How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join?
I have been a proud member of the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) for approximately seven years. I joined to strengthen my professional development and leadership in local government, as well as to connect with a network of dedicated public administrators who share a commitment to ethical governance, innovation, and service excellence. FCCMA has provided invaluable opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration that have enhanced my ability to serve communities effectively.
Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member?
Yes, I am an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and was honored to be recognized as the 2020 ICMA Honorary Member of the Year. I have been an ICMA member for six years. My involvement in affiliate and partner organizations, such as the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) for 22 years, the Local Government Hispanic Network (LGHN) for three years, and the International Network of Asian Pacific Islander Public Administrators (I-NAPA) for one year, made membership in ICMA a natural extension of my professional journey. As a public administration practitioner, I joined ICMA to expand my engagement in global best practices, leadership development, and ethical governance in local government management.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
My areas of formal and advanced education reflect a strong foundation in leadership, management, and communication within the public sector. I hold a Doctorate in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and an emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility, Government, and Nonprofit from Argosy University, Sarasota. I also earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Public Administration from Argosy University, Tampa.
Additionally, I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of South Florida, where I focused on Interpersonal and Organizational Communication. To further strengthen my leadership skills, I completed a Certificate in Innovative Leadership in Public Administration through the NFBPA Executive Leadership Institute at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
Why did you select a career in public service?
I selected a career in public service because I have always been driven by a deep commitment to strengthening communities and creating opportunities for people to thrive. Over the past two decades, I’ve served in executive and management roles across municipal, county, and educational institutions, each experience reaffirming my belief that government can be a powerful force for positive change when guided by integrity, innovation, and compassion.
From my early work as a Neighborhood Planner in St. Petersburg to my current role as Economic Development Director for the City of Greenacres, I have seen firsthand how public service transforms lives, whether through improving infrastructure, supporting small businesses, expanding access to resources, or securing critical funding for economic and environmental resilience. My passion lies in building cross-sector partnerships, fostering inclusive growth, and developing sustainable strategies that empower both residents and businesses.
Public service has never been just a profession for me; it’s a calling. It allows me to combine leadership, empathy, and collaboration to help shape communities that reflect fairness, opportunity, and shared prosperity.
Have you always been in the public sector, or have you had experience in the private sector?
No, I have not worked in the private sector. My professional experience has been dedicated to the public, nonprofit, and higher education sectors, where I have focused on advancing economic and community development, government relations, and public administration leadership. Over the past two decades, I have served in executive and management roles across municipal, county, and educational institutions, developing expertise in strategic planning, intergovernmental affairs, and stakeholder engagement.
In addition to my public service career, I serve as a Professor in the John Lewis Public Administration Program at Tulane University, where I teach courses in Public Organizational Leadership, Cross-Sector Partnerships, and Stakeholder Engagement. This academic experience allows me to bridge theory and practice, mentoring future public administrators while applying real-world insights from my public sector leadership.
While I have not worked directly in the private sector, I have collaborated extensively with private industry leaders, chambers of commerce, developers, and corporate partners to foster public-private partnerships that drive economic growth and community investment.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a City Administrator/Manager. If you are currently a student, what is your program of study?
I currently serve as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Greenacres, Florida, reporting directly to the City Manager. In this leadership role, I am responsible for advancing the City’s economic vitality through business attraction, retention, and expansion strategies that strengthen Greenacres’ commercial base and enhance overall quality of life.
My responsibilities include developing and implementing the City’s comprehensive economic development plan, overseeing redevelopment opportunities, and managing partnerships with the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, regional chambers of commerce, and private-sector stakeholders. I also lead initiatives that promote job creation, small business support, and community reinvestment.
Key programs include the “Dine Local. Savor Greenacres” campaign, the “Sunday Sounds” community event series, and the City’s business ribbon-cutting initiatives that celebrate new investment and entrepreneurship. Additionally, I oversee workforce development, business growth, and support grant funding efforts to support infrastructure improvements.
As part of the City Manager’s leadership team, I work collaboratively across departments to promote sustainable development, enhance resident engagement, and prepare for Greenacres’ 2026 Centennial through strategic branding and public-private partnerships.
Please describe your typical day.
As the Director of Economic Development for the City of Greenacres, my typical day focuses on advancing business growth, redevelopment, and community engagement. I begin by reviewing project updates, economic data, and activities to brief the City Manager and prepare reports for the Mayor and City Council.
Much of my day involves meeting with business owners, developers, and community partners to explore redevelopment and business retention opportunities. I also collaborate with internal departments, including Development & Neighborhood Services, Community & Recreation Services, and Communications to align projects that strengthen Greenacres’ economic vitality.
Afternoons often include site visits, partnership meetings, and coordination with organizations such as the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County and local chambers of commerce. Each day blends strategic leadership, collaboration, and innovation to foster a thriving, inclusive community and business environment.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is seeing how strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts translate into real, visible improvements in the community. Whether it’s helping a small business open its doors, facilitating a redevelopment project that revitalizes a corridor, or connecting residents with new economic opportunities, I take great pride in witnessing progress that directly enhances people’s quality of life.
I also enjoy building relationships with business owners, developers, community leaders, and residents, and creating a shared vision for Greenacres’ future. Ultimately, what I love most is being part of a city leadership team that is forward-thinking, community-centered, and committed to sustainable growth, helping shape Greenacres into a thriving, inclusive, and resilient place to live, work, and do business.
What is your least favorite part of the job? For students, what is your least favorite part of your educational process thus far?
