Yes, there is a “Government Knowledge Keeper” in the city of Holladay. For 25 years, Stephanie Carlson has served as the City Recorder for Holladay City. She plays a crucial role in the efficient functioning of the city's local government by maintaining accurate records, overseeing elections, facilitating transparent communication with the public, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. 

“Stephanie is the person who keeps all of our memories, both in the formal sense and also in the informal way,” Holladay City Manager Gina Chamness said. “A critical part of her job is keeping the city's records. Informally, she remembers what is important to everyone and works hard to ensure that everyone’s priorities are met. For me, Stephanie has been invaluable in making sense of why things are done in a particular way. She helps me to think through the pros and cons of making a change. Stephanie has been a critical part of Holladay from the city’s inception. It is both an honor and a privilege to recognize her contribution of the past 25 years.”

After high school graduation, Carlson worked for the Utah League of Cities and Towns (ULCT). This nonpartisan, interlocal government cooperative represents the interests of Utah's cities and towns. She held a part-time position at ULCT until she graduated from the University of Utah with a degree in political science and a minor in international relations. She then moved into a full-time position with ULCT. 

“Everyone thought after I graduated from college, I would go to law school. I had no desire to go to law school,” Carlson said. “I enjoyed working in government and all the different aspects.”

Carlson’s strong analytical communication skills, problem-solving abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and organization, supported by an exceptional memory, could have led to the beginning of a successful law career. Instead of pursuing law, she chose a career with Holladay City. On May 4, 1999, residents voted to incorporate Holladay, and with an overwhelming 83% approval, Holladay City was officially established on Nov. 30, 1999. Carlson was hired to serve as City Recorder the following year. 

“I think that there is little that Stephanie hasn’t done or seen,” Chamness said. “A lot of what she does may not be high profile, but it is critical. She is the person I will call when something isn’t working. She’s the person we call when the security system isn’t working, the email isn’t working, or the HVAC isn’t working. Her focus is always on problem-solving, and she gets it done.”  

Carlson served on the board of the Utah Municipal Clerks Association, a professional organization dedicated to supporting municipal clerks and recorders in Utah. She held various leadership positions, including president and treasurer, and enjoyed her time mentoring new clerks. She has both a Master Municipal Clerk designation, which enhances the job performance of clerks and recorders, and a Utah Certified Clerk State Certification—a rigorous designation earned by completing various educational and professional development opportunities.

People have an innate sense of pride in where they come from when living in Holladay. They strive to respect the community's history. Carlson has been instrumental in helping new city councilmembers understand the vision of the councils that came before, providing them with the necessary information from the past. For her 25 years of service to Holladay's elected officials, city staff, and the community, Carlson was awarded a certificate of accomplishment during a recent city council meeting.

“From the beginning, you’ve seen every mayor and city council. You were here through changing the form of government, through a recession, the mall being torn down, and the pandemic. You should write a book, Stephanie,” Mayor Rob Dahle said to Carlson in jest. “So, to be in a place for 25 years and watch it grow and evolve and become what it is today, I’m proud of you, and I think the council is pretty proud of you for that as well. You’ve played a big part in the establishment of the city, and you should be commended for that. You’ve been awesome. You’ve kept me from tripping up on many occasions. Congratulations, Stephanie.” 

Carlson is responsible for maintaining and organizing all official city records. This includes overseeing a variety of documents, such as ordinances, resolutions, meeting minutes, legal documents and historical records. She has worked with every department and is familiar with their respective responsibilities. She is a key figure in the city, serving as a central point for interacting with the public to fulfill information requests and maintain transparency in government operations.

“It’s great getting to know the Holladay community,” Carlson said. “Also, I love the diversity of my job and the people I’ve had the opportunity to work with over the years. I've been in awe as I have watched the mayors and councilmembers grow in their positions. I’ve enjoyed helping the city to grow and am excited to reflect on how far we’ve come and even more excited for where we’re headed next.”

Outside of city hall, Carlson enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters, and son-in-law. She also shares her love of travel, rodeos and concerts with her family. 

“My daughters were raised around city government,” Carlson said. “I don’t live in Holladay, so when my children were younger, I brought them here to attend the schools in Holladay. Family is very important at Holladay City Hall. There was always flexibility in my work schedule, so if needed, I could take the time to attend school events or other important activities.”