How long have you been a FCCMA member?
At least seven years I think. I believe I joined in 2008.
Are you an ICMA member and if so, how long?
I get my thirty-year plaque in Seattle this fall.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I have a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering/Operations Research from Cornell University and a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University.
What got you interested in public service?
I got involved in political action at the end of my college years and wanted to work for social change. I believed then and still do that public service is the best way to accomplish that.
What is your current occupation?
City Manager for the City of Lake Wales.
Please give a brief job description.
I oversee all city departments and help the City Commission develop policies and strategies for moving the city forward.
Please describe your typical day.
Meet with department heads to help resolve problems that they can’t resolve on their own; review and approve documents and forms in the course of normal business; research issues that affect the city; reach out to other agencies that can affect the city.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Seeing the city’s efforts result in positive outcomes for its citizens such as new jobs and development or improvements in the quality of life.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
Dealing with negative people who believe that government is the problem and not the solution.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
Hopefully it’s yet to come.
What are hobbies/interests?
Sports, travel, movies. I coached numerous youth sports when my kids were growing up including a stint as a high school ice hockey coach here in Florida.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
You’ll probably never get rich but nothing else will give you the same degree of job satisfaction knowing that you’re improving the lives of all those who live, work and visit within your jurisdiction.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other young public administrators?
My very first boss who insisted I experience the jobs of the people who worked for the city so I rode in a police car, picked up refuse, rode snow plow routes, etc. I try to make sure that my managers get out in the field and experience first hand what their staff does on a regular basis.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
I’ve worked as a management consultant in the private sector, specializing in state and local government and non-profit organizations. I also have experience as a university business administrator. Neither was as satisfying as public service.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I’ve often been accused by city attorneys of attempting to practice law without a license so I imagine I would pursue a law degree and career if I had to do it all over again.
