During a special ceremony on Monday, Emily Carrington was sworn in as the new city clerk in South Portland. Her hiring was announced last week and her first day on the job will be Wednesday, Oct. 28.

Carrington lives in Portland and is engaged, with the wedding ceremony planned for next summer. She’s also a “hobby aquarist” and has six freshwater aquariums at home where she keeps both tropical fish and “fancy” goldfish.

She grew up in Brunswick and comes to South Portland City Hall from Kaplan University where she’s most recently served as the campus operations administrator and assistant to the president for Kaplan’s South Portland location.

Carrington joined what was then Andover College in 2009 and has held three different positions of responsibility with Kaplan during the past six years.

Prior to her work in higher education, Carrington was the assistant manager for the box office at the Maine State Music Theatre, which offers professional summer stock theater at the Bowdoin College campus in Brunswick.

Carrington was one of 38 applicants for the city clerk’s job in South Portland and was the top choice of the search committee, according to a press release issued by Mayor Linda Cohen last week.

This week Carrington spoke with the Current about why she applied for the clerk’s post and her plans for the future.

Q: What interested you about the position in South Portland?

A: I have a passion for helping others. I come from a heavy customer service background and I’m used to working in fast-paced environments that demand a high level of accountability.

I’m at my best when I’m managing information, making use of my organizational skills and helping others. That’s why I am looking forward to serving the city of South Portland in this capacity.

Q: What have you learned about what your responsibilities will be that has surprised you?

A: The clerk’s office is really the first point of contact for the city and is the community’s information center. I wouldn’t say I’m surprised about that, though. I’m just really looking forward to getting started. I’m very curious and will want to learn everything right away.

Q: What are your impressions, so far, about the city of South Portland and the staff at City Hall?

A: South Portland is a great city that has a lot to offer. I have a wonderful impression of the City Council and city staff and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and working with them.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish as the new city clerk?

A: My goal for the first year will be to learn as much as possible while exploring new ways of doing things. Technology is a big focus for me, so I’ll be looking for ways where we can leverage technology to improve processes and communications.

Q: What will you be doing over the next couple weeks as Susan Mooney transitions out?

A: I’ll be working closely with Susan over the next few weeks and learning as much as I can from her. This includes next week’s local election.

This will be my first election and I’ll be with Susan on Election Day, as well as out in the community and assisting with both pre- and post-election duties.