How long have you been a FCCMA member? 21 Years
Are you an ICMA member and if so, how long? 27 Years
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
BS – Political Science from Lenoir-Rhyne University and an MPA from Western Carolina University
What got you interested in public service?
An internship during college with the City of Hickory, NC that introduced me to various departments and functions of local government.
What is your current occupation? Assistant City Manager
Please give a brief job description.
Assist in performing functions necessary for professional day-to-day operation of the City. Responsible for supervising activities of assigned departments, including Planning & Development, Library, Parks & Recreation, Engineering, Management & Budget, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, Solid Waste, General Services and Public Utilities.
Please describe your typical day.
Most days are spent in conversations and meetings discussing on-going work, challenges and projects. As an Assistant City Manager I spend significant time on strategic planning initiatives, performance management and employee development administration.
What is your favorite part of the job?
The satisfaction of knowing that we deliver reliable, core services and infrastructure 365 days.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
Responding to expectations that are not within the City’s jurisdiction or purview to resolve.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
Hurricane Georges in 1998 and the City of Destin’s recovery of same.
What are hobbies/interests? Reading, crafts and home improvement
If you could give one piece of advice to young people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Be flexible on the job and in life!
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other young public administrators?
Dee Freeman, who taught me to be thorough; R.J. Intindola, who gave me my first ACM position; and Bill Horne, who creates successful engagement. Having been a manager and an assistant, I have had many opportunities to share these lessons and I also continue to learn from others within the profession and in local government.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
Always public sector
What career would you pick if you were to pick another? Anthropology
