How long have you been an FCCMA member, and why did you join?
I joined FCCMA this summer after being promoted to Assistant to the City Manager for the great City of Riviera Beach, Florida. This role marks a significant milestone in my career, and joining FCCMA felt like the natural next step. I’ve always aspired to work in Administration, with the long-term goal of becoming a County Administrator or City Manager. FCCMA offers the mentorship, resources, and professional network that will help me grow into that future.
Are you an ICMA member?
I’m not yet an ICMA member, but I hope to join soon.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. My academic background laid the foundation for a 23-year career with Palm Beach County, where I steadily advanced into management roles overseeing several program-related departments, including Civil Drug Court and Youth Empowerment initiatives. I also supported Parks and Recreation with project management efforts.
Since joining the City of Riviera Beach, I’ve continued to expand my experience by working with various departments, including grants and contracts, and collaborating with the Capital Projects Team. I now work closely with the City Manager and Assistant City Manager, and I’m proud to serve as the Assistant to the City Manager—an exciting step toward my long-term goal of becoming a City Manager or County Administrator.
Why did you select a career in public service?
It’s funny—I actually started out as an education major. But somewhere deep down, I always had a passion for public service. I’ve always been drawn to policy, integrity, and a deep commitment to community. People matter to me, and serving them with purpose is what drives me.
I vividly remember watching the Public Information Officer for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office speak on television. That moment sparked something in me. As I shifted my focus to Public Administration, everything started to come full circle. Courses like Emergency Management helped me lean into the field with confidence and clarity. Attending one of Florida’s top programs for Public Administration at the H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship confirmed what I already felt—I was destined for a career in public service.
Have you always been in the public sector, or have you had experience in the private sector?
Yes and no—I’ve spent my entire career in the public sector. While I haven’t worked in the private sector, I’ve collaborated with private entities through public programs, contracts, and partnerships. My focus has always been on serving the community through government work, and I remain committed to the values and mission of public service.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a City Administrator/Manager.
I currently serve as the Assistant to the City Manager for the City of Riviera Beach, Florida. In this role, I support the City Manager and Assistant City Manager in a wide range of strategic and operational initiatives. My responsibilities include working across departments, managing grants and contracts, supporting capital projects, and contributing to project management efforts. I also assist with policy development and community engagement, helping to ensure that the City’s goals align with the needs of our residents. This position allows me to gain invaluable experience as I continue to grow toward my aspiration of becoming a City Manager.
Please describe your typical day.
No two days are exactly the same, which is one of the things I love about my role. A typical day as Assistant to the City Manager involves coordinating with various departments on active projects, reviewing and managing contracts and grants, and supporting the Capital Projects Team. I often assist with preparing reports, attending meetings, and helping to implement strategic initiatives set by the City Manager and Assistant City Manager. I also engage with community stakeholders and help ensure that our programs and services are aligned with the needs of our residents. It’s a fast-paced, collaborative environment that keeps me learning and growing every day.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is being able to make a meaningful impact in the community I serve. I love working across departments, solving problems, and helping bring projects to life that improve the quality of life for our residents. Collaborating with the City Manager and Assistant City Manager gives me a front-row seat to leadership in action, and I truly enjoy being part of a team that’s committed to progress, integrity, and service. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, and that keeps me inspired.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
If I had to choose, I’d say the most challenging part of the job is navigating situations where progress is slowed by factors outside of our control—whether it’s regulatory hurdles, budget constraints, or competing priorities.
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 serve as a board member of People of Purpose, a nonprofit in Palm Beach County that supports returning citizens—individuals reentering society after incarceration. Our mission is to help them build purposeful, self-sustaining lives and reduce recidivism. This work matters deeply to me because I believe in second chances and the power of community to transform lives.
What are your hobbies/interests?
I enjoy spending quality time with my family, exploring new places through travel, and embracing the everyday moments that make life meaningful. Whether it’s discovering a new culture or sharing a quiet evening at home, I find joy in connection, growth, and creating lasting memories.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Trust the process. Everything unfolds in its perfect timing. Allow yourself space to grow and develop—there’s no need to rush. When you stay grounded in purpose, God can propel you forward in ways you never imagined.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
Palm Beach County offered several in-house leadership programs, and I took full advantage of them. My first mentor was Nicole Bishop, who oversees multiple programs in the county. Later, after completing one of the leadership programs, Elizabeth Prior became a mentor as well. I’m deeply thankful for both of them—their guidance and knowledge have been invaluable. I now pay it forward by sharing what I’ve learned with aspiring public administrators, encouraging them to seek mentorship and embrace growth opportunities.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
If I were to choose another career, I’d become an educator or a principal. I’m passionate about shaping lives, fostering growth, and creating environments where people feel empowered to reach their full potential.
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?
As a new member of FCCMA, I don’t have a long history yet, but I had the opportunity to attend this summer’s conference in Orlando—and it was incredibly inspiring. Connecting with current City Managers and those aspiring to the role affirmed that I’m in the right place and on the right path. The “So You Want to Be a City Manager” session was especially impactful—an absolute must for anyone pursuing this career.
