Roger Reinke serves as the District VI Director on the FCCMA Board of Directors.
How long have you been a FCCMA member?
Six years. I became a member when I transitioned from a career in municipal law enforcement to professional city management.
Are you an ICMA member and if so, how long?
I have been an ICMA member for six years and I am an ICMA credentialed City Manager.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I have a bachelor degree in Criminal Justice and a master degree in Industrial and Labor Relations, both from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. In addition, I have been awarded a graduate certificate in Florida City and County Management from Florida State University.
What got you interested in public service?
My interest in public service as a career began in high school as I realized that I wanted to have a career that allowed me to help people.
What is your current occupation?
I am currently the Assistant City Manager in the City of Naples.
Please give a brief job description.
I assist the City Manager in all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the City. My specific responsibilities include managing the Naples Community Redevelopment Agency and the city’s labor relations functions.
Please describe your typical day.
There is no typical day, and that is one of the best qualities of my job. In the morning, I may meet with a local business organization to discuss redevelopment initiatives and in the afternoon, bargain with an employee organization regarding pension benefits.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job remains helping people. Whether that involves solving a problem for a resident or negotiating a labor contract that employees and elected officials support, it provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that has endured for almost 40 years.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
The frustration that comes from dealing with individuals, and organizations, that are not willing to listen, at least to consider other points of view, compromise, reasonable alternatives, and change.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
Memorable does not always equate to pleasant. During over 30 years in law enforcement, I certainly have many “memorable” experiences. During my years as an assistant city manager, the budget and labor relations challenges that occurred in local government following the 2008 recession are experiences I will not soon forget.
What are hobbies/interests?
I enjoy spending time with my wife Michele, our border collie Ginger, family and friends, as well as reading and participating in fitness activities.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?Limited to one piece of advice, I would tell them that education does not “cost”; rather it pays dividends.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other young public administrators?
My mentors in professional city management are Bill Moss and Bob Lee. They are both wonderful representatives of ethical, caring, quality, effective, and efficient public service. In addition, I had many mentors during my career in law enforcement. To the potential misfortune of the recipients, I sometimes attempt to pass on what I purport to be wisdom in the form of hopefully not too boring stories.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
With the exception of a few short-term private sector jobs before beginning my career in the public sector, I have worked for city governments.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I would be an attorney. In my view, law is another profession that focuses on helping people. My two sons are lawyers and I am very proud of them and their efforts to help others.
