The Conroe City Council voted unanimously Jan. 8 to promote longtime city employee Sami Quinlan from interim city secretary to the permanent role, praising her performance during a challenging year that included a historic charter election and heightened scrutiny of election procedures.
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The Conroe City Council unanimously appointed temporary City Secretary Sami Quinlan permanent on January 8. The city's year-and-a-half-long search for a new mayor ended with Quinlan's appointment, recognizing her sustained leadership during a difficult time.
Mayor Duke Coon proposed Quinlan at the council meeting, praising her record and work ethic.
“I’m certainly proud tonight to present Miss Sami Quinlan,” Coon said, calling her a “dedicated employee” who has navigated the interim role “through some very challenging times.”
Council member Shana Arthur praised Quinlan's performance and career growth.
“In just a year, you completed all your certifications with outstanding results, and I could not be prouder,” Arthur said. “You did that quickly.”
Quinlan has been the interim city secretary since July 2024 and has served Conroe for 25 years. Her permanent appointment comes 18 months after the previous City Secretary, Soco Gorjon, was fired for ballot application processing in the 2024 municipal election.
Quinlan managed the office during one of Conroe's most complicated elections, according to city authorities.
The Houston Chronicle reported that city officials said, “She has done an excellent job,” praising Ms. Quinlan's interim performance as city secretary. “She has navigated numerous challenges over the past year, including a historic charter election, with remarkable efficiency and professionalism.”
According to the city's website, the city secretary manages City Council sessions, prepares agendas, records minutes, and preserves legislative history. The office handles public information requests and Texas law-mandated record retention. It manages city regulations, resolutions, and contracts and coordinates municipal elections.
Gorjon's April 2024 departure raised concerns about the post. She said that she had notarized and accepted ballot applications for former Mayor Pro Tem Curt Maddux and former Council Member Todd Yancey on May 4, despite their absence, violating notarization standards.
Quinlan took over after Gorjon left and supervised the rest of the 2024 election cycle, including a citywide charter election that changed Conroe's municipal governance.
City authorities acknowledged that Quinlan's process management was vital to restoring stability to the secretary's office.
“Supporting an individual who consistently exhibits dedication and loyalty, all while maintaining a positive demeanor each day, is a straightforward endeavor,” municipal officials said. “Ms. Quinlan is Conroe’s best option.”
As permanent city secretary, Quinlan will oversee elections, records, and council operations.
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