How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join?
I joined in March of 2022 and I felt that joining FCCMA would be in my best interest since I entered into a new role when I started with the City of Bradenton in January of 2022. With a background in Information Technology, I am also a long-time member of FLGISA and serve on a committee for it as well.
Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member?
I am not currently a member of ICMA.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
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- I attended Florida International University and after exploring degree options, I graduated with a Bachelors in Public Administration. Since I was working for the City of Hollywood at the time, it made the most sense as my classes were like an extension of my work duties.
- Years later, after wanting to become an Adjunct Instructor, I sought and completed an MBA in Information Technology with Western Governors University (conferred in May 2015). I never did become an Adjunct Instructor. This was fun as it was my first time completing an online degree, working 40 hours and having a family. I’m the cook, so I would make dinner and then hit the books.
- Four short months after completing my MBA, I enrolled in Capella University for a brand-new program—Doctor of Information Technology. With my family’s blessing and encouragement, I began the Doctoral journey. It was very rough and washed out many prospective candidates. There were a lot of tears and tension but I completed the program three and half years later and had my degree conferred as of May 31, 2019.
- While working on my MBA, I enrolled in the FSU CGCIO (Certified Government Chief Information Officer) program. This was an 18-month leadership program that was promoted through FLGISA. It requires recertification every three years.
- I have some other technical certifications as well, namely the CompTIA A+ and CompTIA Network+. Late last year, I tested for and passed the American Management Association’s Certified Professional in Management test.
Why did you select a career in public service?
Honestly, I never saw it coming. I was working in the IT office of a magazine publisher when a former coworker told me about an opening with the City of Hollywood. I wanted a change as the position was to do computer programming—something I had never done before, so it was a challenge to take on. Public service has offered me so many opportunities and learning experiences, plus, I’ve created lifelong friendships. It amazes me to know that so much work is needed in public service and lots of people have no idea what it takes to run a government organization.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
I worked in the private sector including Publix, Best Buy, St. Ives, and Incredible Universe. Incredible Universe was a competitor to Best Buy and it was formed by Tandy Corporation. It was a lot of work, fun and a big production to be put on for the guests (what customers were called).
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a City Administrator/Manager.
My position is that of Assistant City Administrator. It is brand new for the City of Bradenton, so I take great pride in knowing that I am the first in this position for my organization. I serve the City Administrator and other staff as a project leader and implementor.
Please describe your typical day.
I usually start by reviewing e-mails regarding the previous night’s Police reports, if any. Our Policy and Projects Administrator and I utilize an electronic project dashboard so I then review and update that (also throughout the day) as status updates come in or as new assignments are made. Sometimes, out of the blue, the Administrative Services Director will brief me on an HR or safety issue. At some point, I may have a webinar to attend, review an RFP or perform product research. I may be called in to attend a meeting with the City Administrator and senior staff on a new project, marketing plan or budget. Sometimes, a Councilmember will ask if I would contact a resident who is having trouble contacting a department for service. My day isn’t as hectic as it was when I ran the IT Department, but it does have its moments.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part is that I now deal with all departments on a different level. Prior to this year, my involvement at my other two agencies dealt with acquiring software and hardware, performing user training and helping identify operational solutions. Funny thing is, I still do some of that now but it’s more strategic and I have to consider (even more) how solutions can be utilized or integrated to help multiple people. I’m helping to steer this ship in a new direction. I love to surprise people and show them that the City Administrator and I are extremely approachable. I still roll up my sleeves to dive in and help.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
Council meetings! But I don’t know of anyone that enjoys them.
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’m not involved in any at the moment.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
I’m still a short timer with the City of Bradenton but when our IT crew realized that they had a champion at the helm for their initiatives, they became so eager to get projects done. In six months, we have implemented in-building WiFi, began rolling out City-issued cell phones, began testing a new agenda management solution and started an on-street digital media program.
What are your hobbies/interests?
I am a movie buff! Give me a big screen for the latest Sci-Fi adventure or comedy. I also like to cook for my family and I occasionally play video games. My wife will encourage me to take 30 minutes and play some games.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Do it, and volunteer for projects. I directly worked on projects for Human Resources, Police, Fire, Parking, and Building. These exposed me to things like construction work requirements, security requirements and all sorts of user testing requirements. A career in public service can give you so much knowledge about the operations of various functions and easily open the door to greater opportunities.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
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- Dennis Hoover gave me a chance by hiring me for the City of Hollywood and teaching me to program. I have an analytical mind, so I took to programming so easily.
- John Barletta, former IT Director at the City of Hollywood, mentored me and made me one of his managers—assigning half of the IT Department to me. He liked to challenge me, and I always accepted.
- I relay this information to my coworkers. When I sit in on interviews, I know that I could be the one that gives a prospective employees the chance that they need. I never forget that because I would not be where I am now if I wasn’t given a chance.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
It probably would be something in Hospitality Management. I received a high school diploma and a diploma from the Academy of Travel and Tourism. Shortly after starting college, I realized that I didn’t want to pursue Hospitality Management and I didn’t really want to pursue a degree in Computer Science. Now that I am older and hopefully wiser, my wife and I want to travel more. Perhaps a career in Hospitality Management could have afforded more travel opportunities.
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?
The one small story that I have is about connection. I attended the FCCMA conference earlier this year and I saw someone whom I had not seen in years, Rick Lemack, Town Administrator for Davie. He instantly remembered me and gave me the biggest hug. My wife used to work closely with him (as she also worked for the City of Hollywood). Rick was overwhelmingly happy that I had “made it”. I saw other people that I had worked with in the past, as they have moved on to other organizations. And I saw a person who is just starting on their journey. We chatted for a bit so that I could relay my story to her.
