How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join?
I have been a member since my undergraduate years at St. Petersburg College approximately three years ago. I majored in Public Policy and Administration and studied under Jeffery Kronschnabl. Professor Kronschnabl encouraged all of his students to join and participate in both ICMA and FCCMA. I have continued my membership through my early years as a local government budget analyst because the association offers great educational opportunities and has allowed me to build valuable relationships with leaders in local government across Florida.
Are you an ICMA member?
Yes. I joined ICMA at the same time I joined FCCMA. ICMA provides applicable training and education materials and the opportunity to become a credentialed manager in the future.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and Administration from St. Petersburg College and will complete a Master of Public Administration from the University of South Florida in May 2025.
Why did you select a career in public service?
Very simple, to make a difference in the community I live and work in, particularly for the most vulnerable sectors of the population. I chose a career in local government because I feel I can make a meaningful difference in my community. I enjoy trying to help solve problems to improve the community and help create a sense of connection. I’m very fortunate to be employed in another municipality, Palm Beach Gardens, that also prioritizes creating a sense of connection in the community.
Have you always been in the public sector, or have you had experience in the private sector?
Prior to completing my education, I worked in the hospitality industry. During and following my secondary education, I have worked exclusively in the public sector, including non-profit, city, and county governments.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a City Administrator/Manager. If you are currently a student, what is your program of study?
I am currently a Budget and Financial Management Analyst in the Pinellas County Office of Management and Budget. I primarily handle budget development and the monitoring of the Capital Improvement Plan for the County’s enterprise departments, including Utilities, Solid Waste, and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. I also handle budget analysis of the Solid Waste operating budget and am involved in strategic planning and policy development for the Solid Waste department.
Please describe your typical day.
My typical day includes a lot of conversation with staff throughout County departments to assist them in accomplishing core missions by ensuring funding availability, proper procurement procedures, grant compliance, and strategic planning. In between conversations, I conduct a lot of budget monitoring, reporting, financial transaction processing, accounting, and systems maintenance to support the County budget and financial processes.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is seeing the culmination of efforts in a completed project. Capital improvements take years to plan and complete, but they produce tangible assets that can be seen and felt; furthermore, those assets make obvious impacts on the community.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
As a local government, we work with limited resources, which means we can not accomplish everything we would like to in a given timeframe, or everything that the residents of the County ask for. Saying no is my least favorite part of the job.
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 raising two young kids and am expecting twins in January. In the past, I have volunteered and worked with the Sierra Club, the NAACP, and the Rotary Club. I hope to return to those commitments in the future.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
Visiting active construction sites such as the Old Coachman Bridge replacement and the South Cross Bayou Advanced Water Reclamation Facility Dewatering Building expansion.
What are your hobbies/interests?
I enjoy kayaking, golf, and cooking. I am interested in history and almost every sport.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Working in the public sector is all about the attitude. If you have the right attitude and the desire and drive to work towards positive outcomes for the residents in your community, that will take you a long way. Skills can be taught, knowledge can be transferred, talent can be developed, but attitude is an individual responsibility.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I originally studied journalism and completed an internship at a local newspaper before deciding to pursue public administration. My goal was the same: to make a difference in the community I live and work in. Ultimately, I determined that working in the public sector better fit my personality and values.
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?
I have joined and done my best to be active in FCCMA committees, particularly the Professional Development Committee. As a member, I have organized a webinar and hosted breakout rooms during the Winter Symposium. These activities have introduced me to numerous local government leaders from across Florida and beyond.
