How long have you been an FCCMA member, and why did you join?
After first joining FCCMA in 2017, I am thrilled to return to the association at this pivotal stage of my career. Serving as a Chief Financial Officer for five Special Districts in Florida, I recognize the immense value of FCCMA’s specialized resources, from technical webinars to executive seminars. My recent experience at the AI seminar in Fort Myers reaffirmed why this organization is essential; the engaging atmosphere reminded me exactly what I’ve been missing. With 16 years of experience in local government in Southwest Florida, I am eager to transition from a learner to a contributor. I look forward to joining committees where I can share my expertise while continuing to grow, network, and enjoy the unique opportunities that FCCMA offers.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
Argosy University, Sarasota, FL
Master of Business Administration in Finance & Public Administration
February, 2014
Keiser University, Sarasota, FL
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration – Finance
December, 2010
Why did you select a career in public service?
My career in public service began as a practical response to the 2010 recession. After graduating with a degree in finance, I was looking for local opportunities and stepped into a Treasury Management clerk role with the Manatee County Clerk and Comptroller’s Finance Department. What started as a job quickly evolved into a lifelong passion.
As I progressed through roles in treasury, federal and state grants, budgeting, accounting, and cash management, I embraced the constant learning curve and the tangible impact of financial stewardship. Over the last 16 years, I have grown from that initial clerk role into a Chief Financial Officer. Today, my commitment to the public sector is stronger than ever; I’ve realized that my skills are best used when serving the local communities where I live and work.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a City Administrator/Manager.
As the Chief Financial Officer for the Lakewood Ranch Inter-District Authority, I provide executive financial leadership for five Community Development Districts (CDDs) and the IDA. I oversee combined operating and capital budgets, ensuring strict compliance with Florida Statute 190, GAAP, and GASB standards. My role involves directing all accounting, budgeting, and audit activities, managing a team of four fiscal professionals, and serving as the primary financial liaison for our governing boards and the Florida Auditor General.
Please describe your typical day.
In the CFO role, no two days are exactly alike, but they always begin with foundational fiscal oversight. I start each morning by reviewing bank positions across all districts to ensure liquidity and security, then approve invoices and requisitions to maintain strict internal controls.
The rest of my day involves high-level coordination, from preparing board agendas and presenting financial statements to managing investments and cash flow. Whether I am working with auditors or meeting statutory requirements, I focus on balancing daily transactional integrity with long-term financial health.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of being a CFO is the opportunity to serve as a bridge between complex data and clear decision-making. I find it incredibly rewarding to educate the Board on fiscal policies, reserve requirements, and cash flow projections, especially when it involves interpreting Florida Statutes to show how we maintain compliance.
Interacting with residents is equally important to me, as it allows for transparency regarding how their district is managed. I also find great professional satisfaction in the audit process, working closely with auditors to demonstrate our high standards of fiscal responsibility.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
My least favorite part of the job is when the decision-making process stalls due to a lack of consensus. As a CFO, I aim for fiscal momentum—getting budgets approved, starting capital projects, and meeting deadlines. When decisions are repeatedly postponed, it creates a significant administrative workload through revised projections and creates delays that can impact costs. I am always happy to provide more data to help the Board reach a conclusion, but I find the ‘holding pattern’ difficult because I am so focused on keeping our Districts moving forward.
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 am a firm believer in giving back to the profession that has shaped my career, which is why I focus my volunteer efforts on professional standards and education. I have served the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) as a reviewer for both the Budget Award and the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, helping ensure municipalities nationwide meet the gold standard of transparency. Additionally, I am deeply involved with the Florida Government Finance Officers Association (FGFOA). Since 2020, I have contributed to several key committees, including CGFO Certification, Technical & Legislative Resources, Conference Program, and Education & Webinars, all aimed at advancing the field of government finance.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
My most memorable experience in public service was volunteering at the Myakka Community Center following Hurricane Ian. I was assigned to a supplies distribution site, and I remember driving toward Myakka in the pre-dawn darkness, only to find the main roads closed and my cell phone signal gone. Navigating unfamiliar backroads through scenes of immense devastation—flooded farms and downed trees—was a sobering reminder of the scale of the disaster.
At one point, I lost my way due to flooded roads, but I eventually followed a FEMA semi-truck carrying tarps until I reached my station. Spending those days distributing supplies and hearing the unimaginable stories of our residents was deeply moving. Seeing the makeshift outdoor kitchens and FEMA showers underscored the resilience of our community. It was a powerful reminder that while we manage the finances daily, our ultimate purpose is to show up and support our neighbors when they need us most during their hardest moments.
What are your hobbies/interests?
When I’m not managing district finances, you’ll likely find me planning my next adventure or experimenting with a new recipe. I’ve explored 20 countries, six territories, and 24 cruises so far, and I am always ready for more. At home, I love the ‘science’ of cooking and enjoy the challenge of preparing upscale, multi-course meals. My ultimate goal is to travel the world full-time, discovering new flavors and landscapes one country at a time.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
My number one piece of advice is to never stop learning. In public service, the landscape is constantly shifting, and those who commit to continuous growth make the biggest impact. Prioritize your professional development—seek out certifications, attend seminars, and stay curious. The more you invest in your knowledge, the more confident you become in your role, and naturally, the more opportunities will find you.
