards, such as the Historic Preservation Commission and the Downtown Development Authority.
Reece said Bradford insisted her desk be at the front of city hall so people can be greeted immediately, highlighting her “top-notch” customer service. Reece said Bradford has a personal connection with the residents, remembering names of pets and relatives and the specific details of their lives.
Ronnie Boggs, chairman of The Oglethorpe Echo Legacy Inc., worked with Bradford for four years on city council and one year as mayor of Lexington.
Boggs emphasized her ability to handle many tasks and described Bradford as extremely professional, hardworking and dedicated.
“She is a Swiss Army knife,” he said. “The city is blessed to have her.”