Judy Rice retires After Decades of Service to Newberry

NEWBERRY ‒ After more than 35 years of dedicated public service, the City of Newberry has celebrated the retirement of City Clerk Judy Rice, honoring a career defined by professionalism, integrity and a deep devotion to the community she served for over three decades.

Rice began her tenure with the city in the late 1980s, advancing from deputy clerk to finance director and ultimately being appointed city clerk in 2012. Her long career reflected both expertise and a passion for continuous learning. She earned the prestigious Master Municipal Clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks in 2019 and became a Certified Public Manager through Florida State University’s Florida Center for Public Management in 2023.

City Manager Jordan Marlowe praised Rice’s record-setting career, calling her “nothing short of amazing.”

“Thirty-five years of service to Newberry and a lifetime of love for her town,” Marlowe said. “It is a rare achievement, and on behalf of all of Newberry, thank you.”

Rice’s work earned her the Key to the City earlier this year during Newberry’s State of the City address, presented by then-Mayor Marlowe and the City Commission in recognition of her status as the longest-serving employee in city history.

Mayor Tim Marden said Rice’s legacy of dedication will remain a model for future generations.

“There are not many like Mrs. Rice,” Marden said. “She has set a high bar for dedication and professionalism to our community we can all admire.”

At the Sept. 8, 2025, City Commission meeting, Rice performed her final official act as city clerk — passing the City Seal to her successor, Randa Paul, who was formally sworn in during the meeting. The ceremonial handoff symbolized both continuity and renewal in City Hall leadership.

Throughout her career, Rice was known for her precise recordkeeping, her mentorship of city staff and her unwavering service to Newberry’s residents. City officials described her as a steady presence whose knowledge and commitment strengthened the city’s operations and its connection with the community.

As she begins retirement, city leaders expressed gratitude for Rice’s many contributions. Her institutional knowledge, mentorship and professionalism, they said, have helped shape the city’s success for decades to come.

“Her leadership and love for Newberry will remain a foundation for our future,” a city statement read. “The City of Newberry extends heartfelt gratitude to Judy Rice and wishes her joy and fulfillment in this next chapter of life.”

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