How long have you been an FCCMA member, and why did you join?
I became a member of FCCMA in June. I joined because of the educational and networking opportunities FCCMA provides. Being new to the State of Florida, having a network of experienced city managers I can reach out to will help in learning the intricacies of managing a Florida city.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I have a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas. Go Mean Green!
Why did you select a career in public service?
I didn’t really select a career in public service as much as I stumbled into a career in public service. My first city job was with a small town as its finance director. I enjoyed the work, but didn’t realize my passion for public service until I went to work for a larger city in the budget office. That’s where I learned that the work I did could have a positive impact on residents’ daily lives. From that job forward, my passion for public service did nothing but grow.
Have you always been in the public sector, or have you had experience in the private sector?
My first job after college was in retail management. After that, I worked in public accounting as a paraprofessional accountant. I’m now in my 33rd year of working 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 am currently the City Manager for Fruitland Park.
Please describe your typical day.
Is there such a thing as a typical day? I think that is one of the reasons I love city management. Your days are varied, and you never know what is going to come your way. I am a to-do list person. I like to lay out what I think my day will look like and create my list in order of importance. Very rarely do I get through everything on my to-do list, and often check off only one or two things from the list on a given day. My list currently includes items that have been there for close to a month, but today is the day I will get to them! At least that’s my plan…
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is problem-solving. I love solving problems, both large and small. I like the process of figuring out a path forward and seeing it through to resolution.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
My least favorite part of the job is not being able to make everyone happy, whether they are an employee, resident, or visitor to our city. I wish everyone could walk away from our interactions getting what they want, but that’s not realistic. What I can do is address the issue/concern directly, openly communicate with them, and explain why their wish/desire/need cannot be met. My goal is that even when I can’t do what is being requested of me, they walk away feeling that they were heard and had a positive interaction with me.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
I would categorize this example as “most meaningful” instead of “memorable.” For me, the most meaningful experience I’ve had in my career is developing employees and providing them with the tools they need to achieve their career goals.
What are your hobbies/interests?
My husband and I enjoy cycling, scuba diving, traveling, and sailing. We will soon be moving our sailboat to a new marina much closer to us and hope to spend a lot more time on the water.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
If you have the opportunity to work in a budget department, do it. Other than the city manager’s office, no other department will give you a better opportunity to learn about local government and what it takes to make it operate.
Who were your mentors, and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
I’ve worked for a couple of city managers who I consider my mentors. They saw potential in me that I didn’t see in myself, and provided me with opportunities I might not have had the confidence to go for without their encouragement. They taught me to look for an employee’s potential and put the time into them so that they, too, can have opportunities to grow like I did.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I grew up wanting to be a forest ranger. I dreamed of spending my days on horseback riding through the forest accompanied by my pet bear. It still sounds like a sweet gig to me.
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?
I don’t have one to share just yet, but I’m sure I will in the future.
