How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join?
I have been a member just shy of two years. I joined FCCMA because I understand and believe in the benefit of relationships and the valuable resource this association provides.
Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member?
I joined ICMA three years ago, as a result of the current City Manager inviting me to attend the conferences and immediately seeing the benefits of joining.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I have a BS in Business Administration with a focus on HR from USF, and a MBA from Florida Atlantic.
Why did you select a career in public service?
Following 9/11, I, like so many others, felt a calling to do something. I had begun a career in private sector Human Resources and after that, started applying for public sector HR jobs. I was hired by the City of Gulfport in May 2002.
Have you always been in the public sector, or have you had experience in the private sector?
I was in private sector HR for three years prior to coming to the public sector side.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a City Administrator/Manager.
I am currently the City Manager for the City of Clearwater. Clearwater is a progressive, full-service city serving 116,000 residents with 1,800 employees. Our operating and capital budget for FY23/24 is $724,184,306.
Please describe your typical day.
A typical day would be a mix of administrative duties, strategic planning and community interaction. I spend a majority of my time collaborating with Council Members, staff, and community stakeholders to address our challenges and champion our strategic plan. Of course, there is always urgent matters that arise and problem-solving is certainly another key aspect of every day.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is interacting and developing relationships with the community and all of its stakeholders. I am continually motivated by how passionate and dedicated our community and staff are.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
We have seen an increase in public criticism that is aired via personal attacks toward the City Council and staff. Dealing with those situations is both challenging and stressful.
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 participate in numerous volunteer opportunities within the community and am currently seeking opportunities to get involved with FCCMA and ICMA. Additionally, I have been recently invited to sit on the Mortan Plant Mease Community Health Needs Committee. Having served the majority of my career in Human Resources, I am passionate about connecting people with resources and benefits to better enrich their quality of life.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
Opening day of Coachman Park last year was by far the most memorable experience. Watching decades of tenacity, collaboration and hard work come to fruition and seeing our downtown activated with thousands of people enjoying all our city has to offer is something I will never forget.
What are your hobbies/interests?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, practicing yoga and reading.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
It would be to follow your passion; it is essential to have a genuine passion for serving a community and a commitment to making a positive impact. Following passion, develop strong communication, leadership and problem-solving skills will serve you well as will getting involved!
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
I have been so fortunate to have several, but my first one that shaped me into who I am today is Reid Silverboard, he was the City Manager in Treasure Island, and he pushed me past my limits and provided me so many opportunities to grow as a professional in the public sector. I will forever be grateful for him. The community of city/county managers since I have been selected as the City Manager have been so supportive in my first year, I can only hope to be able to repay and or pay it forward to future generations. Their support and guidance have significantly positively impacted my first year, and I am incredibly grateful for them as well.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I just recently changed from public sector human resources to city administration, and I can’t think of any other career I would be interested in – both have been so very rewarding.
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?
FCCMA is a valuable resource that provides networking and relationship opportunities. The conferences and trainings have not only provided valuable content, but a community of resources to share with as well!
