Highlighting Inspiring Women: She is a doer

Throughout March, which is Women’s History Month, the North Iowa Times-Clayton County Register is again publishing a series of articles highlighting local women. Whether it’s through their careers, hobbies, volunteer efforts or unique personalities, these women have become an inspiration to others.

By Audrey Posten, Times-Register

Jennifer Garms grew up in Algona, in north-central Iowa, and studied accounting for two years at the University of Northern Iowa before switching her major to GIS (geographic information systems). At the time, she didn’t know both areas of study would come in handy when she took a position at the Clayton County Auditor’s Office in 2007—and was later elected Clayton County Auditor in 2016.

“I’m in a position where I do accounting and real estate and GIS, so it’s kind of unique that it fits,” she said.

Jennifer described her office as the hub of county government.

“We interact with all departments because we do all the financials. We also handle payroll and claims for payment and duties such as passports,” among many others, she explained.

Jennifer also serves as clerk to the county board of supervisors and commissioner of elections.

“Those are big things: finances and elections,” she quipped.

Ranked 40th in population in the state of Iowa, Clayton County is considered medium in size. In larger counties, some of the aforementioned duties might be split into multiple positions, but here, staff wear multiple hats. The county auditor is also seen as less of a “delegator” and more of a “doer,” said Jennifer.

“You have your hands in different things,” she said.

While Jennifer joked she’d love to pass tax increment financing off to another person, she enjoys the variety of the position and the opportunity to make a difference. It’s what tempted her to run for election.

“I wanted to be able to make some of those rules, make some of those changes, where you can only be in that leadership role,” she said. “Plus, I thought I could further Clayton County and the state as a whole if I got involved more. And I don’t mind the challenge.”

Of all her duties, Jennifer enjoys elections most. 

Although it takes up a great deal of time—even more so when the law changes—“it’s interesting,” she said, “and it affects so many people of different ages.”

Jennifer has been able to speak about the importance of voting at local schools, and recently visited Clayton Ridge High School when it received the Iowa Secretary of State’s Carrie Chapman Catt Award for registering at least 90 percent of eligible students to vote. Central is also vying for the honor.

While high profile general elections often see the largest voter turnout, Jennifer advocates voting in all elections.

“I would make the pitch that local elections are more important than the presidential elections. Voting for school board members, and if you live in the city, your city council and mayor, have more of a local effect on you and can affect your day to day more than the federal level. And you get to speak to those people more often,” she explained. “I think it’s important to vote in every election you can. It makes a difference.”

Jennifer has even been able to share her perspective at the state level. Several years ago, she joined the executive board for the Iowa State Association of County Auditors, and now serves as its president. In that role, she plans conferences and trainings and attends meetings.

“We’ve also been taking trips to the capitol and speaking with state senators and representatives, to see what legislation would affect us. Some of the hot topics right now are absentee voting, business property tax credits, even compensation boards,” she said. “Then we bring our conversations back to the auditors as a whole, so we’re all on the same board and have an understanding of what’s going on They, in turn, can also talk to their representatives and senators.”

Additionally, Jennifer was appointed the state election administrator’s training curriculum coordinator, putting her in charge of developing election training materials for all county auditors and their staff. 

“We put together speakers on certain topics and there will be videos and Power Point presentations. The biggest thing is networking and bouncing ideas off each other,” Jennifer said.

She was also selected to the secretary of state’s bipartisan election advisory board, putting her—and Clayton County—at the forefront of all things election related.

“Beyond that, you get to present information that affects auditors, to try to get things to change. Change isn’t going to happen if there isn’t communication there,” she said.

Of county auditors across the state, Jennifer estimated at least two-thirds are women. Fourteen new auditors were elected this past cycle, and many were younger women. 

“It’s not the most appealing job to some people,” Jennifer admitted. “A lot of people will associate the auditor position with a type A personality. You have to be really goal oriented and be able to multi-task. But I think there are a lot of people who like that.”

Thinking back to her college years, or even early on in her career, “I never really thought about striving to go into government work,” said Jennifer, “but now there’s a push for that.”

It’s not glamorous or lucrative, she acknowledged. Negative public perception of government can also be hard to deal with, but she noted officials like herself—especially at the local level—can help bridge that gap.

That’s evident when Jennifer walks to work at the Clayton County Courthouse in Elkader.

“I very rarely make it from my house to work without getting stopped by someone who has a question, especially during election season,” she remarked. “People are afraid to ask questions, but it’s better if they know you. I’m willing to be open, and it doesn’t matter what your party is. I’m going to answer your question the same way. I’m going to tell you what the Iowa Code says and help you get through your situation.”

“Me being involved in other groups outside my job has also helped. Like I’m on the library board and have served on other committees,” she added. “Then they see me on a different level—a more human side.”

Jennifer sees others with the potential to do great things for their communities too, whether it’s serving in local government, volunteering on commissions or boards or joining organizations.

“I think there are a fair amount of people in Clayton County who are willing to get out there. To see people, and women in particular, in positions, it gives them the push to get out there and try something new,” she said. “Why not give it a try?”