Alexandria Bingham

Birmingham City Clerk Alexandria Bingham recently received the recognition of Oakland County Executive’s Oakland Together 40 Under 40 program, spotlighting top leaders in business and the community under 40 years of age. She was selected from 300 local applicants.

“I am delighted to be recognized,” said 35-year-old Bingham. “Public service is a huge part of my family. My grandpa was a Milford police officer and my mom introduced me to municipal work in Commerce Township by encouraging me to serve as an election inspector as soon as I was of age.”

The Waterford resident also fulfills roles as vice president of Oakland County Clerk’s Association and International Institute of Municipal Clerks.

“As a board member of the Oakland County Clerk’s Association (OCCA) I mentor other clerks, and help plan meetings and professional development to help all clerks in Oakland County,” said the influential Bingham.

The Oakland County Clerk’s association also does volunteer work around the community. Last year they assisted Disaster Relief at Work (DRAW), preparing supplies for those affected by floods and natural disasters. This year they are planning to work with Forgotten Harvest in September.

One of the most important aspects of Bingham’s responsibilities as city clerk is the city of Birmingham’s elections, and as an election specialist she takes her duties very seriously.

“Every election is important, whether it’s a long and complex ballot on a big election cycle or a small local election,” said Bingham, who administers the city elections.

Having confidence in her team to administer safe and secure elections is a huge point of pride.

“I am lucky to have a lot of amazing election inspectors in Birmingham because conducting elections safely is a team effort by the whole community,” she said. “On a fun note, my office is also involved in scheduling presentations for schools and scouting groups, and the occasional city hall wedding officiated by the mayor.”

Having been in her current position for over five years, Bingham sees firsthand some of the city of Birmingham’s strong points for residents. “Birmingham is extremely dedicated to public safety and service. Our police department and fire department have incredible response times, and our entire staff truly cares about every person in the city and their safety.” she said. “Birmingham is also fiscally sound, which is a critical part of the city’s success.”

Bingham attributes much of her personal success to her own curiosity and draws knowledge from her many mentors.

“I love picking people’s brains. Every person I talk to is an opportunity to learn something new, she said. “I have had so many amazing mentors in my life, from teachers and coaches in high school and college, and clerks in Oakland County and across the state. Birmingham has also been a wealth of exceptional influence. I am especially grateful to our former ethics board members who each served the city for 20-plus years before retiring, as well as to some of our exceptional election inspectors.”

An active equestrian, Bingham also loves swimming, snowboarding and outdoor activities.

“I recently spent a week riding native Icelandic horses across Iceland. That was an incredible experience with riders from all over the world and a few of my best equestrian friends in Michigan,” she said. “I also train my dog, Marvin, at Sit Means Sit, in Rochester Hills. My hope is to get him certified as a therapy dog in the near future so that we can be a part of Go Team Therapy Dogs that provide comfort in crisis at hospitals, nursing homes or anywhere people need their love.”

Story: Susan Peck

Photo: Laurie Tennent