When her time in office comes to an end next month, Tammy Vopat will have been the longest-tenured Lyon County Clerk in recent memory, but truth be told, it was never a position she saw herself in.
During an interview with KVOE on Monday’s Talk of Emporia, Vopat reflected on her 16-year career which began in 2008 when she was elected to replace longtime clerk Karen Hartenbower. Before being elected as County Clerk, Vopat spent seven years working in the county appraiser’s office after a two-decade career with IBP both on the processing floor and personnel offices.
Vopat looked back at her time at IBP and says her experiences there taught her several important lessons that would serve her well in her future career.
Vopat gives the credit for her decision to run for office to her husband John Vopat who originally broached the subject following longtime clerk Karen Hartenbower’s retirement announcement.
Over her 16-year tenure, Vopat says many challenges came with the job but says even if she was fearful she never backed down saying “I did it scared” noting that sometimes having a bit of fear is not a bad thing.
Reflecting on her proudest achievements in office, Vopat says one of the most rewarding experiences in her career came at the state level through her involvement with the Kansas County Clerks and Election Officials Association where she assisted with the Sanborn training that all clerks must undergo.
Vopat feels her role in helping prepare the clerks of the future was her way of paying back all of those who supported her early on and throughout her career.
Vopat also had several thank yous to offer including to the Lyon County Voters who allowed her to continue serving the county, her colleagues, including former County Commissioner Scott Briggs, Lyon County Treasurer Sharon Gaede and Register of Deeds Wendy Weiss as well as her family, many of whom have been regulars in the election office each election cycle.
A retirement reception for Vopat will take place inside of the Lyon County Courthouse room 201 on Friday, January 10 at 1 pm. Aimee Jackson was chosen by local voters to replace Vopat as Lyon County Clerk.
