FALLSBURG— After almost 33 years Fallsburg Town Clerk Donna Akerley said it was time to move on, and she will be retiring from her position effective August 31.

Akerley said it feels like the right time “for me to pass the torch ... Thanks to our wonderful community and voters; I’m fortunate to have kept my job this long. I feel honored to have been entrusted with my position and serving the good people of the Town of Fallsburg”.

The town clerk’s office, Akerley said, is the gateway to the town’s government. “We’re the first face you see, and as a town clerk, I always strive to do my best and to keep a smooth and friendly interaction for the community.”

Akerley was appointed Deputy Town Clerk in 1989, after being chosen off a civil service exam.

The position of town clerk opened up in 2007 and she was offered a chance to run.

“After 18 years of experience, I figured it would be a good time to give it a try and advance myself with the town, and I was successful,” Akerley said.

Akerley has run successfully ever since.

Akerley was born in Mount Vernon, NY, and grew up in the Ulster County area but then moved to Sullivan County after meeting her future husband, Eric Akerley.

“I followed my heart and moved up here to Sullivan County to be with him,” said Akerley.

Her husband is a retired corrections officer and past fire chief of the Woodridge fire department, her son, Nolan, is a corrections officer and the current fire chief for Woodridge, and her daughter, Amie, is an Executive Host at Resorts World Catskills. 

When looking back at her career as a town clerk, she says there are so many fond memories.

“I’m very fortunate to have a wonderful community to live in and work in. I raised my family here and have enjoyed a beautiful life in the Town of Fallsburg,” said Akerley.

She said over the years and seeing everyone who comes through her office, she has been able to develop lasting friendships, and that is really special.

“Just seeing their smiling faces and coming in and chatting with me, sharing their lives and stories with me, it’s been very, very rewarding,” said Akerley. 

Akerley also served as the Land Tax Collector, Marriage Officer, Licensing Officer, Permits Officer, Elections Officer, Notary, Past Website Master, FOIL Officer, Records Management Officer, and Registrar of Vital Statistics for the town.

“Being a marriage officer and actually performing someone’s marriage ceremony [is] one of the most enjoyable parts of the job for me. It’s been amazing to share in someone’s special day like that, and an honor to even be asked to do something so beautiful,” she said.  

Akerley is the first town clerk to ever be appointed marriage officer in the history of Fallsburg.

Technology has evolved since her time as a Deputy town clerk and town clerk. 

In fact, Akerley said she was part of a team that helped transition the town from analog to digital, implementing the town’s utility billing system.

After Akerley retires on August 31, she said she is looking forward to returning back to the “private sector of her life” and no longer being a public official. 

“I just want to spend more time with my family and have more time to enjoy all the things that make me happy,” said Akerley.

She said she will continue to be part of the community and is not going anywhere and will continue to volunteer her time.

One of the things she is most proud of during her time as town clerk has been the “giving tree.” It was a sustainable project brought to her from the girl scouts at the time and Donna has kept it going for many years.

The giving tree is full of items that have been donated and hung outside for those who are less fortunate to come and take a bag of what they need without judgment.

“It was extremely successful, and I will still continue to do the program at a different location,” added Akerley. 

She has also used her office as the hub for local food pantry donations which have been distributed for over 15 years. Donna has also utilized her office getting backpacks filled with school supplies and holiday gifts to children in the community through her partnership with the Boys and Girls Club.

“I appreciate all the kind support from my community over the years allowing me to remain their town clerk,” Akerley said. “I’m going to miss seeing their faces on a regular basis from my office. I just hope everyone stays happy and healthy and are kind to one another, our world definitely needs more kindness.”