Continuing and Professional Education

When Kimberly Ellis attended her first Virginia Municipal Clerks Association (VMCA) Institutes and Academy, she never imagined that one day she’d be leading the organization. 

“I was just so enamored by how smart [the other clerks] were, how polished, and how giving of themselves and their knowledge they were. I just wanted to be a part of that,” Ellis said.

Now in her 11th year as a clerk and her first year as VMCA president, Ellis is passionate about sharing just how transformational the annual VMCA Institutes and Academy can be. More than just a training opportunity, Ellis says the event cultivates a community of support that has helped her grow both professionally and personally.

The VMCA Institutes and Academy will return to Richmond this fall from Oct. 7 to Oct. 10 at the Drury Plaza Hotel. Hosted in partnership with VCU Continuing and Professional Education, the International Institute for Municipal Clerks (IIMC) and the Virginia Municipal Clerks Association (VMCA), the VMCA Institutes and Academy offers three tracks for municipal clerks at all stages of their careers. They include:

Municipal Clerk Fundamentals Institute

Designed for newcomers who haven’t attended an IIMC-approved institute before, this track delivers the core knowledge and vital skills needed to thrive as a municipal clerk.

Municipal Clerk Emerging Leaders Institute

Created for experienced clerks looking to advance, this track focuses on leadership,  public administration and key management concepts that elevate professional growth.

Municipal Clerk Master Academy

Tailored for veteran clerks who hold the CMC designation, this advanced track tackles complex public service challenges and hones leadership capabilities for top-tier municipal roles.

Once you choose a track, you’ll attend sessions led by expert faculty and experienced clerks. These sessions create a space for clerks to share experiences, solve problems together and explore new skills. That continuing education is essential, Ellis says, to staying up-to-date as a clerk. 

“Things change, the rules change, even your board changes,” Ellis said. 

In addition to the curriculum, the connections formed at the VMCA Institutes and Academy leave a lasting impact. Whether this is your first time attending or your tenth, the VMCA Institutes and Academy is your opportunity to connect and grow.

“I have met really lifelong friends.” Ellis said. “It doesn't matter if you have worked in your locality for six months or if you've been there for 10 years, you are instantly a part of that.”

Registration is now open for the 2025 Virginia Municipal Clerks Association (VMCA) Institutes and Academy. It will be held Oct. 7- 10 at the Drury Plaza Hotel in Richmond, Va. Following the conference, VCU CPE will distribute an assessment to qualifying participants. Clerks who attend all sessions and achieve a score of 80% or higher on the assessment, as required by IIMC, will earn IIMC points.