Michelle Bigelow
“ I want my kids and their kids to have a world that is a little better than ours , where there is less hate , less fear , a healthier planet , and everyone belongs .”
City Clerk / Interim Communications & Engagement Director - City of Morgan Hill . michelle . bigelow @ morganhill . ca . gov / morgan-hil . ca . gov / 408-310-4678
As the first appointed City Clerk and Interim Communications and Engagement Director for the City of Morgan Hill , Michelle Bigelow is passionate about connecting people through open , honest , and judgment-free communication . “ I know deep in my heart that if we as a society could have more grace for each other , less judgment , less fear , and a heart for the world , we could heal this beautiful planet that we live on and all of the people on it .”
Michelle is fiercely attached to her work , and cultivates relationships with community members to facilitate effective communication . During COVID she spent her extra time diving into work to ensure that she and others provided the best service possible to the community . Her duties include ensuring all city actions are properly executed and recorded , and serving as liaison between the city council and the public regarding city protocols , information and programs .
Michelle grew up in Hollister and , after moving to Morgan Hill , attended Central High School her junior year , in order to work full time and study independently . She graduated pregnant with her first son Cole ( now 20 ). Soon after his birth , she became a receptionist for a civil engineering firm and advanced to project manager . Over the next six years , she married , had her second son , Caleb , ( now 18 ), and divorced . While it was a time of learning
and growth , it wasn ’ t without its struggles . Her resilience paid off in 2008 when she began working in the Building Department for the City of Morgan Hill .
Michelle has earned seven various certifications including Master Municipal Clerk , Advanced Public Engagement , and Leading Smart Communities . She took part in Leadership Morgan Hill in 2012 , served from 2018-2021 for the City Clerks Association of California as the Region 14 director , and recently completed the Santa Clara County Leadership Academy .
In her spare time , she ventures out hiking , preferring to explore the Forest of Nisene Marks and the Pinnacles . She is dedicated to learning Spanish , she said , because , “ If I am going to lead this charge , I need to be able to hold conversations with everyone .”
Her vision of a thriving community is one where members support and build each other up , everyone is valued , encouraged to be exactly who they are , and have a fair and just opportunity to be healthy and safe .
Having lived in Morgan Hill for close to 18 years , the town has a special place in Michelle ’ s heart . She now resides , once again , in Hollister with her husband of 16 years , Brit , and her sons .
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