How long have you been an FCCMA member, and why did you join?
I am a new FCCMA member. I joined FCCMA for the training and professional development opportunities the organization provides and to be a part of a network of professional managers that support each other in activities that make our communities stronger.
Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member?
I am a new ICMA member. I joined ICMA to share information, collaborate with peers, and keep up with the latest trends in local government. ICMA allows me to expand my horizons and learn about new and innovative ways cities are serving their communities. I am also a big supporter of ICMA’s efforts to advocate for professional local governance.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I have a bachelor’s in political science from Virginia Tech and a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Texas. Go Hokies! Go Eagles!
Why did you select a career in public service?
Service has always been a big part of my life. Since I was young, my parents always put a strong emphasis on giving back. This led me to pursue a career in public service. I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives through improving the communities they live in.
Have you always been in the public sector, or have you had experience in the private sector?
Most of my career has been spent in local government. A few years of my career were spent working for GSBS Architects in planning and economic development.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a City Administrator/Manager.
My current position is Assistant City Manager for the City of Lakeland. The departments that I oversee are Community & Economic Development, Public Works, Water & Wastewater, Airport, Information Technology, and the Office of Innovation & Strategy.
Please describe your typical day.
One of the things I really love about working in city management is that there is never a typical day. Every day is different from the next and brings with it new challenges and opportunities.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is the community aspect of it. I enjoy getting to know people in the community and working as a team to achieve positive outcomes. The best days are those when the community gathers to celebrate success on projects achieved through partnerships and collaborative efforts.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
My least favorite part of the job is when politics gets in the way of progress. This is why having professional local governance is so important.
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 like to volunteer for organizations that serve seniors. I was raised by my grandparents, and I sincerely enjoy being around the senior population. The organization that has been the most meaningful to me throughout my life is Meals on Wheels. I have delivered for Meals on Wheels on and off for decades. It has been a privilege getting to know the seniors on my routes and learning about their lives. Meals on Wheels not only provides seniors with hot meals, but visits from volunteers give them a welfare check and companionship.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
When I worked for GSBS Architects, I was called into a meeting to discuss economic incentives on a commercial project for Rafael Palmeiro, a baseball player for the Texas Rangers. I did not recognize Mr. Palmeiro. When he was introduced, I thought the person introducing him said his name was Rocky, when he actually said his name was Rafe. I called Rafael Palmeiro “Rocky” the entire meeting without being corrected. I never lived that day down the entire time I worked at GSBS Architects. My three sons could not figure out how I didn’t recognize Rafael Palmeiro, either, as we went to see the Texas Rangers play baseball often. Although everything ended up just fine, it was an experience I will never forget. Ha!
What are your hobbies/interests?
I enjoy learning new things, traveling with my three sons, working out, and paddle boarding.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
I would tell people interested in a career in public service to be selective about who they work for and where they work, as it will have a great impact on the trajectory of their career and future opportunities. Look for a mentor who is well-respected in the industry and learn as much as you can from them. The importance of staying humble, having a good attitude, being a team player, and having a strong work ethic is never overrated. Never forget that doing the right thing and maintaining your integrity is more important than doing what everyone else wants you to do for them.
Who were your mentors, and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
There have been several people whom I have learned from and been mentored by throughout my career. However, the person who stands out as having the biggest impact on my life, professionally, is my former boss, John Pitstick. John was my boss at the City of North Richland Hills, Texas, early in my career. Whenever we would complete a project and receive accolades, he would ask how we could perform even better the next go-around. He was never happy with the status quo and always fostered an environment of continuous improvement. Whatever we were working on, there was always a way to take it to the next level and “raise the bar,” as he would say. I have carried the lessons I learned from John my entire career and sought to teach them to others.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I truly have a passion for local government. If I had to do my life over, I wouldn’t change a thing about my career. Working in local government has given me the opportunity to serve communities and contribute to society. There is no better way to live life than in service to others. Every day when I come to work at the City of Lakeland, I am grateful to be here. Lakeland is such a nice community to live and work in.
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?
Since I am new to FCCMA, I do not have a story yet. However, the outreach that has come from the membership since I joined has been pretty great. I look forward to meeting and connecting with other FCCMA members.
