The Arkansas City Clerks, Recorders and Treasurers Association (ACCRTA) proudly presented the inaugural Barbara Blackard Award on June 19 during the Arkansas Municipal League Convention. Fittingly, the first honoree was Barbara Blackard, the award’s namesake, in recognition of her decades of service as City Clerk of Clarksville and her enduring contributions to ACCRTA.

Created to celebrate exceptional professionalism, leadership, and service within Arkansas’s municipal clerk community, the Barbara Blackard Award recognizes individuals who exemplify Blackard’s legacy of dedication and ethical excellence. Eligibility reflects a high standard of commitment, including significant tenure in municipal service; active involvement and leadership within ACCRTA; engagement with the Arkansas Municipal League; meaningful community service; and a demonstrated commitment to mentorship and professional integrity.

Barbara's career and influence embody these values, making her the perfect first recipient of this distinguished honor. ACCRTA congratulates her and looks forward to recognizing future leaders who continue to elevate the profession across Arkansas.