How long have you been a FCCMA member? 6 Years
Are you an ICMA member and if so, how long? 6 Years
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
Undergraduate degree – Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering
What got you interested in public service?
Performing engineering work for public sector clients and dealing with City Engineers. I really liked what their role and responsibility was within a public organization.
What is your current occupation?
Assistant City Manager
Please give a brief job description.
Responsible for the oversight of three operational departments – Public Works, Environmental Services, Community Development
Please describe your typical day.
A lot of meetings discussing administrative policies, projects, and initiatives that affect the City.
What is your favorite part of the job?
The fact that it’s never the same day twice!
What is your least favorite part of the job?
Wearing a suit and tie to Commission meetings!
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
Too many of them to count! But if I had to pick one, it would be the original adoption of the City’s first Strategic Plan in 2004.
What are hobbies/interests?
Golfing, fishing, and spending time with family.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Public service can be very rewarding, if you have the right temperament and mindset for this line of work. In some ways it is very different than public sector, particularly with regard to speed at which actions can be taken, and policy decisions / approvals by the governing board. But the end product, the impact to the community, is what can make it all worth while.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other young public administrators?
I wouldn’t say that I have any specific mentors, but rather I try observe traits in all others around me, at all levels within the organization, both good and bad. Only then can you determine what you think your own strengths and weaknesses are, and try to improve upon them to be a better employee, co-worker, and administrator. I also try and learn lessons from every success or failure the organization experiences, whether I had direct involvement or not.
I feel it is important to make whatever time is necessary to help newer employees with their issues, particularly during working hours. I can always take work home with me, but they can’t always ask me questions after hours. It is also important to allow newer employees to try new things and gain practical experiences. Everyone in management or administration was once in the same position these employees are now: eager to grow and waiting for someone to give them a chance. It is our job to not just prepare employees for growth, but to give them the opportunity to grow as well.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
9 years in the private sector as an engineering consultant.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
Professional musician.