How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join?
I have been a FCCMA member since December 2020. I joined because it’s a great opportunity to learn from new and seasoned managers and understand how to navigate an early career path in local government.
Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member?
I joined ICMA as an ICMA Local Government Management Fellow in 2018. I had the privilege of being selected to the fellowship, and really being introduced to the profession through that medium.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
I have a Master of Arts in Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy through the GREAT University of Florida…Go Gators!
Why did you select a career in public service?
Public service has always been a calling for me. Volunteering for various city and county agencies throughout my collegiate years showed me the impact that local government has on folks, and I knew it was a career I wanted to pursue long-term. For me, helping people and positively impacting people’s lives is where I find the greatest reward. As an Alachua County Crisis Counselor, I saw firsthand the direct impact community services have on connecting individuals and cities to critical and crucial resources in their time of need. When crisis strikes, people look toward local leaders to see them through their predicaments and return to normalcy. In effect, I hope to be a part of the reason why they are able to get back to normalcy and be able to live fulfilling lives in their communities.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
I have always been in the public sector, unless you count me helping at my parent’s store.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a City Administrator/Manager.
I am a Senior Budget and Management Analyst with the City of Fort Lauderdale, and I oversee three (3) operating departments: Human Resources, Information Technology Services, and Parks and Recreation. Being able to be involved with so many departments has allowed me to gain a broad understanding of citywide operations. In addition, I work on various special projects that range from contract negotiations to legislative impact analysis. Currently, I am working on an annexation analysis of five (5) unincorporated neighborhoods adjacent to the city and involved with IAFF contract negotiations.
Please describe your typical day.
Surprisingly enough, there is not one, in some fashion we are involved with a little bit of everything. During the budget cycle, we focus on digging into operations and the impacts on departments pending citywide changes. The most collaborative time, and most rewarding to see, are the city manager and department director’s interactions during our half-day sessions. Here you can find them talking about major issues, strategic reductions, or operational enhancements which all benefit the city in some way and gives good context to how decisions are made. During the budget off-season, the OMB teams daily life varies from working on special projects or assisting departments with different administrative budgetary issues throughout the year. Usually, this is a great time to do a temperature check with everyone’s respective departments and see where we can help.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Simple: helping people. Whether it’s being collaborative with departments, or answering questions from neighbors, I take enjoyment in actively being a part of the conversation and helping people solve any issue they might have.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
My most memorable experience was project managing the new nonprofit process for the City of Fort Lauderdale. From the inception and research for the idea to full implementation, it was an exciting journey! I had the opportunity to process improve a city function and expand the opportunity for more nonprofits to access funding provided by the city. Working through the internal administrative issues and working collaboratively with an advisory board provided me with one of the greatest professional growth opportunities yet. The best part was that I was able to work with my project team and implement an independent and accountable process that originally supported 16 city nonprofits to about 42 organizations.
What are your hobbies/interests?
I love working out, playing basketball, being a film/tv show buff, or exploring new hobbies—my next one is some form of learning mixed martial arts.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Be patient and be humble. Most people don’t get the privileged opportunity to serve your community and change the trajectory for the better, so take every experience (good or bad) as a learning opportunity to do better in the future.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
I count so many folks as my mentors who have helped me either directly (or indirectly) along this journey. While there are many more, here’s just a few who come to mind.
Starting off would be Randall Reid, when I was struggling to find a foothold for next steps out of college, he mentored me as well as gave me perspective on what matters most: family. He taught me not to miss out on life while pursuing an ambitious career in public service.
Next up is Lee Feldman, another great mentor who I turn to in times of crisis and doubt, always knows (somehow) the right thing to say and all-around genuine human being with a strong sense of civic duty—a quality I admire most and continually aspire to have throughout my career.
Even though she is not in FCCMA, Yvette Matthews. A leader in her own right, and a mentor through and through. She has been instrumental in showcasing my skills and has been my soundboarding about the ideas I have (good or bad). Having her as a confidant to think through hypothetical scenarios (as a what would I do if I were city manager) has been invaluable to my growth and development.
Lastly, she’s not going to think so, but Ratna Okhai who has been a great colleague and mentor. Early in my career, fresh into the fellowship program, I was a little lost in navigating the ins and outs of the profession (and even my role at times), but she was right there to help and guide me at every turn. Her continued support is what pushed me to take a more active role within FCCMA and ICMA.
All to say, I am incredibly, and forever, grateful for these folks and others that have helped me develop into the professional I am today. And following in their footsteps, I try to pass down similar advice and guidance to newer folks who come through the fellowship and others who are generally interested in becoming local government leaders. The common thread even between the folks mentioned above is an ‘always there to help’ mentality and is something that I think is crucial when it comes to mentoring people.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
Air Force Fighter Pilot, I mean have you seen Top Gun?
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 been a great avenue to connect with and learn from great individuals. Everyone I have met has stores of knowledge and being able to pick their brains has been invaluable. It’s a great community where people can support one another and help each other grow, which I appreciate tremendously.
