How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join?
I joined FCCMA in 2022.
Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member?
Yes, I am an ICMA Member, joining in 2002. I started taking online courses and went to my first ICMA conference in 2022. Joining ICMA, gives you a huge network of professionals in your field, and networking is a valuable tool; in this field, just being able to pick up the phone and ask a question is vital in the environment we work in.
Why did you select a career in public service?
I believe being an Elected Official, and engaging in the Florida League of Cities, has given me a perspective from the elected officials, and now as a manager.
I believe serving is one of the best things anyone can do. In 2008, I ran for office, and served as Mayor/Commissioner in Winter Haven for eight years, worked in Haines City, and Davenport allowing me to grow in two fast growing cities. My position in Haines City was Code Enforcement, and I worked hard with the community, creating new ways to improve the neighborhood through public engagement. Working in Davenport was fast-paced, and with the growth they had going on, but I got involved in the HOAs, allowing me to be that conduit for the city and the residents. Finally, becoming Manager for the Town of Lake Hamilton, and from day 1 plugging myself in with the residents, allowed me to hear what the town’s needs were, and now I could make a positive change.
Have you always been in the public sector, or have you had experience in the private sector?
Yes, mainly in the public sector, as a retired Police Officer, and some time in the private, but my passion has been with the public side.
Please tell us about your current position and give a brief job description if you are not a City Administrator/Manager.
I am the Town Administrator for the Town of Lake Hamilton. We are growing fast and provide all services, with the exception of fire. We currently have about 27 employees, with a population base of 3150, and a $22 million dollar general budget.
Please describe your typical day.
I am an early person, so my day begins before 7 am. This allows me to follow up on emails, check what appointments I have that day, and be ready for staff at 8 am. We have several projects going on in town, and I am not a behind the desk person, so I am out in the field following up, and driving through our town to see that everything is being done as needed for our residents.
What is your favorite part of the job?
There are many, but premiere being able to have the opportunity to meet, and hear from residents, and create an environment we all can be proud of.
What is your least favorite part of the job?
Having to terminate a high-level staff member.
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.
Serving on the (FLC) Florida League of Cities Transportation Committee, I’m able to be a voice for the town and residents on bills at the state level, that can impact where we live and that also can have financial hardship. I also serve on some boards for Polk County Schools. and have just become a member of the Northeast Chamber of Commerce as a Board of Director. All of this can lead to a a better quality of life for our residents, and business owners.
What is your most memorable experience on the job?
There have been several, but working as hard as I have been, learning as much as I can, and then finally getting the opportunity in July of 2023 to be a town manager is the most memorable.
What are your hobbies/interests?
My Grandkids/Reading.
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be?
Start early in your career, and work for a place, that allows you to grow professionally and appreciates what you do.
Who were your mentors and how have you passed this information down to other aspiring public administrators?
Mentors, I would not be here without them. First and foremost, Kelly Callihan, City Manager of Davenport, for believing in me, and allowing me to grow, and develop into his Assistant City Manager. Ann Toney Deal, while I was working in Haines City, I was allowed to voice my opinions, and be involved in several aspects of city management.
What career would you pick if you were to pick another?
I cannot think of another rewarding career path.
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?
Being a member of FCCMA has allowed me to have a network of peers that I can call, and reacquaint myself with at the conferences. And the great thing is, it relates to issues in our State of Florida.
