How long have you been a FCCMA member? Since 2015
Are you an ICMA member and if so, how long? Yes, since 2015
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education. Masters’ degree in Business Administration
What got you interested in public service? In high school, I thought I wanted to be the president of a bank. I was offered a job in banking…and hated it. I was hired by Marion County where I worked my way up the ranks for nearly 15 years. I was then hired by Alachua County in 2015.
What is your current occupation? Assistant County Manager for Community and Administrative Services.
Please give a brief job description. I oversee the Agenda Office, Animal Services, Commission Services, County Manager’s Office, Economic Development, Equal Opportunity, Extension Service, Human Resources, Information Technology, Organizational Development and Training, Parks and Conservation Lands and Tourism. A high profile project that I am working on is the relocation of our Fairgrounds.
Please describe your typical day. No two days are the same, which really excites me to come to work each day.
What is your favorite part of the job? I love the variety of my departments and can see the positive impact they make for our citizens.
What is your least favorite part of the job? Employee issues are the most challenging. Setting clear expectations is the best way to resolve disputes.
What is your most memorable experience on the job? Recently, I staffed a pet friendly shelter during Hurricane Irma. We scheduled a group photo (attached) and hosted a talent show. We made the most of a difficult situation and, as a result, everyone has fond memories of their experience.
What are hobbies/interests? Watching my 10 and 13 year old daughters play volleyball, gardening, cooking, enjoying our three rescue dogs and reading.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people interested in a career in public service, what would it be? Public service is challenging and rewarding. Citizens don’t give a whole lot of thought to government until they need them. When citizens call, be responsive and responsible. You may not have the resources to do what they are asking, but they will remember the way they were treated.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other young public administrators? I have worked for people who have taught me what to do, and what NOT to do. There is a lesson to be learned in every situation and it’s up to you to pay attention and learn from other’s successes and failures.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector? Briefly in the private sector, with a bank, and I also do the bookkeeping for my husband’s business.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another? I would pick what I do all over again. I love it! It is fun, challenging and rewarding.
