How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join?
I have been in FCCMA for nearly five years. I joined because my boss, Terry Atchley, recommended membership in FCCMA to help me continue to grow professionally.
Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member?
I am not an ICMA member yet.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I have a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from Webber International University.
Why did you select a career in public service?
I didn’t necessarily “select” a career in public service. I became employed with the City of Wauchula immediately following Hurricanes Charley, Frances & Jeanne in 2004. I was hired for one year to manage all of their damage claims with FEMA. Proving to be an asset to the city during that time, I was retained by the city manager and offered a position as the Community Development Director.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
I have had experience in the private sector. Before working for the City of Wauchula, I worked for Grimsley Oil Company in their accounting department.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description.
I am the Deputy City Manager and also serve as the Public Works Director.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is knowing that everything we touch in our day-to-day operations has an impact on our community and therefore, we have the opportunity every day to make our impact a positive one. Our team takes great pride and care in their work and I’m happy to be a part of that team.
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 on the Economic Restructuring Committee for Main Street Wauchula and the Advisory Council for the Hardee County Chamber of Commerce. I am also a member of the Rotary Club of Hardee County, currently serving as the club secretary. From a professional standpoint, service in these organizations has allowed me to improve my leadership skills, grow my networking contacts, and be connected with the community outside of city hall.
What are your hobbies/interests?
I love camping, going to Disney parks, puzzles and reading.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Being a public servant is usually a thankless job and isn’t necessarily glamorous either. However, if you want to truly have a hand in building and bettering your community, there is no better place to be.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
Terry Atchley has mentored me over the last 10+ years. He has constantly pushed me outside of my comfort zone, supported and encouraged me. He challenges the “that’s the way we’ve always done it” mentality, which we have built into our culture at the City of Wauchula.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I love to travel and go to new places, so if I were to pick another career field, one involving travel as a key component would be fun.
