CLARK, NJ - Edith "Edie" Merkel, who has served as Clark's municipal clerk since 2007, will retire June 1 after 24 years with the township — a career that began at a dinner table, grew through decades of late nights and long election days, and leaves behind a staff she personally trained to carry on the work.
The Clark Township Council honored Merkel with a proclamation at its May 18 meeting, where her family surprised her by showing up in force.
"It has been an honor and privilege to serve the residents of Clark, this council, and previous members of council for the past 24 years," Merkel said. "I've also had the privilege of working with two great mayors and administrators who have worked tirelessly to make Clark one of the best places to live in New Jersey."
Merkel joined the township on June 1, 2002, as a keyboarding clerk. She earned her Registered Municipal Clerk certification in April 2005 and was promoted to assistant municipal clerk that same year, before being appointed to the top role in 2007.
Her path to the clerk's office was shaped early. She credited her father — who worked in local government, served as a business administrator, and later as director of the Division of Local Government Services — with sparking her interest in public service through conversations at the family dinner table.
"My training for this position started when I was a teenager," she said. "My dad's discussions around the dinner table sparked my interest in public service. He loved what he did, which had a big influence on my decision to pursue a degree in public administration and business management."
Her father took her to state panel discussions and to Gov. Brendan Byrne's state of the state address. "I had a front row seat to learn about government operations," she said.
Mayor Angel Albanese, who grew emotional during the presentation, said Merkel's most important contribution may have been building the team she leaves behind.
"One real sign of leadership is how you've really brought together a new team," Albanese said. "It says a lot about how you can easily turn everything over to these individuals."
Merkel specifically thanked longtime colleagues Terry and Dawn, as well as her incoming successors — Nicole Castellucci, who was appointed acting municipal clerk at the same meeting, along with Christina and Gina.
"The new team brings a fresh, technology-forward approach," Merkel said. "They're doing a great job and will continue to support the council and the residents."
She closed her remarks with a nod to her husband Jack — "getting ready to be with me full time" — and their three children and grandchildren, including a granddaughter in South Carolina who recently told her: "Nana, next time you come to South Carolina, you can stay as long as you want."
"Here we come, Ellie," Merkel said.
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