At the City of Clarkston, we take pride in recognizing the hard work and dedication of our employees. Each month, staff members nominate colleagues who exemplify outstanding performance, commitment, and alignment with the City's core values.
Our Employee of the Month honorees go above and beyond in serving the community, fostering teamwork, and making a meaningful impact in their roles. We celebrate their achievements and thank them for their dedication to making Clarkston a great place to live and work.
Meet Our Honorees
Click on a tab below to view each month's featured employee, including their name, photo, and a brief highlight of their contributions.
Employee Name: Aram Saleh
Position: Police Detective
Detective Aram Saleh was nominated for Employee of the Month for his dedication, teamwork, and commitment to public safety. He consistently brings a positive attitude, actively volunteers for City events, and supports the patrol division when needed. His proactive approach to identifying high-crime areas and making arrests demonstrates his commitment to reducing crime. Recently, his diligence and determination led to the successful apprehension of a burglary suspect at a local daycare, highlighting his dedication to protecting the community.
Employee Name: Jacqueline Taylor
Position: Accountant
Jacqueline Taylor was nominated for Employee of the Month for her exceptional efficiency, initiative, and positive impact on the workplace. She consistently delivers high-quality work, independently manages her responsibilities, and ensures tasks are completed promptly. Her ability to balance two roles demonstrates her resilience and dedication. Jacqueline fosters a collaborative and welcoming environment with her supportive demeanor and proactive approach. She also enhances operational processes through creative problem-solving and maintains accuracy in payroll, building trust with colleagues and stakeholders. Her commitment to excellence and service makes her a valued team member.
Employee Name: Craig Earle II
Position: Police Officer
Officer Craig Earle II has been selected as the March 2025 Employee of the Month for his exceptional work ethic, leadership, and dedication to the City of Clarkston. He played a vital role in a recent homicide investigation by assisting detectives with follow-ups, developing leads, and processing evidence, all while consistently meeting report deadlines and managing high call volumes with professionalism. Officer Earle brings a positive attitude to every shift and fosters a collaborative environment by guiding newer officers and helping them navigate the diverse community with care and understanding. His commitment to public safety, proactive approach to problem-solving, and ability to connect with both colleagues and residents reflect the core values of the department and make him a standout member of the team.
Employee Name: June Davis
Position: Administrative Assistant
June Davis has been nominated for Employee of the Month in recognition of her unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service and her ability to foster a welcoming environment for all who enter City Hall. June consistently greets every visitor with warmth and professionalism, maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor even in challenging situations.
Her dedication to serving others was especially evident when she assisted a frustrated business owner facing delays with a license and permit application. Despite the issue stemming from a mismatch in the business name, June offered reassurance and clear guidance, helping the individual feel heard and supported. Her empathy and patience allowed the business owner to regroup and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue. June’s compassion, reliability, and problem-solving skills embody the City of Clarkston’s values and reflect our ongoing commitment to community care and service excellence.
Employee Name: Shennetha Smith
Position: Code Compliance Officer
Shennetha Smith, Code Compliance Officer, has been selected as Employee of the Month for her outstanding dedication to public safety, housing quality, and community engagement. Shennetha has demonstrated exceptional effectiveness in ensuring that Clarkston’s multi-family housing units meet code compliance standards, issuing hundreds of violations this year that have directly contributed to safer and more livable conditions for residents. Known for her strict but friendly approach, she consistently balances enforcement with education, working professionally and respectfully with residents and property owners—even in the most challenging situations. Her approachable demeanor builds trust, while her innovative problem-solving and commitment to customer service promote collaboration and shared responsibility. Whether identifying practical solutions in the field or streamlining internal processes, Shennetha takes initiative and ownership in every aspect of her work. Her efforts reflect the City of Clarkston’s values and continue to make a meaningful impact on the quality of life in our community.
Employee Name: Retonjah Burdette
Position: Communications Director
As Communications Director, Retonjah Burdette plays a key role in how the City of Clarkston communicates with and serves its residents. She consistently delivers high-quality work under tight deadlines, managing a wide range of responsibilities including press outreach, crisis communication, branding, and the development of promotional materials for citywide events and initiatives. Her attention to detail, calm under pressure, and ability to adapt make her an essential part of the city’s operations. Retonjah regularly collaborates across departments to support their communications needs, often stepping in on short notice to help ensure messaging is clear, consistent, and community-centered. Her commitment to transparency, equity, and accessibility is reflected in every aspect of her work, helping to strengthen public trust and elevate Clarkston’s presence. Her leadership and dedication continue to make a meaningful impact on both the organization and the community.