The City of Kannapolis is bidding farewell to a dedicated servant as City Clerk Bridgette Bell announces her retirement. With a tenure spanning 37 years, Bell has become an institution within the city's government, working closely with six mayors, 21 city council members, and four city managers. Her career's longevity is noteworthy, as she's been a part of the city's journey almost since its incorporation 40 years ago. Bell has been synonymous with more than 1,700 council meetings, diligently recording minutes and maintaining the bureaucratic lifeblood of the community.
In a statement published by the City of Kannapolis, Bell reflects on her years of service, expressing a mix of melancholy and anticipation for the future. "I have had the pleasure of meeting lots of amazing people and forming lifelong friendships, both in the private sector and internally with my co-workers," Bell said. It is her decision to embark on retirement that she describes as exciting, providing her with the chance to do things she’s always planned but never found the time for.
Bridgette Bell joined Kannapolis in 1987, when then City Manager Gene McCombs tapped her through a temp agency to "tryout" the city clerk role, as stated by the City of Kannapolis. Her initial temporary position rapidly cemented into a permanent role, and Bell’s career became deeply intertwined with the city’s fabric. Her work bloomed from finance and payroll duties to include serving as the archivist of civic decisions.
The importance of Bell's contributions was highlighted by Kannapolis City Manager Mike Legg, who noted her profound impact on the city. "Bridgette has been an integral part of Kannapolis for 37 years. She has touched nearly every important document we have generated as a City since our incorporation in 1984," Legg commented, detailed by the City of Kannapolis. He praised her commitment and offered heartfelt wishes for her retirement.
A Kannapolis native and alumna of A.L. Brown High School, Bell achieved the designations of Certified Municipal Clerk and Master Municipal Clerk during her career. She also made her mark on a broader scale by serving on the board of the N.C. Association of Municipal Clerks. Her city recognized her dedication and long-standing service with a proclamation, while a resolution honoring her service was passed by the N.C. Association of Municipal Clerks.
As she steps away from her municipal responsibilities, Bell anticipates spending more time with her husband, Larry, with plans to travel and enjoy the leisure of retirement. Friends, colleagues, and the city leaders of Kannapolis send her off with deep gratitude for her nearly four decades of dedication to the administrative life of their city.
