Jeri-Lynn Clark, longtime executive assistant to the Federal Way City Council, is embarking on a new adventure after 21 years working with the City of Federal Way.

Clark took on the role as executive assistant eight years ago, “and it was the best choice that we have made as a council, in my opinion,” said Deputy Mayor Susan Honda on Jan. 18.

“She went out of her way, every single day, 24 hours a day, to be available to us and to help us,” Honda said. “She will be missed.”

Clark is the Mirror’s Hometown Hero for January. She was honored at the Jan. 18 city council meeting, presented with flowers by Honda.

In the beginning of the pandemic, Clark kept the meetings running amid the switch to virtual by answering council members’ last-minute questions and sending Zoom links, said Council President Linda Kochmar.

The appeal of a 10-minute commute to her new job in another city was hard to turn down, Clark said at the Jan. 18 meeting, but her departure isn’t because she doesn’t love Federal Way.

“Making this decision was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made because I truly love this city and I love my council,” she said, thanking the mayor, the council members and the residents of Federal Way.

Clark played an instrumental role in the city’s senior programs. About 15 years ago, she started the Forgotten Senior program. This year, the program adopted 25 local seniors at the Avalon Adult Care facility. Gifts and cards were donated by Pacific Christian Academy, Family Life, Steele Lake Presbyterian Church and city staff.

“Jeri-Lynn has been a true friend and advocate for our community,” said Shelley Pauls of the We Love Our City nonprofit. “She is constantly behind the scenes working to help others.”

Pauls said Clark has a genuine heart of love for others, especially the elderly.

“The We Love Our City team has always loved partnering with Jeri-Lynn,” Pauls said.