What is your professional background?
Prior to my municipal government employment, I completed two internships with the federal government at the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, D.C. and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga.
My other background has been in retail, banking and restaurant management. I worked for a few new business startups and new location openings, which I always thought were very exciting. I liked being a part of building something, implementing procedures and training people.
How did you decide on a career in government finance?
While attending KSU for my accounting degree, I took a Governmental Accounting class my last semester and thought it was very interesting. I think I liked it so much because it was a niche field, not everyone else around me was going into it. Right before I graduated, I was hired into a part-time position with a municipal government, which turned into a full-time opportunity upon my graduation, and the rest is history.
How do your job responsibilities change on a day-to-day basis?
I wear many hats, so my job responsibilities change frequently. One minute I may be doing accounts receivable, the next minute processing payroll, reconciling accounts, attending budget meetings, and/or helping in Court and Business Licensing. There is never a dull moment! It keeps the job interesting!
What are some of the challenges associated with your job?
As with everyone else, I’m sure, I’d say the biggest current challenge is adapting to the changing COVID-19 guidelines and rules. We must make sure we stay compliant and keep everyone safe to the best of our ability within Court and Business Licensing, as well as properly managing Coronavirus Relief Funding, and adjusting to performing routine daily activities.
What do you like best about your job?
I love being involved with different departments as it gives me the opportunity to work with so many amazing, hardworking people.
OFF THE WALL
What do you do for fun on the weekends?
On the weekends, I love spending time with my husband riding our motorcycle around North Georgia. I also love taking our dogs, two Boxers – Kenzie and Rider – out with us any and everywhere we can! They are the BEST dogs ever!
Do you have a favorite type of music?
I lived near the beach in Florida before I moved to Georgia, so I love reggae music. Bands like Rebelution, Pepper, and my all time favorite, Iration. We travel to see Iration perform, and my husband even proposed to me at one of their concerts.
What’s the last show you watched on Netflix?
The last show I watched on Netflix was Rotten. It is a very interesting look at the supply chain for certain foods like avocados, honey, garlic, and chocolate to name a few. Each episode has a different focus. Enlightening to say the least. Worth a watch!
Do you prefer watching sunrise or sunset?
Sunset! I think any sunset over water is breathtaking. Also, I am a night owl so I rarely catch a sunrise.
What is your happiest childhood memory?
When I was a child, I loved the weeklong breaks we got in school. My family would all pile into our van and drive from northern Virginia to Florida to visit my grandparents for the week. My three siblings and I sang songs and played road trip games the whole 10-hour drive there and back. At my grandparents, we would go to the beach, play in their neighborhood clubhouse, fish off their dock, and Grandma would always take us shopping. I always looked forward to those trips.
