Asheville City Council Appoints New City Clerk

Jodilynn Byrd will take over the role following the retirement of long-time clerk Maggie Burleson.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a stylized stone archway relief, symbolizing municipal administration and civic continuity in Asheville. — Jodilynn Byrd has been appointed as Asheville’s new city clerk, succeeding Maggie Burleson, who retires after 50 years of service. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Asheville City Council has officially appointed Jodilynn Byrd as the new city clerk. Byrd steps into the role as outgoing clerk Maggie Burleson prepares for retirement after more than 50 years of dedicated service.

Why it matters

The appointment marks a significant leadership transition for the city of Asheville as it replaces a half-century of institutional knowledge. Byrd brings administrative experience from her previous role to oversee the essential functions of the city clerk's office.

Maggie Burleson is retiring after over 50 years of service in the clerk position. Jodilynn Byrd previously served as deputy city clerk for Jacksonville Beach starting in 2021.

The players

Jodilynn Byrd

She is the newly appointed city clerk of Asheville who previously worked as a deputy city clerk in Jacksonville Beach.

Maggie Burleson

She is the retiring Asheville city clerk who provided over 50 years of municipal service to the local community.

Asheville City Council

The local governing body responsible for legislative decisions and the appointment of key city officials in Asheville.

The details

Jodilynn Byrd was formally sworn in during a special meeting held by the city council. She is set to begin her official duties on November 1, 2026.

Jodilynn Byrd began serving as deputy city clerk in 2021.
Byrd was sworn in as city clerk on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.
Byrd officially begins her duties on November 1, 2026.

Market Landscape

This appointment concludes the 50-year tenure of Maggie Burleson, representing a rare generational shift in municipal leadership. The move aligns Asheville with broader trends of administrative turnover as long-term civil servants reach retirement age.

Residents can expect continuity in the office's core record-keeping and administrative functions as the transition occurs. The clerk's office remains the primary point of contact for public records and local legislative filings.

The takeaway

The transition underscores the importance of succession planning within city government to maintain institutional memory. Citizens should continue to utilize the clerk's office for public documentation needs as the leadership change takes effect.