Jonathan Evans is a FCCMA At-Large Director.
How long have you been a FCCMA member?
Since October 2006.
Are you an ICMA member and if so, how long?
Yes, since October 2006.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I possess a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in public administration, both from the University of Central Florida, and a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in human resources management from Saint Leo University, and an ICMA-CM (Credentialed Manager).
What got you interested in public service?
My interest in public service originated from my desire to make a difference in the lives of people in my community, not to just exist.
What is your current occupation?
City manager for Haines City and part-time adjunct professor at Polk State College
Please give a brief job description.
The city manager is the chief administrative officer (CAO) for the municipal entity. The city manager’s duties and responsibilities consist of running the day-to-day operations of the municipality. This particular position is similar to that of a chief executive officer (CEO) in the private sector. As opposed to reporting to the Board of Directors, the city manager reports to the elected body. The city manager serves at the pleasure of the city Commission: by majority vote, it can appoint, retain, or remove a manager.
The city manager is responsible for the administration and management of the budget, as well as all internal personnel matters, including but not limited to hiring and/or removal of all city personnel as governed by the city’s Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual and the city Charter. The city manager must help with developing and establishing communitywide goals and objectives in working with the elected officials and other stakeholders in the community to ensure that the community’s best interest are always considered in the decision-making process. The city manager also acts as a legislative liaison to other municipalities as well as other local, state, and federal agencies. The city manager is a politically neutral position: the manager should maintain a community-first perspective regardless of political affiliation. It is also the duty and responsibility of the city manager to be an advocate and a strong proponent for philanthropic and social services that provide an added benefit to the residents of Haines City. This includes, but is not limited to, the attendance at public functions and activities. The city manager’s office is a community resource for all individuals who reside and conduct business within Haines City’s municipal boundaries. By having a professional city manager, the city has someone that brings passion and commitment to maintaining the public trust, achieving equity and social justice, affirming human dignity, and improving the quality of life for all residents.
Please describe your typical day.
I think most administrators would agree that each day usually begins with unique and challenging situations that are never typical. Sometimes a “typical day” begins with a 3 AM phone call. However, to simplify for the sake of this question, my day consists of multiple meetings with support staff, telephone conversations with residents, consistent email, and telephone communications with elected officials. One of the most rewarding aspects of my day is the opportunities that I have to inform the public about city services and operations. As a city manager, our job is to reassure the public that their tax dollars are spent judiciously, as well as informing them on relevant issues that may impact the community in which they reside in. Over the past year, I’ve also had the distinct pleasure of serving as a keynote speaker to motivate and encourage our teenagers and young men and women in our local academic institutions. Your prototypical day for a city manager challenges your mental aptitude, as well as your physical abilities, day in and day out. You’re catapulted into tough, controversial situations, but have your professional training and your peers on your side, and so the job is very challenging but extremely rewarding.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is serving the public. There is no more selfless service than public service. I enjoy my colleagues and my peers thoroughly, and it is because of them that I’ve been able to serve in this capacity. However, my interactions with the public are the most interesting and thought-provoking aspects of the job. To have your mental aptitude tested and to be able to devise solutions to complex situations is something that I thoroughly enjoy. I seek out opportunities to challenge my conventional way of thinking.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
My least favorite part of the job is trying to convey a rational and reasonable explanation to a member of the public that does not care to understand or appreciate my perspective. We are all creatures of habit and emotion. Furthermore, your family usually has to accept your absence at functions because of the demands that this career places upon you. It is certainly a labor of love.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
When I was appointed to serve as the acting city manager, on May 16, 2012, after being an Assistant City Manager for only ten months. This occurred in the midst of the city’s annual budget process, whereby we found ourselves in a $2.4 million budget shortfall and on the verge of implementing a non-ad valorem fire service assessment. I was still learning how to be a professional administrator; however, I found that too a rewarding experience.
What are hobbies/interests?
I am an avid sports fan; I enjoy playing and watching all types of sports. Anything that is competitive realistically tends to be my interest. But my true love is saltwater fishing. It is extremely relaxing while competitive and somewhat strategic.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Find a mentor. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Live by the mantra that “we do difficult things all the time; impossible is just going to take a few minutes.” And know that your on-the-job training will be far more valuable than anything that you could ever learn from a textbook.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other young public administrators?
The City of Largo City Administration Team (Norton “Mac” Craig, Henry Schubert, Mike Staffopoulos, Alan Zimmet). Carl Harness, Jonathan Lewis, Bill Horne… the list is virtually endless. All of these government officials have been instrumental in my professional maturation. They have taught me how to handle complex situations and communicate more effectively with the public. All have contributed to my personal and professional success, for which I’m eternally grateful. I have passed this information on by serving as a mentor for aspiring city administrators. Our communities will be left to struggle if our up and coming professionals are not prepared to lead. Therefore, I have committed myself to being accessible and active to undergraduate students, as well as graduate students, so that they too can be enthusiastic and energetic about local government.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
At the wise age of 17, I began my career with the city of St. Cloud as a summer camp counselor. The majority of my work experience has been in the public sector. My only stint outside of it was in a quasi-governmental position, as the recreation manager for the town of Celebration, whereby a management company ran the day-to-day operations of the community. I was an employee of CCMC, an Arizona-based community management company; however, public service has always been my passion.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I thoroughly enjoy government and I love what I do, but the only position that I would love more than city manager would be the President of the United States of America. My goal is to eventually serve in the US Congress and then to successfully serve two terms as President. After that, perhaps travel the world, speaking on public service.
