How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join?
Approximately 3 months.
Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member?
Yes, Professional development and networking, I was a previous member but let my membership lapse and rejoined about three months ago.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I have a BA in Public Administration from the University of Central Florida and an MPA from the University of West Florida. I also have other miscellaneous engineering coursework from Seminole State College.
Why did you select a career in public service?
I thought it was honorable work that could make a difference in the community.
Have you always been in the public sector, or have you had experience in the private sector?
Mostly public sector, with a little private sector.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a City Administrator/Manager.
I am the Assistant County Manager for Seminole County.
Please describe your typical day.
Administrative duties, providing direction and coordination with multiple operational departments.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Coordinating larger projects, especially infrastructure-related projects.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
When minor issues become unnecessarily perceived as major issues.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
Doing hands-on technical work in construction while coming up through the ranks in Public Works.
What are your hobbies/interests?
Fishing but do not get to partake as much as I would like.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Think about the politics, and whether or not you can stay immune from it and function as an objective administrator is my advice. The question would be what tips do you have on how to stay an objective administrator.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
Previous administrators that I worked for from internship until now. You can learn things from everyone and those who have done it before always have great perspectives.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I would pick being a custom high-end furniture or cabinet maker as another career. I like the idea of administration that is community-focused.
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?
As a new member, I am looking forward to developing such a story.
