How did you come to work for the City of Tucker?
I spent more than a decade in print and broadcast media, including three years at 11Alive and four years at 92-9 the Game here in Atlanta. While I enjoyed the fast-paced nature of live TV and radio, it’s a tough industry for someone with young children. Fortunately, a lot of my professional background has been immensely helpful in starting up communications efforts here in the City of Tucker.
What is a typical day like for a Communications Director?
One of the things I love is that the job changes from day-to-day. Some days I spend quite a bit of time engaging residents on our growing social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Nextdoor). Social media is an avenue for us to share important information with our residents, as well as to spread positive news about what’s happening in Tucker.
I also dedicate time to writing press releases on everything from what’s happening in Tucker cluster schools to our new Parks and Recreation Department, as well as our SPLOST efforts. It all culminates each month in the publication of what you’re reading right now, our InTucker newsletter.
Recently, I’ve been managing our website redesign project. This new tuckerga.gov website will have a new look, but also new functionality that will help our Tucker residents and business owners to have greater ability to answer questions and solve problems online.
What is the biggest challenge of your job?
Explaining how City government works. It’s really a challenge and an opportunity because if a citizen can grasp the intricacies of the Mayor, City Council, ordinances, zoning, etc., they can truly become invested in their community.
I spent years as a reporter attending City Council meetings and County Commission meetings. The job was always to translate hours of minutia into something that viewers cared about and could relate to. That job remains the same running communications for a new city.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love our City staff, our elected officials and the projects I’m getting to lead, but I’d be lying if I gave any answer other than “the commute”. After working for the better part of a decade in Midtown, I’ve quickly learned that living and working in Tucker is amazing. Both my sons are in school here in Tucker, so I can drop them off in the morning and pick them up in the evening. If they have a school event, I’m able to hop in the car for a couple of minutes, be there and be back to City Hall without fear of traffic jams. That kind of work-life balance is truly the biggest perk of the job.
What do you do in your free time?
At this point, free time is at a premium. When I’m not working, I’ve got a six-year-old and a two-year-old who occupy most of my time. You might find us bicycling and tricycling in our cul-de-sac, playing basketball at the Y or going on adventures with the family dog.
OFF THE WALL
What is one thing your co-workers don’t know about you?
I’ve had a guitar for about 15 years. At long last, I am taking classes to learn how to play the thing. A couple months in, I am a whiz at Yankee Doodle.
What’s your favorite movie?
Back to the Future. It’s got Family Ties-era Michael J. Fox, Huey Lewis acting AND singing and, of course, the DeLorean. Oh, that DeLorean. Nothing is better.
Most famous person you’ve ever met?
Mayor Frank Auman. Chipper, Glavine, Smoltz and Maddux are all a close second.
Favorite Atlanta memory?
The ‘96 Olympics. It was the year of Kerri Strug, Dream Team II and Michael Johnson’s gold shoes. But we didn’t have big money to spend on tickets. So, my dad and I went and saw the Australian baseball team at Fulton County Stadium and a barn burner between the women’s basketball teams from Zaire and South Korea. Not great competition, but once-in-a-lifetime memories, for sure.
