Marie Wicks departs

After nearly seven years as East Lansing city clerk, Marie Wicks has resigned and accepted a position with the State Bureau of Elections. But the post didn’t stay open long. Starting today, Jennifer Shuster will be the new clerk.

Shuster most recently served as the chief deputy clerk to Barb Byrum, the Ingham County clerk. She started there as a recording secretary and was election coordinator before taking the post as chief deputy.

“I had the opportunity to work with the local clerks on elections while at the county,” said Shuster, 40. “Now I will be able to continue that work in the polling locations in East Lansing. I am excited.”

Shuster was elected mayor of Leslie in November.

Wicks, who left Friday, said she is most proud of the work she did to expand access to voting in East Lansing and adopting the use of voting technology during her time as clerk. She worked with student leaders at MSU to register students on campus. And she worked with former Mayor Nathan Triplett to create a form for landlords to use informing renters how to register to vote.

“I really believe in elections,” said Wicks. “I really believe Michigan has one of the strongest systems in place and that’s important.”

She was glowing in her assessment of Shuster.

“I have no doubt that this community will be well served by my capable and highly competent successor, Jennifer Shuster, and I’m sure she’ll hit the ground running,” she said in a press release and reiterated in a phone interview.

Wicks worked for the city for nearly 12 years. She was appointed city clerk in 2011.

At the state, Wicks will train county and municipal clerks on how to train their workers to administer elections and avoid issues.

She’s administered 16 elections during her time as clerk.

“Marie Wicks has been a hard-working, dedicated employee and she has certainly left her mark on the City of East Lansing. While it is bittersweet to see her go, we wish her all the best in her new role with the State of Michigan Bureau of Elections,” said East Lansing City Manager George Lahanas in a press release. “We are excited to welcome Jennifer Shuster, who brings with her a wealth of experience and education.

We are confident that she will be an asset to the organization and that the exemplary work of the City Clerk’s office will continue on with her at the helm.”