How long have you been a FCCMA member? 14 years
Are you an ICMA member and if so, how long? 14 years
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
Bachelor of Science in Leisure Services & Studies from Florida State University
Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Public Administration from IMPAC University
What got you interested in public service? Years of working as a summer camp counselor opened my eyes to the larger picture of parks and recreation. Through that experience I saw public service as a calling. I have been rewarded with the self-satisfaction that comes from a life of public service. To live a life of service is to live a life of purpose.
What is your current occupation? Deputy county administrator for Charlotte County
Please give a brief job description. Currently I oversee six departments, and public information and legislative affairs. I work on special projects as assigned and over the last couple of years I have worked as the administrator’s point person on a sales tax extension referendum, the Charter Review Commission, the Charlotte Assembly, and the RESTORE Act.
Please describe your typical day. Like almost every member profile I’ve read — there really isn’t anything typical about my days. A newly hired manager told me recently he couldn’t get over how many meetings we have. So I’m involved in lots of meetings, I handle lots of emails and I like to get out and visit staff at our facilities.
What is your favorite part of the job? The terrific staff we have working to better the quality of life in Charlotte County. I am continually amazed by the good things our passionate staff members do. I truly enjoy the discussions with staff on making something work better. I’m a glass-half-full person and I get a charge out of all the positive things we have going on in Charlotte County.
What is your least favorite part of the job? The public’s negative perception of government workers.
What is your most memorable experience on the job? Dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Charley. The acts of kindness and caring displayed throughout the community are forever embedded in my mind. We see the best in people when they deal with difficult situations.
What are hobbies/interests? Wellness/exercise, visiting parks and baking cookies.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people interested in a career in public service, what would it be? The field of public service is for you if you what to make a difference, be involved in shaping a community, and/or work to make a community special.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other young public administrators? I am so fortunate Pam Brangaccio saw something in me I did not see. I am forever grateful of the guidance and insight she provided. I have the pleasure of speaking to our new employees and sharing my experience.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector? I entered public service straight out of college and have worked for Sarasota County and Charlotte County.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another? I would probably be involved in sports in some manner.
