How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join?
I’ve had two membership “eras.” In the late 1990’s, I was fortunate to be awarded an FCCMA B. Harold Farmer scholarship. That experience not only helped me complete my graduate education, but also introduced me to a great network of professional managers and FCCMA staff. I joined the organization at that time and continued my membership until leaving Florida in 2007. I moved back to Florida earlier in 2022 and re-joined.
Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member?
I have been a member of ICMA since 1999 and joined for many of the same reasons I became part of FCCMA: Outstanding network, mentors and professional support. I had the privilege to give back to the organization serving on the ICMA Executive Board as the Northeast Vice President from 2015-2018.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
B.A. from Brandeis University;
M.A. from University of Massachusetts-Amherst;
M.A. from the University of Florida
ICMA-Credentialed Manager
Why did you select a career in public service?
I always felt that there were communities out there that had untapped potential waiting for the right person and team to help make things happen. I’ve been blessed to have been mentored by great local government professionals who understood and reinforced the incredible impact professional managers can have.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
My professional career has been in the public sector.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a City Administrator/Manager.
I was appointed the City Manager of Temple Terrace on October 3rd, 2022.
Please describe your typical day.
As I’m sure others have conveyed before me, there is no such thing as a “typical day” in local government. There have been many days when I think my day will go in one direction and some event, question, or challenge will arise that will take me into unchartered waters. Ultimately, the best we can do is arrive prepared and ready to tackle what the day brings us for the best interests of our organizations and communities.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Feeling that I’m making a difference. Your team and organization sometime just need someone to have the fortitude to make a challenging decision. As I’ve looked back, one of the things I value most about my career were the positive and lasting impacts that came from having to make a tough call.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
Since I’ve only been at my current job for a couple of months, it’s the uncertainty that comes with not yet knowing what I don’t know.
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 on the national board of directors for the Local Government Hispanic Network (LGHN). This group is very close to my heart because it has a strong focus on building the next generation of public servants, particularly from underrepresented communities.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
I’ve been very fortunate to have worked with great people on outstanding projects including the complete revitalization of a downtown in my last community. However, the experience I treasure most was when I worked in Deerfield Beach and we twice were All-America City finalists. Our plan to win the title was to focus on our community’s future: its children. I was responsible for coordinating that effort and I had the privilege to work closely with a wonderful group of elementary and middle school age kids. These youngsters spent days practicing for their performance at the finals stage in Atlanta and Washington, DC. Many of these children had never been outside of South Florida and to see their enthusiasm, dedication and pride in their hometown left an indelible mark. Years after I left Deerfield Beach, I ran across one of the children’s moms who joyfully reminded me of how much of a positive impact that community effort made on her son.
What are your hobbies/interests?
I love learning about languages. I speak Portuguese and Spanish and recently tried to learn French, although not very successfully….
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Join organizations like FCCMA, ICMA and LGHN as soon as possible and get involved! These groups are great resources but you only get as much as you put in, so sign up for committees and volunteer at events. Build that network and learn from their great webinars and conferences.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
I’ve been blessed to have been supported by many wonderful people in my career including Larry Deetjen, my first manager in Deerfield Beach; Tom Aspell, my manager in Concord; and my fellow ICMA and LGHN board members. It’s critical for me to do the same for the next generation. In New Hampshire, I coordinated our state association’s fellowship program for over 10 years. I also served as the practitioner/advisor to the UNH ICMA student chapter. With LGHN, I serve as a “padrino” or mentor to early career members.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
Teaching
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?
When my wife and I decided to move back to Florida she found a job first, in Tampa, and I knew I had to start looking myself. Although I wasn’t yet back in the state, I had already re-joined FCCMA and reached out to a couple of fellow members I knew. Within a day, this simple call led to me being contacted by multiple FCCMA members who I had never met but offered to help. I was sincerely touched by this and it reinforced for the value and character of this organization and its membership.
