Four decades ago, Debbie Best-Schneidmill became a Notary for the small law office where she worked. Today, she is a certified Notary Signing Agent, a Remote Online Notary and holds dual commissions in Washington D.C and Maryland. Debbie has worked closely with Notary officials to bolster support for Notaries and improve official training and educational materials for Notaries Public. Debbie also serves as a mentor and educator to many of her colleagues.
For Debbie’s dedicated efforts to improve and strengthen Notary education, training, policies and procedures, the NNA is honored to name her as the 2024 Notary of the Year. Her accomplishments will be celebrated at the NNA Conference this May.
Debbie’s work to improve Notary education
When Debbie attended her first NNA conference in 2014, she had been a Notary in Washington D.C. since 1984 and had held her Notary commission in Maryland for over twenty years. It was at the conference she realized that some states provided substantial training and guidance, but many others did not. It was that knowledge that first inspired Debbie to speak with the Manager of Training and Development for her law firm’s support staff to establish and implement ongoing training for their Notary-commissioned employees.
Debbie was designated as the “Notary Expert” for her firm. She developed a multi-state audiovisual Notary education program, was available to answer questions for other Notaries on staff, and tracked commission information to ensure everyone’s commissions were renewed on time and correctly. But she didn’t stop there.
Debbie saw that Notaries outside her firm also needed more resources and training to be successful and competent. In 2016, Debbie heard that Judi Gold, Director of the Office of Notary Commissions and Authentications in Washington D.C., was scheduled to speak at an event in Maryland. Debbie reached out to volunteer her assistance with updating Notary educational materials and guidelines. Since then, Debbie and Ms. Gold have collaborated to improve the look, ease of comprehension, and thoroughness of the District of Columbia’s Notary Public Handbook. Being an experienced legal document proofreader, Debbie pointed out areas where Notary guidelines could be reworded to provide more clarity.
When Debbie was asked by a friend why she would put in this level of effort without compensation, Debbie’s response was “I enjoy it, and I’m playing a vital role in the process.”
The more Debbie learned about the nuances of being a Notary, the more she wanted to learn. Debbie is also a certified Notary Signing Agent and Remote Online Notary. Since retiring from her law firm in 2021, Debbie continues to offer Notarial services and networks with other Notaries to ensure the need for Notary services is always met in her community. She has also been an advisor, educator and speaker at Notary seminars across the District of Columbia and Maryland.
Debbie’s community and charity work
Community service is a common trait among those selected as Notary of the Year, and Debbie Best-Schneidmill continues that tradition. For 10 years, Debbie volunteered as a Reading Buddy to third graders in the D.C. public school system. Studies into education and future success have shown that children who are not reading at grade level by the time they reach fourth grade are more likely to struggle with academic achievements and may be less likely to graduate high school on time. Debbie loved seeing children realize the fun of reading.
While she no longer regularly visits classrooms, she always carries with her a few children’s books. If presented with the opportunity, she gladly will gift a child she meets with a book to take home with them. Children are excited to receive the gift, and she continues to foster the love of reading.
Debbie has also been an IRS tax preparer and served as treasurer of her church. Throughout her career, she learned that she loves meeting people, loves making personal connections, and has a desire to share information. Though she describes herself as quiet, she says she has found a new voice through community and Notary service. “Talking to other Notaries is engaging. You hear new ideas. Always something new. I never feel like I’ve heard everything,” she said.
Debbie’s desire to learn, serve others and willingness to teach, is a standard every Notary can respect and aspire to.
The Notary of the Year is selected annually for outstanding service, contributions to the Notary Public office and community service. If you would like to nominate someone as a candidate for the 2025 Notary of the Year, please complete and submit our online NOTY nomination form.