How long have you been a FCCMA member?
3 years
Are you an ICMA member and if so, how long?
3 years
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
B.S. in Business Management, Master’s degree in Public Administration, and nearing completion of Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership.
What got you interested in public service?
There is nothing more rewarding than helping to transform a community. Improving the quality of life for my residents is what motivates me each day.
What is your current occupation?
Recreation Supervisor
Please give a brief job description.
I change people’s lives.
Please describe your typical day.
Customer service, athletics, facility management and conflict resolution. No day is ever the same in Parks and Recreation; it keeps me on my toes.
What is your favorite part of the job?
The relationships I have built with the kids that have gone on to become employees. The coaching and mentoring with the kids, and connecting with the community are what fuel me on long days.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
Punishing children for decisions made by their parents.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
The completion of a large, community-wide event is always a great experience. It is exhausting, but you get the best sense of accomplishment afterwards because the residents truly see the tangible work of the entire team.
What are hobbies/interests?
Weight training, coaching, travel, and reading.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Build relationships. Go out and make appointments to meet the leaders in the profession. Get involved; a professional organization is only worth what you put in to it.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other young public administrators?
I am fortunate to have several fantastic mentors in my city. In addition, I have found a bounty of willing mentors in FCCMA the past three years. I never expected to be so warmly welcomed by this dynamic group of professionals. Again, you get out of the organization what you put into it. I often tell stories of my own shortcomings to other young professionals in jest, so that they can learn from my mistakes.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
I worked in the private sector throughout college before making the switch to the public sector.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
Since I currently teach as well, I would be a pharmacist if I were to start over.
