Q: Congratulations on being named a finalist for the Leadership Trailblazer Award. What does it mean to you to be nominated? 

The League of Women in Government is doing important work, and I’m grateful to those who have dedicated so much time and energy to it. A nomination for an award from this organization means so much, especially to be considered among such a worthy group of accomplished professionals. I’ve noticed that most public officials don’t pursue the career for public accolades, but to be recognized for your work is really, really meaningful.

Q: What led you to a career in public service?

When I first became aware of city management as a profession, I remember thinking that it felt like a perfect career path for me. I was drawn to it as a noble and unique profession and loved the idea of bringing strong business management principles to local government. Once exposed directly to the work, I found it so interesting I realized I would never walk away. Today I still find myself excited and enthusiastic about city management and feel very satisfied with my career choice.

Q: Who were your mentor(s) or advocate(s) in your career?

No one succeeds without significant help along the way. An early mentor named Mike Gilmore was my supervisor at the North Texas Council of Governments. He would take the time to immediately provide feedback to me as I worked through difficult issues, and I learned so much from him. My former City Manager, Curtis Hawk, was a tremendous mentor who helped me grow exponentially by having faith in me and giving me experience. It’s also been my observation that elected officials have a great deal to teach. It’s been a privilege for me to work with some accomplished and highly intelligent elected officials who have helped me develop my skill.

This profession is brimming with caring people who are happy to help you make your way, and I’m appreciative of them all.

Q: What is the most important lesson you learned while coming up in your career?

We all have natural empathetic tendencies, but this profession has helped me enhance my ability to see things from the point of view of others. Everyone has a perspective rooted in their personality traits, belief systems, experiences, or emotion. Over the years it’s become easier for me to read and understand where people are coming from and to find creative ways to help them achieve their goal(s). I make fewer snap judgments or assumptions these days which has aided me in my decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Q: What advice do you have for women just beginning their careers who would like to be an executive in local government someday?

When I work with young professionals in our organization, we usually begin with a series of assessments so that they can develop a deep understanding of their strengths, preferences, decision-making style, and any potential blind spots. This foundational understanding is vital to guide a professional to succeed. We also work to create opportunities for guided leadership and decision-making as there is really no substitute for experience. Starting with help early in one’s career sets the pace for stronger and stronger skills as the individual moves through his or her career. But it can’t just be about what a mentor or the organization does – a young professional must take initiative, seek out opportunities, and manage their own career strategically.

There is tremendous value to watching and learning and pushing yourself. Advancing is difficult if you sit in the shadows. You have to find ways to go beyond what is expected and, in doing so, differentiate yourself as a strong professional with an outstanding work ethic and great attitude.

Q: What do you hope to leave as your legacy in local government when your career comes to an end?

At the most basic level, I would hope that people would remember me as someone who worked hard, performed exceptionally, and made a real difference in my community. It would be a real honor for me to be viewed as someone who was among the best at managing a local government organization!

Ultimately, however, the real measure of success is whether your organization can thrive once you’re gone. If the people who follow you are successful because of the foundations you have built, this is the best possible legacy.