My least favorite part of the job is navigating delays that occur during the development and approval process, especially when projects that could significantly benefit the community are slowed by factors outside of our control, such as regulatory timelines or funding cycles. While these challenges are part of government operations, they can sometimes limit the pace of progress for businesses and residents eager to see change.
However, I view these moments as opportunities to strengthen communication, streamline processes, and find creative solutions within existing constraints. They remind me of the importance of patience, collaboration, and persistence in public service, qualities that ultimately help ensure that projects are completed thoughtfully, transparently, and in the best long-term interest of the community.
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.
Volunteer service and youth leadership are central to my personal and professional values. I currently serve as the South Zone Administrator for the Florida Conference Seventh-day Adventist Church Adventurer Club, overseeing children’s ministries across Palm Beach, Martin, Port St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties, where I help local churches deliver faith-based, character-building programs for children and families.
I also serve as the Vice President of the National Sigma Beta Club Foundation, the youth mentoring arm of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., guiding programs for young men ages 8–18 focused on leadership, scholarship, and service. Additionally, as Deputy Chief of Staff for Phi Beta Sigma’s Southern Region, I support chapters across Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and Barbados.
Lastly, I serve as a Board Member for HandsOn South Florida, an organization dedicated to inspiring, equipping, and mobilizing volunteers to strengthen communities through hands-on service projects across South Florida. These roles allow me to invest in youth, community engagement, and service leadership, helping to build stronger, more compassionate communities.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
My most memorable experience on the job was being given the opportunity to join the City of Greenacres under the leadership of City Manager Andrea McCue. As a former Member in Transition (M.I.T.), this opportunity was truly life-changing; it not only allowed me to reestablish my professional footing but also renewed my sense of purpose in public service.
Andrea’s confidence in my abilities and her inclusive leadership style reminded me why I chose this field to make a difference while working alongside people who believe in collaboration and growth. This experience became much more than a career milestone; it was a personal turning point and a lifesaver that reignited my passion for serving communities and building meaningful partnerships that create lasting impact.
What are your hobbies/interests?
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, listening to jazz music, and volunteering. I am a former saxophone, tuba, and contrabass player, and music continues to be a source of inspiration and creativity for me. Jazz, in particular, teaches the value of rhythm, collaboration, and improvisation skills that I often apply in leadership and problem-solving within public service.
I also love traveling, as it allows me to explore new cultures, connect with diverse people, and bring fresh perspectives to my work in community development. Volunteering remains one of my greatest passions, especially through youth mentoring and civic engagement. These interests keep me grounded, energized, and aligned with my purpose of serving others and building stronger communities.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
If I could give one piece of advice to anyone interested in a career in public service, it would be to lead with heart, serve with purpose, and view decisions through an empathetic lens. Public service is more than a job; it’s a commitment to understanding and uplifting others, even when faced with complex challenges or limited resources.
Empathy allows you to see beyond policies and procedures to the people and stories behind them. It helps you build trust, foster collaboration, and make decisions that truly reflect the needs of the community.
Stay grounded in your “why,” listen more than you speak, and remember that leadership is about people first. When you serve with compassion, humility, and integrity, you not only create better outcomes but you also inspire others to do the same.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
Throughout my career, I have been blessed with exceptional mentors who shaped my growth as a public administrator, including Al Bouie, Bill Horn, Dr. Cynthia Johnson, Anita Favors Thompson, Carl Harness, Harry L. Jones Sr., Robert C. Bobb, Dr. Antoine Hickman, Dr. Calvin Jamison, Darnell Brown, Stacy Rodgers, Marcia Conner, and Andrea McCue. Each of them instilled in me the importance of integrity, empathy, and excellence in public service. They modeled leadership that balances accountability with compassion and demonstrated how to navigate complex challenges while keeping community impact at the forefront.
I honor their investment by mentoring and teaching the next generation of public administrators. Through my work as a Professor at Tulane University and my leadership roles in NFBPA, LGHN, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., and the National Sigma Beta Club Foundation, I actively share the lessons and values my mentors passed down, emphasizing ethical leadership, servant-minded governance, and the power of mentorship to create lasting change.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
If I were to choose another career, I would pursue one in education and leadership development, specifically as a full-time university professor or executive leadership coach. Teaching and mentoring have always been among the most fulfilling aspects of my work, whether in the classroom, in city government, or through community organizations.
I find great purpose in helping others discover their potential, develop their leadership skills, and find their path in public service. Education allows for a direct and lasting impact on future leaders, and it mirrors the same values that guide my work in government empowerment, empathy, and service.
In many ways, this is already a parallel calling I live out through my role as a Professor at Tulane University and as a youth mentor with the National Sigma Beta Club Foundation, where I help shape the next generation of civic-minded leaders.
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?
My journey with FCCMA has been one of the most transformative experiences of my professional life. As a former Member in Transition (M.I.T.), I found myself at a crossroads, uncertain about the next step in my career but determined to remain true to my purpose in public service. During that time, FCCMA became more than just a professional association; it became a lifeline of hope, connection, and renewal.
Through the encouragement, mentorship, and fellowship of members who understood both the challenges and rewards of local government leadership, I rediscovered my confidence and calling. The relationships built within FCCMA directly contributed to my opportunity to return to city management, an experience that truly changed my life.
Today, I remain committed to paying that forward, mentoring others, fostering collaboration, and reminding every emerging leader that public service is not just a job, it’s a legacy of impact, integrity, and hope.
