By Martin Couch
Brenda Cockerham was named the Bryant City Clerk in 2001 by an appointment of the Bryant City Council. After winning two elections for consecutive four-year terms, she has now served the city of Bryant for nine years.
"I was very fortunate to work at the Bryant Chamber of Commerce as the Executive Director for about five years," Cockerham said. "I realized that I had a love for community involvement and helping to promote the benefits of living in Bryant. When the opportunity to work for the city arose, I applied."[more]
Cockerham likes the people she gets to work with at City Hall.
"I am privileged to work for the city and with a great group of people that have a heart to make Bryant the best it can be," she said. "The least favorite thing, I would have to say, is not having the privilege to vote on anything that comes before the Council, because the clerks position is only administrative."
Cockerham's position is vital to Bryant city government. The City Clerk has custody of all laws and ordinances of the city. She maintains the official records and public documents of the city as well as signing and sealing all documents with the official City Seal. Cockerham also provides staff support for the City Council, processes, records and publishes the proceedings of the Council meetings. The clerk receives, files and retains the Code of Ethics and Financial Disclosure Statements from appointed municipal commissioners, as well as elected officials. She also works in cooperation with the Saline County Election Commission to prepare for city elections.
Cockerham and her husband Tom have three sons, Jason, Chris and Travis, and one daughter, Sarah. She also has three daughters-in-law and three grandchildren.
"I have a wonderful family," Cockerham said. "We have lived in Bryant for about 15 years and have been very active in the community. We are members of the First Southern Baptist Church where I am a third grade Sunday School teacher. My husband and I helped to start the Bryant Soccer Club and we've remained active in it for many years."
But for Cockerham, the most appealing part of living in Bryant was its community atmosphere.
"When we were transferred to Little Rock, we wanted a safe, close-knit community with an excellent school system in which to raise our two youngest children," she said. "We found all we wanted and needed in Bryant. And with the growth that this city has seen in the years we've lived here, I know others have found the same."
