When Tangee Sloan joined West Jordan in 1997, she had no idea her career would lead to preserving the city’s history—and transforming how its records are managed. Her path started in Police Records, shifted to IT for over two decades, and eventually led her to a role as City Recorder & Customer Service/Passport Manager, which she calls “the best decision of my career.”

Q: You started in Police Records, then spent 21 years in IT. What inspired the move to the Recorder’s Office?
Tangee: I had always been drawn to the City’s Recorder’s Office. There’s something fascinating about organizing, preserving, and documenting the city’s history. When a Deputy Recorder position opened in 2018, I jumped at the chance.

It wasn’t easy—there’s a lot that comes with this role—but I loved it from the start. About a year later, the city transitioned to a Strong Mayor form of government, and I was asked to step into the City Recorder position. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I was ready, but saying yes turned out to be the best decision of my career. Not everyone can say they love their job, but I’m lucky—I do.

Q: What’s your favorite part about being a Records Officer?
Tangee: Taking something overwhelming and turning it into something organized and useful. I also love the historical side of it. Managing records feels like building a living, breathing history book of West Jordan. The work we do today will help tell our city’s story for years to come, and that’s incredibly rewarding.

Q: You’ve been leading a big project to improve the city’s records management system. How’s it going?
Tangee: It’s a big project—but a good one! When I started, a lot of records were still on paper, and the electronic system wasn’t being used to its full potential. Some divisions didn’t even have access, and retention schedules weren’t complete.

Here’s what we did:

• Certified at least one Records Officer in every division
• Updated retention schedules citywide
• Built an electronic repository to match those schedules

It took about two years to set up the structure, and we’re still refining it. The keys to success have been teamwork and patience. I couldn’t have done it alone—our certified Records Officers have been incredible.

I’ve also leaned heavily on my IT background. It helped me bridge the gap between paper and digital records and make the system more sustainable. And I have to mention my Deputy City Recorder, Alex Sanchez-Clegg—he’s been an amazing partner in this work. I’m also grateful for city leadership for giving us the support and flexibility to make these changes.

Q: What advice would you give a new Records Officer?
Tangee: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take things one step at a time. Records management can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s about building systems that work for your city.

• Learn your retention schedules
• Lean on other Records Officers for help
• Use technology to your advantage
• Celebrate small wins—every organized record is progress!