Blackard Receives Award Of Excellence From AML

By Editor | June 30, 2026 |

COMMUNITY COVERAGE

Barbara Blackard of Clarksville was presented with a new award named in her honor during the Arkansas Municipal League’s convention, held June 17-19 in North Little Rock.

The Barbara Blackard Award of Excellence is presented to a clerk who exemplifies exceptional professional service, dedication to the Arkansas City Clerks, Recorders and Treasurers Association (ACCRTA), active involvement with the Arkansas Municipal League, and meaningful community engagement. It recognizes ethical leadership, a strong commitment to mentorship, and a lasting dedication to public service and the advancement of the municipal clerk profession.

“This award celebrates individuals who embody the spirit and legacy of Barbara Blackard through their leadership, integrity, and commitment to strengthening both their communities and their fellow clerks,” Kimberly Hutcheson, president of the ACCRTA, said in presenting the award. “Our 2026 recipient has dedicated over 30 years of service to the city of Clarksville, serving with unwavering integrity and commitment as city clerk treasurer. Throughout her career, she has worked diligently to build strong relationships across the state and is a Certified Arkansas Municipal Official. She has consistently demonstrated a passion for using her training and experience to best serve the citizens of Clarksville.”

Blackard is also a past recipient of the John Woodruff “City Above Self” Award, which recognizes exceptional public service and dedication to the community.

“When considering who most deserves this honor, one name rises above all others, Barbara Blackard herself, the very standard every clerk strives to embody,” Hutcheson said. “Her legacy is not only reflected in this award, but in the countless professionals she has inspired through her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to public service.”

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Published In This Week’s Edition

This story appears in the July 1, 2026, edition of The Graphic, available online and at businesses throughout Johnson and Franklin counties.

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Barbara Blackard (left), retired city clerk of Clarksville, was the recipient of the inaugural Barbara Blackard Award of Excellence at the Arkansas Municipal League (AML) convention in June. Mark Hayes, executive director of the AML, presented the award.

–Photo courtesy Diane Whitbey