How long have you been a FCCMA member?
Since 2009
Are you an ICMA member and if so, how long?
Not currently
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
- Master of Public Administration (MPA)
- Bachelor of Science (Criminal Justice Major, Public Administration Minor)
University of Central Florida
How did you become interested in public service?
Since I was in middle school, I knew that I wanted to work in local government. Initially, my passion was law enforcement. I liked the idea of being part of a team; something that was larger than me.
What is your current occupation?
Assistant Public Works Director
Please give a brief job description.
I am responsible for the oversight of the Administrative Services, Customer Service, and Fleet Services divisions as well as the Municipal Solid Waste Contract and Emergency Management.
Please describe your typical day.
Each day is different and very fast paced (which I love!). I come in and get prepared for the day’s meetings and projects. I always try to make my rounds throughout the department to say hello to my team. There is always a challenging project that requires me to think “outside the box” to find a solution.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Currently, Solid Waste contract administration and managing the cart inventory. Who knew that trash carts could be a girl’s best friend (instead of diamonds)! I enjoy the challenge and being able to be part of a service delivery that most do not think about as long as it is running smoothly.
Overall, I like being able to see the results of city’s hard work and knowing that I am a part of it.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
My least favorite part of the job is ending a conversation with a resident who is not satisfied with the outcome of a situation. But we continue to try our best to provide a quality experience.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
Serving as the project manager for the City’s first community garden. It was rewarding to work as the city’s liaison with a group of neighbors. Three years later, the garden is still growing strong. The neighbors have become such a tight knit group. This was also my first experience with hosting public meetings.
What are your hobbies/interest?
Going to the beach, Cardinals baseball, playing volleyball, spending time with family & friends.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Give local government a shot. Come in with an open mind. Public service can be very rewarding. It is motivating to see the results of your hard work first hand in the community.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other young public administrators?
I was very fortunate to have a handful of top notch professionals that took me under their wing and believed in me. Sue Hann, Lee Feldman, Jon Lewis, Brad Johnson, Jim Proce were/are all supportive of me. They taught me so much and gave me opportunities to work on special projects.
Now, I try to pay it forward by serving on committees within FCCMA and APWA that reach out to other emerging leaders/young professionals to get them involved in the profession. Getting involved in professional organizations has helped to shape my career.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
Yes, I have worked in the public sector since graduating school.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
Working for the St. Louis Cardinals.
