Lilburn Luminaries: A Q&A with Lilburn's Own Kathy Maner

Making it happen is exactly what Kathy Maner does.

As Lilburn's City Clerk, Maner wears many hats. Co-workers and residents say she not only does it well, she does it with care, insight and always with a smile. No job is too "tall" (there are step stools for that), too difficult ("she's very flexible!"), or too obscure for her complete attention. She's considered not only a dynamo, but a major part of what makes Lilburn great to live and work.

Patch: What is your title and position/duties for the city? 

Maner: My title is City Clerk and my duties have varied over the years, but I serve the Mayor and council for administrative needs. I am the official keeper of the city records, I receive legal filings such as suits on behalf of the city and I’m in charge of codification of ordinances. I also record and transcribe minutes for all council meetings, and at present I do the same for the Alcohol Review Board, as well as issuing alcohol licenses. Right now, I am coordinating city personnel in the area of events. I am the election superintendent for the city.  Plus whatever they need for me to do.

Patch: How long have you worked for the City of Lilburn? 

Maner: Since Jan. 23, 1993.  I started as a clerk, became assistance city clerk in 1999, and city clerk in 2000. 

Patch: What has been a favorite moment of working for Lilburn? 

Maner: There are so many! Like spending my 37th wedding anniversary judging one of our Lilburn Idol competitions (a judge cancelled at the last minute) while my sweet husband waited patiently in a lawn chair for me to finish and for us to leave at 10:00 PM to go celebrate instead of what he had so carefully planned. Believe it our not, that was a good memory. And just recently, another favorite moment was working together with precious people who have become my friends over the years to pull together a luncheon for the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce, in a closed down gutted restaurant that somehow became a whimsical place.     

Patch: Have there been any low-spots? 

Maner: I remember like it was yesterday when Police Officer Mike Hester was killed in the line of duty in 1994. Everyone here was so devastated, but they pulled together for Mike’s family, and I really saw what a family we had all become.

Patch: Do you live in the city? What is your favorite thing about Lilburn?

Maner: I have a Lilburn address, just a couple miles outside city limits. It’s home. I graduated from Berkmar High School. I know this city from experience. I know so many of its people. 

Patch: Where do you see Lilburn in the next five years? 

Maner: I’d like to see us accomplish our goals for annexation and I’d like to see Big League Dreams succeed in bringing life and revenue to the city to support the services we’ve come to be known for, such as our police department, and our streets maintenance.  I hope to see empty shopping centers filled with prosperous businesses and a real sense of community for all those who come here to enjoy our “Small Town, Big Difference.”