How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join?
I have been an FCCMA Affiliate Member for nearly 9 months. As a native of Florida, I joined FCCMA to collaborate with and build professional relationships with local government executives, who like me, are passionate about ensuring that Florida communities will each contribute to better public infrastructure projects and programmatic services that facilitate a stronger economy where families can freely live, work, and enjoy.
Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member?
No. However, I plan to join ICMA in 2022 so that I can expand my network and contribute to the profession on a national and international basis.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education.
In 2005, I graduated from the University of Central Florida (Orlando) with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration. In 2020, I graduated from the University of West Florida (Pensacola) with a MBA degree. The two degrees reflect an on-going personal career goal of mine to bridge the collaboration and communication gap between local governments and the businesses that integrally contribute to the economic trajectory of each Florida community in which I serve.
Why did you select a career in public service?
I chose a career in public service because I wanted to contribute to enhanced public services, infrastructure and stronger local economies that benefit all community stakeholders.
Have you always been in the public sector or have you had experience in the private sector?
I’ve been blessed to work in the public and private sector. However, the majority of my professional career (over 14 years) has been spent working for local city and county governments in community redevelopment and economic development related management capacities. However, I have also worked in Commercial Real Estate.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a city administrator/manager.
Currently, I serve as the Director of the CRA/Economic Development Department for the City of New Smyrna Beach. My position reports directly to the City Manager- Mr. Khalid Resheidat. I oversee a small staff of one, but despite my small staff and limited budgetary resources, we strategically take on big projects with the goal of delivering the projects on time and under budget. My department is responsible for the daily operations of all city community redevelopment and economic development related programs and projects. Community redevelopment projects include, but are not limited to: public utilities infrastructure, affordable/attainable housing development, commercial facade/property improvements and brownfield grant program implementation etc. Meanwhile, economic development projects typically include some combination of business recruitment,
retention, and expansion and engagement with public and private sector partners.
Please describe your typical day.
Each day, I am responsible for providing overall good internal/external customer service, and assisting various economic development stakeholders that include, but are not limited to, local business owners/executives looking to expand their business within the city. In addition, I have to be cognizant of economic development, capital improvement, and community redevelopment project schedules and deliverables as directed by the city manager and elected officials. Simultaneously, I am working to ensure that the city always promotes and facilitates an environment that is conducive for residents as well as visitors to enjoy, and for businesses to provide their products and services in.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I enjoy working with local business owners on their project ideas and plans.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
The least favorite part of the job is not being able to always control the waiting period between a project’s planning efforts and the plan’s completion.
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.
Currently, I am a contributing member of the Southeast Volusia Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Volusia Manufacturing and Technology Coalition, Inc., Stetson University Disruptive Leadership Advisory Board, and an appointed member of the City of NSB City Manager’s Employee Diversity and Inclusion Committee. These committees and organizations have allowed me to add my valuable proficiencies and experiences to the benefit of the entire community.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
My most memorable experience is being able to plan and initiate the implementation of private property grants for businesses in the city’s newest Community Redevelopment Agency district.
What are your hobbies/interests?
My personal interests include spending quality time with my wife and family on various nature trails, beaches, and parks throughout Florida and the US. In addition, I enjoy reading good books. My hobbies include attending automobile enthusiast events and working on different automobile enthusiast projects.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
I believe it’s essential for any person exploring public service as a career to determine “if” they are one of two different individuals. First, you need to determine if you are the kind of person that likes to be served. Second, you need to determine if you are the kind of person that likes to serve. If you like to serve, this career choice is for you. However, if you prefer being served, it becomes more about you then the community in which you serve.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
My mentors have included, but are not limited to: Anita Favors Thompson- Retired City Manager, City of Tallahassee; Alan Rosen, FCCMA Board Member; Deric Feacher- City Manager, City of Daytona Beach; Jonathan Evans -City Manager, City of Riviera Beach; Khalid Resheidat- City Manager, City of New Smyrna Beach. Throughout my management career, I’ve continued to connect with public administration undergraduate and graduate students, who have reached out to me, to provide guidance on their aspirational career goals and objectives. For example, I have provided subject matter expertise and input on graduate research papers etc.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I would utilize my career experience to start up a consulting business.
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?
Since joining FCCMA, I’ve had the privilege of communicating and collaborating with some of the most distinguished and accomplished local government leaders. The experience has been very beneficial to me as I aspire to enhance my effectiveness and efficiency as a senior local government manager and public servant.
