Can you tell us about your professional journey and current position?
I started as an intern with Bessemer City after completing my sophomore year at ASU. I was hired part-time during my last year at App State (undergrad). I was hired full-time in May 2013 at the City’s Economic Development Officer. In 2014, I was promoted to also take on the title of Human Capital Officer/City Clerk. In 2020, my role transitioned to the Director of Administration for the City. I currently oversee finance and customer service; planning and zoning; human resources; economic development; parks and recreation; and general administration. I work directly for the City Manager.
What contributed to your decision to pursue an MPA degree?
I decided to pursue my MPA in 2014 (cohort program in Hickory through ASU) as a way to enhance my education and understanding of local government management and administration. I chose to pursue this program through ASU’s cohort campus because it allowed me to continue working full time as well as gain knowledge from other professionals that also worked in local government. Attending class with local government professionals was extremely beneficial as we learned various concepts and best practices for local government administration from ASU professors and one another.
How did the App State MPA program prepare you to work in government, nonprofit, or the private sector?
Advisors and the leadership team at ASU always worked to assist me with field experiences, internships, and real-life scenarios that better prepared me to work in government. Course work at the undergraduate and graduate level was typically associated with real-life examples. ASU’s graduate program relied heavily on a real-life application making it easier for comprehension and understanding.
What advice would you give to individuals considering the App State MPA program?
I would highly recommend the program to anyone looking to pursue a career in local government. The program’s resources and alumni association add value to your course work as you study and learn more about local government. App State’s MPA program is also highly recognized throughout North Carolina as a premier leader in public administration education. This program will prepare you for local government because the program focuses on real-life local government administration applications.
If hiring, what would you look for in new graduates of the App State MPA program?
I would look for someone that is willing to think outside the box when approaching local government in the context of understanding how that approach will impact the community. I would also look for someone that can communicate well with others and understand how to research information. An MPA degree will not prepare you for everything but I believe ASU’s MPA program gives you the tools to understand how to obtain the resources and information you need. Each community is different thus making administration in each community different. Knowing how to work with others is key to being successful in local government. I would also look for someone that truly inspires to see the community they work in become a better place. Local government administrators must have a passion to positively impact the community and cannot just look at it as a job. This passion will push you forward to being successful in your position, regardless of what that position is. It is also vital to understand that ALL positions in local government are crucial and equally important to the overall success of the organization.