How long have you been a FCCMA member?
I have been a member of FCCMA since 2007.
Are you an ICMA member and if so, how long?
I have been a member of ICMA since 1979.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
My formal/advanced education includes a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Business from Barry University, a Dual Master Degree in Public Administration and Management from Webster University, and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Troy State University.
What got you interested in public service?
My interest in public service began after I was recruited by Seminole State College to transition from working in agriculture to securing clerical training. I interviewed for and obtained a job as a clerk typist. I discovered being a public servant was a natural fit. It was during the early part of my career, I learned that being a public servant is an honor and understanding that everyone must find a capacity in which they can serve, because we all benefit from a strong society.
What is your current occupation?
Deputy County Administrator, Flagler County
Please give a brief job description.
As Deputy County Administrator of Flagler County, I am charged with working with our 310 team members coordinating services for nine governmental departments in a county with a population of approximately 100,000 and a $640M budget. Serve as the Interim Growth Management and Airport Director from September 2009 to current. Make policy recommendation and is the spokesperson for the county administrator’s programs and policies. Serve as the Personnel Grievance Hearing Officer and the Community Liaison for the Executive Round Table meeting. Conduct presentation to a variety of community groups, organizations, and elected officials. Assist with legislative issues at the local, state, and federal levels. Provide progress presentations and reports to local, state, and national governmental leaders.
Please describe your typical day.
What is exciting about being a public servant at this level is there is no typical day. Though I plan my schedule the evening before with high priorities items, I have to be flexible.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is working with the team members and being a public servant. The job provides me with the flexibility to be able to meet with a CEO about locating to our community, then later that same day working with a citizen having difficulties paying their utilities.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
My least favorite part of the job is my desire to do more, but cannot because of limited resources, both human and fiscal.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
In 2005, I had the honor of being part of a team that was deployed to Pass Christian, Mississippi to assist in the recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina, one of the deadliest and most destructive hurricane.
What are hobbies/interests?
My hobby is playing golf. My interest is spending time with my family and attending church.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
My advice to young professionals interested in a career in public service is to tell them to seek out a mentor in the field and get involved. Invest time in learning about public service by attending local council meetings and seek out internships.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other young public administrators?
I have had a number of mentors, all of whom have meant a great deal to me. They are people that I have looked up to and who have helped me to hone my skills, inspired me, and molded me into the professional I am today. I have taken the lessons that I have learned and tried to serve as an example to my team members and colleagues, in addition, I also serve as a mentor.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
My entire career has been in the public sector.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
Public service is a natural fit and I really do not see myself in another career. I would consider teaching public administration.
