How long have you been a FCCMA member? 5 years
Are you an ICMA member and if so, how long? No
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Walden University, Summa cum Laude
Master of Business Administration from University of Central Florida
What got you interested in public service?
My father spent his entire career serving the public within the public safety area and I always admired his dedication to the community and the citizens. He talked about how rewarding it was and through my 25 years of public service I would agree.
What is your current occupation?
Deputy County Manager of Osceola County
Please give a brief job description.
I oversee the day-to-day operations of the county to include public works, community development, fire/rescue, corrections, tourism department, human services, animal services, emergency management and the public information office. I also act on behalf of the County Manager in his absence.
Please describe your typical day.
Each day is different in that there are different projects to work on and problems to solve. A typical day would include working with the senior management team on constituent issues, briefing elected officials, and addressing issues/projects with our government counterparts.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Seeing a big project come together that is a benefit to our citizens and creates a buzz about Osceola. We are doing great things in our community! I also love mediating issues to successful resolution.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
There are times when we have a request for assistance and we can’t provide that assistance within the parameters of our programs. Luckily we have some great partners in our community that can often fill the gaps for us. The economy is much better but there are still some folks that have some real challenges to face.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
When we experienced widely-published security breaches at our Correctional facility, we had to establish new leadership, support and encourage the staff, and regain the trust and confidence of our citizens and community. We were able to do that and I feel we have one of the most widely-respected organizations, leadership and facilities in the State of Florida. Watching one of our very own officers recognized by the White House for her heroic efforts was confirmation of all of that. It was a most difficult time but also most memorable and rewarding.
What are hobbies/interests?
I love to garden, craft, bike, camp and relax at the beach.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Get involved in your community and know the issues.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other young public administrators?
Some of the current and past county administrators and attorneys have given me great advice along the way. I try to use learning opportunities to reinforce that advice with the rising stars of our organization.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
The last 25 years have been spent in County Government; however, I have worked for private sectors businesses such as Borden’s, Inc. within the Comptroller’s office.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I would love to do Government Affairs for the private sector as well as some mediation.
