For information about Nebraska’s county structure and services, running for office, voting, property records, and anything else related to Seward County, Sherry Schweitzer has been the go-to person for decades.
In December, a variety of Nebraskans voiced their appreciation for her knowledge, professionalism, and service when the Nebraska Association of County Officials presented her with its Lifetime Achievement Award. She is the ninth person to receive such an honor in the award’s seven-year history.
NACO Executive Director Jon Cannon said the award, which was initiated in 2018, recognizes people who have been in an elected county office for more than six terms or have been county employees for more than 25 years.
Schweitzer was first elected county clerk in 1998 after being appointed to the post in 1997. Prior to that, she was deputy clerk for 10 years and had worked in the clerk’s office eight years before taking that role.
That brings her total service time to 46 years.
Schweitzer served on the NACO board until 2021 when she completed her last allowed consecutive term and has been active in the state’s association of county clerks, as well. The county clerk serves as register of deeds, election commissioner and secretary for the board of commissioners, as well as overseeing marriage licenses and the county’s bills.
Cannon said Schweitzer is among the first people called when someone in county or state government wants to know how a software program for counties is working or how a change in regulation may affect county boards or programs.
Her understanding of the work and her willingness to share her knowledge is a common theme of the nominations, which came from other clerks and county officials around the state, current and past legislators, county commissioners, her church and her family.
Cannon said while the inbox of nominations for the award is often plentiful, the letters about Schweitzer’s service were “more robust than I have seen in a good long while.”
Among the comments nominators made about Schweitzer were:
“She is a proven leader in our community and works tireless to ensure that citizens have ready access to and transparency when interacting with county government.” – District 24 Sen. Jana Hughes
“As a former State Senator representing the 24th legislative district, I would rely on Sherry and other elected officials to review legislation that would affect the county and my legislative district. Her input was invaluable to me as we would work towards a compromise when necessary.” – Mark Kolterman, former District 24 senator
“During my years in the legislature, Sherry Schweitzer was a knowledgeable and professional county official that I could rely on for non-biased accurate information. – Greg Adams, former District 24 senator and speaker of the legislature
“Sherry has been very influential as election clerk keeping up to date on all aspects of the election process. She attends and testifies at the legislative sessions, educates new and experienced clerks, as well as educating the public through local newspaper and social media articles. Her knowledge and attention to detail of the election process has been proven over the years.” – Jeanne Hoggins, Milford city clerk/treasurer and friend
“She has always believed that her role extends far beyond paperwork and administrative tasks; it is about serving the public and ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued.” – Britney Watson, daughter
Schweitzer grew up near Staplehurst, graduated from Centennial High School and lives with her husband Brent Schweitzer in Milford. They have three adult children and a grandson.
