How long have you been a FCCMA member? 21 years (Since 1991)
Are you an ICMA member and if so, how long? Yes, 21 years (Since 1991)
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education. BA/Public Administration – UCF 1987; MPA – USF 1988
What got you interested in public service? I was elected as an Auburndale City Commissioner in November 1980 at age 21. I served two terms as City Commissioner and as Mayor in 1983, 1985 and 1986.
What is your current occupation? City Manager of the City of Auburndale
Please give a brief job description. I provide leadership to a staff of 177 employees, report to five elected officials and oversee a $31 million municipal budget.
Please describe your typical day. Before the work day begins and at least three times a week, I leave the house around 4:45 a.m. for a four-to five-mile run through town. It is so quiet and peaceful. For years, my staff questioned how I knew first thing in the morning which street lights were out and which sprinklers needed repairs.
What is your favorite part of the job? It is very rewarding both personally and professionally that I can have a significant impact on making my hometown a better place each and every day. I so enjoy my job!
What is your least favorite part of the job? I get frustrated when I see poor customer service exhibited in both the public and private sectors. I strive to set a standard of quality service with my employees and am disappointed when other agencies and businesses fail in this effort.
What is your most memorable experience on the job? The most memorable experiences on the job for me were working through the 2004-2005 hurricane seasons and the celebration of the city’s centennial anniversary in 2011. I remain so proud of the city’s workforce in each of these situations. Every department came together and provided the best in public service to our citizens.
What are hobbies/interests? In addition to loving the time I get to spend with family and friends, I enjoy stand up paddle boarding and running. I have completed several half marathons and am looking forward to the St. Petersburg Rock ‘n’ Roll 13.1 next month.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people interested in a career in public service, what would it be? Before you enter this field, I believe you have to possess a sincere desire to help people and be ready to face the hard work and difficulties of achieving the public good.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other young public administrators? Early in my career as an elected city official, I had the opportunity to work closely with Bruce Canova, who served as Auburndale’s City Manager for 33 years. He certainly had an impact on my decision to seek a public administration degree and a position as city manager.
To young public administrators, I often question why well-qualified assistants do not pursue further education and professional development as managers. When I became a city manager, I made it a priority to encourage my assistants in career development. Over the years, I have been so fortunate to have had the likes of Jim Drumm (currently in Zephyrhills), Jeff Brown (currently in Panama City), Rich Reade (currently in Delray Beach), Andy Stewart (currently in Dundee) and Ryan Leavengood (currently in Lake Alfred) as assistants who professionally advanced to become city managers in various cities. All of the above are current FCCMA members. Along with my current assistant, Shawn Sherrouse, they have all provided great assistance to me and the City of Auburndale.
I was so honored to have been presented the FCCMA Michael Roberto Award for Career Development in 2010. It was even more rewarding to have all my former assistants and these great friends in attendance at the annual conference.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector? I grew up in a family owned and operated hardware store. It was there that I gained my respect for quality customer service. I was taught that not only is the customer always right, but also if they didn’t come back, I didn’t get gas money for my car.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another? I am a news junkie. I read two newspapers daily, watch the local and national news, and can’t wait to get my Ken Small e-mails. So, if I were to pick another career, it would be in broadcast journalism.
