Can you tell us about your professional journey and current position?
In undergrad, I wanted to go to Law school and ended up in an internship with a local congressional office; I really liked helping people working with constituents, didn’t like the federal government, but liked working with people. Decided to pursue an MPA at App, but didn’t want to be a town manager at first - wanted to be in a large organization and learn a little bit about everything - this made me marketable. I never started out wanting to be a manager. I worked my way up through Charlotte Water and then the Budget Office; I served as the Deputy Director of Charlotte Water and loved it but accepted the budget director position for the City of Charlotte. Impactful time in my career - able to close a 24 million project. Strongly encouraged by Charlotte Directors to apply for City Manager position and came in number 2, really did it to be the voice of the organization after turmoil and conflict. Out of that came a promotion from Budget Director to Assistant City Manager. Left Charlotte and started to look for another opportunity - Gaston County position opened. Grew up in Kings Mountain; everything fell into place. Gaston County was home. Wanted to stay local for family-decided intentionally for family that moving was not an option - career choice included family. By the time I interviewed for the assistant position, the retirement timeline for the manager changed, and I got the Manager position. I have been in Gaston County for a year and a half - I enjoy being a manager more than I thought I would - I enjoy making the decisions.
What contributed to your decision to pursue an MPA degree?
Professor at Wingate was a big mentor, I was a history major, and my professor in the history department really helped guide me to some options. Got the internship in the local congressional office and the professor saw what I was getting out of it and what my interests are, and mentored me. They dropped the idea of an MPA, and I am so thankful I got my MPA at ASU. So thankful he mentored me.
How did the App State MPA program prepare you to work in government, nonprofit, or the private sector?
Helped me from a tactical perspective around budgeting and personnel, but really taught me how to think critically, question, plan, and evaluate. Prepared me to be a critical thinker and to know enough about a subject that she wasn’t necessarily an expert, but equipped me to go into my first role ready to show up in the right way. To not be afraid to ask questions, to volunteer, etc. Became the student I could be. Got a higher ed degree from App after to prepare for PhD.
What advice would you give to individuals considering the App State MPA program?
Do your homework on every program you are considering, but the passion that the App State professors have around the work and support for their students - the support structure that App offers should not be underestimated or undervalued. App’s program is very balanced - not an overwhelming focus on any one thing. Balance and support - can’t deny the environment of Boone - that’s icing on the cake. Visit if you are going to be on campus. Cohort structure off-site is unmatched. Mix of in-service and pre-service is phenomenal - brings in another perspective to the dialogue.
If hiring, what would you look for in new graduates of the App State MPA program?
Spark in terms of the interest in local government; willingness to learn; i know that a graduate of App State’s program will have the general knowledge and fundamentals, but you cannot teach someone the passion/spark for local government; attitude; service-oriented attitude; local government is a calling - equipped to put up with criticisms of local government/bureaucracy and focus on the impact you can have; the drive to make a difference.