How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join?
I have been a member of FCCMA for 10 years.
Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member?
I joined ICMA to help with my continuation in professional development and to build my network. I have been a member of ICMA for over 10 years.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
My area of formal/advanced education is primarily in Business Administration. I have a Bachelor’s and Master’s in this discipline. I am a certified redevelopment administrator and a ICMA credentialed manager.
Why did you select a career in public service?
Public service really found me. I was interested in how to change my community. During my research, I found how I could make an impact by working directly in government. My first job was a Senior Management and Budget Analyst with Orange County Government, Florida.
Have you always been in the public sector, or have you had experience in the private sector?
I have been in the private sector. I worked for Sea World of Florida as a Productivity/Business Analyst.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a City Administrator/Manager.
I currently serve as a Deputy County Administrator in St. Lucie County Government, Florida. My role is to assist the County Administrator in the daily operation of programs and services, and the implementation of policies approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
Please describe your typical day.
There is no typical day in government. Every day brings about a new set of challenges or opportunities. As public servants, we need to be flexible, daily, to address the needs of our community.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is seeing how our community is transformed based on good policy decisions.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
I do not have a least favorite, but sometimes we want to see change occur quicker. As an experienced public servant, I am aware of the various steps to ensure change is implemented in an equitable and timely manner.
If you are involved in any volunteer or leadership activities in your community, please share with us a bit about what you do and why it is important to you.
I am the President of the Treasure Coast Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators. I also serve on the Board of Directors for St. Lucie Chamber of Commerce, St. Lucie Boys and Girls Club, and St. Lucie United Way.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
One of my favorite programs was developing employment opportunities for individuals that required a second chance at success. These types of programs allow you to see the direct impact of government.
What are your hobbies/interests?
I am a volunteer basketball coach.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Be patient. Everything does not happen overnight. Good policy does take time to develop and implement.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
There are two individuals that I consider mentors. Byron Brooks, County Administrator, Orange County Government, Florida, and Howard Tipton, County Administrator, St. Lucie County Government, Florida. I participate in mentoring activities that allow me to share the wisdom and lessons learned that have been instilled in me.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I would want to be a High School Basketball Coach.
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?
For me, FCCMA has always been a source of resource and tools to help me in my career. I have utilized the network to lead the development of programs and services that provided second chance employment opportunities to individuals in economic distress areas, enhance communities through community engagement activities, redevelop areas through partnerships, and provided for a safer and stronger communities.
