How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join?
I became a member of FCCMA in January 2021. I joined FCCMA because I was looking for support, education, and networking to become an enhanced public servant and leader which I feel FCCMA provides.
Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member?
No, I am currently not a member of ICMA.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, and a master’s degree in Public Administration from Barry University in Miami, FL.
Why did you select a career in public service?
I selected a career in public service because I want to make a difference. Being a public servant provides the opportunity to contribute to the improvements that are vital to quality of life. I am fortunate to work with a group of individuals at the City of Safety Harbor who share the same passion.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
I have been in the public sector for 25 years. I fell into public service as a young person needing a job and needing to support my family. When offered my first position in the public sector many years ago, my boss told me – “you won’t get rich working here, but you will have a great job, great benefits, you’ll make a difference, and you will be able to take care of your family.” Exactly what I was looking for, and how true those words have been!
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 Human Resources Director for City of Safety Harbor and oversee pay and classification, benefits, labor relations, retirement services, risk management, selection and staffing, training and development, wellness, and workplace safety.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of my job is being able to help someone or some situation, each day – whether it be a citizen or employee, providing solutions and assisting wherever and whenever needed.
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 a mentor for Pinellas County Schools, member of Leadership Pinellas, and an instructor for the American Public Works Association (APWA). Although all are amazing opportunities, being a mentor for Safety Harbor Elementary and Safety Harbor Middle Schools is the most fulfilling. I have had the pleasure of following two students from elementary to middle school. Helping them navigate through school, family, and life experiences is rewarding, but seeing their smile just because you are there to eat lunch with them is the best!
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
The most memorable experience on the job was watching our city come together following the death of a co-worker. It was heartwarming to see the impact this employee had on many at City of Safety Harbor and the comradery of the organization as we came together to remember and celebrate the life of our co-worker.
What are your hobbies/interests?
My hobbies include gardening and walking our dogs. My kids are grown, so I empty nested for quite a while. I did eventually figure out though that I can enjoy life even after the kids are gone!
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
The best piece of advice I can give to people interested in a career in public service is to be enthusiastic about your public service, and the privilege you have. Maintain your sense of humor, and don’t take yourself or the business of government so seriously that you don’t enjoy it. Government work should be fun, as well as a rewarding experience.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
I have always been fortunate to have great mentors in my work life – Tom Owens, Jane Clark, and John Moore at City of Pinellas Park; Henry Schubert at City of Largo; and Matthew Spoor at City of Safety Harbor. All are supportive of women in the workplace and gave great advice as I navigated my career as a leader and public servant. My most influential mentor, was my Dad. He taught me to be loyal, show up every day – no matter what, and to always give it your best. He taught me family first, and a good balance between work and home would be key. I work hard to convey what my Dad taught me to staff, interns, and aspiring public administrators that a work/life balance is paramount to a healthy and successful career.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
If I had to pick another career, it would be a nurse. I am naturally a care giver, so a nurse would be an avenue to engage in public service while continuing to make a difference in others’ lives.
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 been impacted by FCCMA’s podcasts, specifically those with Jill Silverboard and Emily Lewis. Both focus on women in government and promoting women in leadership. I identified with the real and perceived obstacles to women occupying executive-level positions today and related to the “lean-in” program, which has been amazing to listen to.
