How long have you been an FCCMA member, and why did you join?
I recently re-joined a few months ago, but was previously a student member while attending the University of Central Florida.
Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member?
Yes. I am a new member of ICMA and look forward to learning from other municipalities throughout the country, while sharing the best practices we utilize in the City of Coral Springs.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
Bachelor of Arts, Public Administration (2000) and Master of Public Administration (2003), University of Central Florida. Certificate in Urban & Regional Planning (2003), University of Central Florida. Construction Management Certificate, Louisiana State University (in process).
Why did you select a career in public service?
I was raised in a family committed to community and public service. When my mother was elected to the City Commission of a local municipality while I was in high school, I often attended meetings and events with her and realized the value of service to others. From then on, I knew I could help improve my community by dedicating a career to public service.
Have you always been in the public sector, or have you had experience in the private sector?
Since graduating from college, I have been employed in the public sector.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a City Administrator/Manager.
I was recently promoted to Deputy City Manager after serving as the Director of Development Services for our City. As Director, I oversaw the Planning, Housing, and Code Compliance Divisions. As Deputy City Manager, I oversee the operations of City Clerk, Economic Development, Finance, and Development Services.
Please describe your typical day.
Since my promotion to Deputy City Manager, I have not had one typical day. However, that is one of the aspects I enjoy most about the job! Whether working on a capital project, assisting one of our residents, or meeting with City Commissioners, every day is unique and fulfilling.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Making a difference in the community where my husband and I live with our two children is an amazing gift.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
Hearing from upset residents is always a challenge, but I enjoy having the opportunity to help work through their concerns and helping them understand the “why” behind certain situations.
If you are involved in any volunteer or leadership activities in your community, please share with us a bit about what you do and why it is important to you.
I enjoy volunteering at my children’s schools when the opportunity arises. Most recently, I participated in the ‘build’ for our city’s Habitat for Humanity project. My new role as Deputy City Manager has provided me with opportunities to attend events and activities that I was not involved with in the past, which has been rewarding.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
While there are many, two experiences stand out. The fabric of our community was impacted by vacation rentals and sober homes located in our residential communities; through strict ordinances, we were able to ensure these types of homes had greater oversight to ensure the integrity of the community. Impacted residents truly felt heard, with action taken to support their concerns. Additionally, I am leading the future of our aesthetic program to ensure our community has a ‘sense of place’ and consistency in appearance. As that program moves forward, it brings me great pride.
What are your hobbies/interests?
Our family enjoys being outdoors and visiting national parks when possible. I also enjoy going to the movies and attending sporting events at my alma mater, the University of Central Florida.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
In public service, it is important to learn more about all aspects of the organization where you serve. Never stay in one lane because the more you know, the more you grow.
Who were your mentors, and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
I have been fortunate to have many leaders to look up to who have helped guide me throughout my professional journey. John Stunson, who was our City Manager for the City of Oakland Park for several years (as well as the City of North Lauderdale and Assistant City Manager for Fort Lauderdale), helped me start on the right path to success. Both of our careers started very similarly, and I learned a lot from him about public service. His guidance was instrumental in my deciding to go into City Management.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I would say working for a nonprofit like Habitat for Humanity would be equally as rewarding as the public sector, because they impact our communities in a positive way.
Do you have a story you can share about how being a member of FCCMA has helped you or impacted you in a positive way?
When I was a student member, I enjoyed attending the annual convention and being able to speak to and learn from City Managers from all over the state. I look forward to becoming involved and offering the same for our future leaders.
