Since May 4, Shelby Watkins has filled the position of Bridgeport City Clerk. The former Shelby Sandefur is a 1995 Bridgeport High School graduate who spent some time living in Nashville before returning to her hometown. She most recently worked as unit secretary at United Hospital’s Health South rehabilitation center. She and her husband Greg live in Bridgeport with their sons, six-year-old Trent and four-year-old Wyatt.

 

Watkins said she is enjoying her job as city clerk and executive assistant to Mayor Andy Lang and City Manager Kim Haws.

 

“I have always loved our town and I love to be part of the community,” she said. “…Now I get the chance to actually feel like I’m part of the community and everything that is going on here.”

 

Attending City Council meetings is probably her favorite duty as she gets to learn more about city happenings.

 

Watkins holds a degree in speech communications from Fairmont State University. After graduating from FSU, she relocated to Nashville to pursue a singing career.

 

“I lived there six years and did some backup singing; not for any big names, but to get my name out there. I loved it, but felt like a small fish in a big pond and just decided to come back home and try to do some singing here,” she said.

 

In 2009, Watkins won the Colgate Country Showdown on a local level and advanced to the state level of the talent competition. She continues to seek out venues for her vocal talent and may be participating in an ensemble to perform at the newly-renovated Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg.

 

Watkins replaces former City Clerk Andrea Kerr, who took the job of Bridgeport community development director after the retiring of Randy Spellman. 

 

Editor's Note: Watkins in pictured above and right with City Council member Dustin Vincent (left) and Mayor Andy Lang at a work session of Bridgeport City Council. Watkins works out of Bridgeport Municipal Building on West Main Street.