Briefly share your background.
I have my bachelor’s degree in Public Management from Florida Atlantic University, while working full time at a local real estate office overseeing 10 offices in total. I have worked as a management analyst within the Barefoot Bay Recreation District Community Manager’s Office since 2021 (for those not familiar with special districts, the Community Manager is akin to a City Manager).
Why did you choose to work in local government?
I chose to work in local government because I have always wanted to be able to help people and be able to work within a team of people who strive to serve the residents and visitors of community. I like working in an environment where the ICMA Code of Ethics is the foundation of decision making and in having the opportunity to continue to grow professionally through new assignments and continuing educational opportunities.
What aspects of working in a medium sized organization do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy the ability to work across departmental boundaries and the ability to interact with residents. In talking with my peers I believe working in small to medium organizations accelerates a young professional’s career development as compared to someone working in a single department within a large city or county government.
As a Millennial working with Baby Boomers and Gen Xers, what do you believe local governments can do better in recruiting and retaining young people?
I think employers and supervisors should focus more on applicants and employees’ abilities and not just direct experience. Younger people tend to be more technology savvy and less invested in “that is the way it has always been done” mentality which can bring new perspectives to senior employees and decision makers.
How do you think your generation will change local government in the years ahead?
I believe my generation will bring a lot of different diversity to local governments because they have grown up in a rapidly changing world. I believe as my generation grows into leadership positions in organizations, flexibility and change will become the norms rather than aspects of life and work that many people try to avoid.
