FCCMA Member Profile – January 2010
By Karen Kolinski 

Sarah E Hannah
Assistant City Manager, City of Sunrise
FCCMA Member Since 2003           

Education:  Bachelor’s of Arts and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!) 

Hobbies and Interests: I’m an entertainment buff (television and movies, mostly).  I also like to eat, play tennis, ballroom dance and scrapbook. 

KMK:  Yeah, well Go Gators (chomp, chomp, chomp)!  How did you get started in local government, as in what roles have you had and where?   

Sarah: Actually, I always wanted to work for the feds – as a spy.  But as I got older and realized that I might, you know, die or get hurt, I thought a nice office gig as the Secretary of State or head of the CDC would be more my speed.  The fate of my espionage aspirations were sealed when I was branded with my first tattoo.  In my late twenties I went back to school to get my Masters in Public Administration at a school where I could get in-state tuition.  Because Kansas’ program is all about local government, I sort of fell into my current career.  My first government job was with the City of Abilene, Texas.  Then I was in Palm Beach for six years and I’ve been with Sunrise for a little over three months. 

KMK:  Let me guess, your tattoo says, “I heart FCCMA?” Since my filters are working, I won’t bother to ask where it is.  Instead, why doesn’t everybody ask Sarah to show them her tattoo at the Annual Conference in May.  You just recently joined the City of Sunrise.  Changing jobs can be full of uncertainties.  What factors did you focus on as you made the decision to accept a position with Sunrise? 

Sarah: I focused on my main career goal, which is to be a city manager in a town of around 100,000 people.  I want to work for a full-service, diverse community with a gamut of issues and challenges. I knew that probably my best chance of reaching that goal would be to get a job as the assistant in such a town.  Another important factor in searching for any job, I would think, is to work for a boss that is willing to also make an investment in my success.  Sunrise fits the bill darn near perfectly on both fronts. I really lucked out. 

KMK:  The first days of a job are trying, sheez, knowing where the paper clips are can be a challenge much less learning about the idiosyncrasies of your new colleagues.  Do you have any tips or techniques that help foster good working relations with your new staff during the initial phases of socialization? 

Sarah:  First of all, I got into management so that others could find the paperclips for me.  But seriously, I was super nervous about being second in command in a city that was so very different than the one I came from.  But in the 17 years of my professional life, because I have worked in many places in many different parts of the country – I’ve learned to adapt.  And actually my position in Sunrise has been a real confidence booster.  I’ve realized that I’m a pretty smart cookie and have actually learned a thing or two in my almost, gulp, 40 years. Also, the CM of Sunrise is a former Fire Chief, so heck if he can do it… So I guess my first tip would be to trust in your skills and talents. 

Second, do not assume that your way is better than anyone else’s.  Sit back, soak it in, try it their way and then make your evaluation – chances are, you have a pretty good, committed staff that knows what they are doing.  Third tip is to get involved and don’t complain.  Offer to take on not only community projects, but also the office holiday lunch.  And do it with a big ole’ smile on your face.  Finally, while being appreciative and respectful to others all the time, also stand your ground and make sure your colleagues know that you mean business.   

KMK:  What is your favorite part of being a local government leader besides having others find paperclips for you? 

Sarah: Frankly, I just love all the night meetings…