How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join?
I joined FCCMA in 2014 because I wanted to be part of a peer group of similar professionals. FCCMA membership offers an opportunity to network and learn from other leaders in local government.
Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member?
I recently became a member of ICMA a few months ago. I’m interested in becoming an ICMA Credentialed Manager.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I received my undergraduate degree in Geography and Regional Planning from Westfield State College in Massachusetts. After moving to Florida I obtained a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Central Florida and later achieved certification through the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). To sharpen my management skills I then became a Certified Public Manager (CPM) through Florida State University in August of 2018.
Why did you select a career in public service?
I have always been fascinated with cities. SimCity was one of my favorite video games growing up. While in college I discovered the career of urban planning and fell in love with the idea that planners can influence decisions to make the built environment a better place. As a certified planner, public service is a good fit for someone with my skillset and passion.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
I cut my teeth in the private sector and spent four years working at a small land planning firm in Mount Dora. Experience in the private sector has helped me tremendously.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description of your role.
I currently serve as the City Manager for the City of Wildwood. Wildwood is a Commission-Manager form of government. The City Manager is the Chief Administrative Officer of the City and carries out the duties of the same as articulated in the City Charter. I lead a team consisting of seven Department Heads, approximately 135 employees, and answer to a City Commission consisting of a Mayor-Commissioner and four Commissioners.
Please describe your typical day.
A day in the life of a City Manager is hectic, and I wouldn’t want it any other way! Wildwood is a rapidly growing City, thanks in part, to the continued expansion of The Villages® development within the municipal limits. Fast-paced growth for a small city comes with a myriad of challenges and stresses where each day is different from the next. I spend a lot of time strategizing and looking for new ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. I speak with my leadership team daily and do my best to provide our elected officials with the accurate information needed for decision making purposes.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I am blessed to have a supportive City Commission and a team of dedicated employees. Our vision is aligned, and our collective actions and decisions are making the lives within our community better.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
This is likely a common answer but personnel issues are my least favorite part of being a City Manager. Continuous mentoring, motivating, and coaching come with the territory but disciplining or terminating an employee, when necessary, is never enjoyable.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
The City’s Police Department is in the midst of a cultural change. Under the leadership of a new Police Chief the department has taken strides to improve its image within the community. Recently a group of officers partnered with a local home improvement store and volunteered their time to renovate the mobile home of an indigent resident. The resident was extremely grateful and officers were prideful. This is just one example of many where the Wildwood Police Department is making the extra effort.
What are your hobbies/interests?
I spend most of my time working, but outside of work my hobbies include sports, travel, and being outdoors. I am also a wannabee meteorologist. My favorite band (music) is 311. I have personally watched them perform 68 times over the last 25 years.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
An ethical and long term career in public service is rewarding. But as your career blossoms you’ll need to learn to filter out the noise and effectively cope with stress. Social media has made government officials easy targets for negativity. Stick with your training, experience, and instincts and do what’s right. Being able to put your head on your pillow at night knowing you did the right thing is super important.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
While at the University of Central Florida I had the pleasure of learning from Dr. Owen Beitsch. His perspective on economics and its role in government and land use planning resonated with me. Some urban planners miss this point so I’ve encouraged my staff to read his publications and attend his sessions during conferences. We must understand that economics play a vital role in formulating government policy.
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?
FCCMA proved helpful when trying to find an Interim Chief of Police in a pinch. FCCMA put me in contact with the Florida Police Chief’s Association and was able to find a qualified individual in a short amount of time.
