How long have you been a FCCMA member?
For about a year.
Are you an ICMA member and if so, how long?
No.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
Florida A&M University – Bachelor in Business Economics
Walden University – Master of Public Administration
What got you interested in public service?
I have always had a heart for service and/or serving others. My parents instilled in me at an early age that service and serving is not only meaningful but impactful.
What is your current occupation?
I currently serve as the Community Services Department Director with Seminole County Government.
Please give a brief job description.
Direct, plan, coordinate, and implement the day to day activities and personnel of the Community Services Department which includes overseeing the implementation of affordable housing and community development projects, human services and financial assistance programs, veterans’ services, juvenile diversion programs and mandated services (Indigent Burial, Indigent Care, HCRA, and Mental Health, and Medical Examiner’s Office).
Please describe your typical day.
My department provides direct services to clients and the community. As such, a typical day may include internal and external meetings with different community groups, clients and constituents; handling a crisis and providing guidance to staff.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My job allows me to tangibly see, touch, and feel those that are impacted by the programs that we administer – from rebuilding a potable water system for an entire low income area to demolishing and rebuilding a home for an elderly person. I am reminded on a daily basis how important our programs are to the community that we serve.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
Many of our grant programs have waiting lists as the need is greater than our funding amounts.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
We had an elderly client that applied for rehabilitation assistance for his home. The repairs needed were so extensive, it was more economically feasible to demolish and rebuild. As such, it required Director Approval. I visited the home and the client had to tell me where to step as not to fall through the floor. We relocated the client and built a new home. The client was so very thankful. Those are the kind of moments that makes the public sector field so appealing.
What are hobbies/interests?
I am very active in the community and serve in a number of community groups. I also love to sing, listen to jazz, read and Zumba.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Public service is one of the most rewarding careers – both personally and professionally. You will be able to take part in improving the quality of life for the community that you serve.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other young public administrators?
I have several mentors – Lula Banks, Retired Procurement Official, and Angela Weston, Retired IT Professional. I have been fortunate to have a number of individuals that have offered guidance and wisdom in the public sector field that has benefited me greatly. As such, I am now mentoring two young public administrators. I meet with each of them at least on a monthly basis to discuss their ideas, goals, and opportunities.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
I have always been in the public sector.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I would have become an Attorney – again, I love serving others.
