How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join?
I have been a member of FCCMA since 2021. FCCMA provides excellent opportunities to enhance my knowledge base through educational training sessions, networking opportunities as well as volunteer opportunities.
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 2021. ICMA is the preeminent organization for professional City Managers and offers multiple training opportunities as well as the ICMA-CM credentialing program, which I have applied for and look forward to receiving this summer.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I have a BA in Parks and Recreation Management from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. (Go Seahawks!)
Why did you select a career in public service?
I grew up in Ocean City, MD, and was exposed to our local government officials on a daily basis through community recreation programs. Those individuals always took the time to talk to us and teach us about the importance of making a difference in our community. From there I began volunteering and then never looked back on my public service journey.
Have you always been in the public sector, or have you had experience in the private sector?
Outside of a short period of time with minor league soccer and as the Executive Director of the YMCA, I have always worked in city and county government.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a City Administrator/Manager.
I am the Deputy City Manager for the City of Clermont.
Please describe your typical day.
I am an early riser and like to get into the office early when it is quiet. I’ll get caught up on emails and then plan for what needs to be done throughout the day. Our City Manager and I will meet multiple times during the day on tasks we are working on. I try to get out and visit in person with various departments during the day in between putting out the daily fires that arise, and I’m always looking at planning for not just our current but the future needs of our City. I am very fortunate to have such a great team to work with and a City Manager and Council who support and encourage my efforts.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I really enjoy the problem-solving aspect of what I do. Taking large and complex challenges and creating solutions that benefit our residents, visitors and employees.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
My least favorite part of the job is social media. With the rise of social media, the discourse has become so volatile at times. Most frustratingly is when anyone can put something online that is not based on any legitimate facts, and we have to spend valuable time and energy to address it. If someone says the sky is green and it is the City’s fault, there will definitely be a vocal group trumpeting that and demanding answers on why we turned the sky green.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
The residents of Clermont had been asking for a theater and more cultural experiences. After the City council approved the purchase of a failed megachurch and completed many renovations to the facility, we opened the Clermont Arts and Recreation Center and the 1,000-seat Clermont Performing Arts Center with Darlene Love at the opening Gala. It really demonstrated the City’s ability to take the desire of the community and make it a reality on a grand scale.
What are your hobbies/interests?
Spending time with my wife and children, surfing, soccer, reading and all things Disney.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Develop your communication skills as much as possible. Effective communication is the key to getting your message across and reduces conflict and confusion.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
Al “Hondo” Handy, now retired from the Town of Ocean City, taught me the importance of being genuine in everything that you do and how having a driving passion for what you are doing helps you find the joy in your work even on those less-than-stellar days.
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 has allowed me to connect with other City Managers and develop relationships with them where I know I can ask any question, from the most mundane to the extremely technical, and get meaningful feedback and advice.
