How long have you been an FCCMA member, and why did you join?
I was a student member for several years back in the early 2000s. I recently joined as a Full Member in January 2025 after being promoted to Deputy County Manager in August 2024. I joined FCCMA to increase my knowledge as a manager and be part of a collegial group of public sector managers that I can bounce ideas off of.
Are you an ICMA member?
No, I plan to join, though.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education (if applicable).
- Associate of Arts (AA) from Polk Community College
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Political Science from Florida Southern College
- Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of South Florida
- I am a Certified Public Manager (CPM) from Florida State University.
- I have my American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) designation from the American Planning Association as well.
Why did you select a career in public service?
Since I was a teenager, working for the Parks and Recreation Department in the city I grew up in, I have had an infinity for local government service. I also had an uncle who was a city manager in a local city, which intrigued me, so I started to hone that career path while attending Florida Southern College.
Have you always been in the public sector, or have you had experience in the private sector?
I have almost 25 years of experience in the public sector, yet I left for approximately 2.5 years while working for a local developer in the private 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 a Deputy County Manager for Polk County, and I am responsible for the Infrastructure group, which includes eight divisions (Roads and Drainage, Fleet, Facilities, Solid Waste, Real Estate, Utilities, Parks and Natural Resources, and Tourism and Sports Marketing) comprising almost 900 employees.
What is your favorite part of the job?
There are many, yet on the infrastructure side, a lot goes on, and we are constantly building and maintaining to keep up, especially in such a high-growth county. I think having input and involvement in these ongoing activities is my favorite part.
What are your hobbies/interests?
Saltwater fishing, basketball, and FM radio play-by-play for the local high school basketball team.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Have patience and stay committed. You don’t become the city or county manager in year one, and in most cases, even years five or ten.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
My mentors have certainly been my prior supervisors and county managers, who have set wonderful examples of performing in these roles, and my uncle, who was a successful city manager for 14 years.
