8 minute read

Women at the Top

Female City Managers share rough spots and rewards

by Joy Dickinson, Florida League of Cities

International Women’s Day was celebrated on March 8. In recognition of women’s important and growing role in local government, Quality Cities interviewed five female City Managers who share an insider’s look at their roles. They discuss what they’ve learned from the women who mentored them and the lessons they’re passing on to others.

The City Managers shared many common concerns and were upfront about the difficulties of the job. Many expressed the need for work-life balance.

They also spoke enthusiastically about their satisfaction in working with residents and seeing an idea turn into a completed project. Some spoke about the fulfillment that comes from working for a greater purpose. One City Manager quoted Steve Jobs, Co-Founder of Apple, as saying, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

SARAH CAMPBELL, TOWN OF ORANGE PARK

Sarah Campbell, Town Manager for the Town of Orange Park, loves that her job allows her to see long-term projects come to fruition. Campbell enjoys the satisfaction that comes with the completion of projects in a five-year capital plan, such as a new playground, road reconstruction or a waterfront park acquisition. “Redevelopment also fits into that category,” she said. “It takes a long time to eliminate blighted structures and replace them with thriving businesses that are good for the community.”

Sarah Campbell, Town Manager, Town of Orange Park

Photo courtesy of Kara Irby

Campbell acknowledges that the job also has its difficulties, especially in the current national climate in which people distrust government. “It is hard to combat the negativity, especially when the data does not support the distrust.”

Campbell said she has learned to remove her emotional responses to situations as they happen. “Keeping a calm demeanor, listening first, responding slowly and with a professional answer is a learned habit,” she said. If you respond with anger, frustration or hurt, the focus turns to the person instead of the issue, Campbell said. “My goal is to respond with grace. And vent later.”

Physical and emotional health must be a priority in order to stay in this profession long-term, she said. Also, Campbell now sets boundaries for responses after normal business hours.

She’s found a creative way to address meetings with residents when they are particularly challenging. “I use my digital notepad to write myself positive messages like ‘breathe,’ ‘peace’ or ‘this too shall pass.’ Sometimes I fill a whole page!”

SANDRA R. WILSON, CITY OF OCALA

Sandra R. Wilson, City Manager of the City of Ocala, also has faced significant challenges in her job, especially addressing difficult social issues such as homelessness. “Everyone wants the problem solved yesterday, but the complexities surrounding the issue have to be considered and solutions developed, which can take a significant amount of time.”

Sandra R. Wilson, City Manager, City of Ocala

Photo courtesy of Kara Irby

How does she cope with it? “I have to make time to get away and focus on other important aspects of my life, such as my family and my spiritual and mental health,” Wilson said. “It’s vital, and it allows me to refresh and refocus on the work of the leadership of the organization that I serve.”

Her philosophy is if you take care of your people, your people will take care of you. Wilson focuses on hiring great talent, empowering them and leading by example and integrity. “Take time to get to know your employees and what’s important to them as you share the organization’s mission, vision and values,” Wilson said. “Let them know how they fit into that vision and how everyone has their part to play in creating the outcomes that our constituents desire and expect.”

She sees her job as the culmination of her 30 years of public service. “I aspired to obtain this position to be able to make a positive impact on the community.”

YOCELYN GALIANO, VILLAGE OF PINECREST

Yocelyn (Yocie) Galiano, Village Manager of the Village of Pinecrest, also finds great reward in making a lasting impact on her community and its residents. “I am passionate about public service, and nothing fulfills me more as an individual than to be able to help others and make a difference for the community.”

Yocelyn (Yocie) Galiano, Village Manager, Village of Pinecrest

Photo courtesy of Village of Pinecrest

One area that has been particularly meaningful to Galiano is to be a mentor to students interested in a career in local government as well as new employees. “It is important for aspiring public servants to feel they are not alone. And, it is a way for more experienced managers to give back to the profession and pay it forward.”

The most important lesson that she shares is the significance of having ethics and working hard. Galiano urges the people she mentors to volunteer for assignments beyond their current positions in order to grow their knowledge and skills. “Constantly challenging oneself to learn new things is necessary to hone skills.” Perhaps most importantly, “you have to be passionate about and love public service,” Galiano said.

To avoid burnout and deal with the stress of the job, she has learned to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Galiano’s motherhood journey started at age 47. She enjoys exploring South Florida with her children, now 5 and 6, with time at the beach or pool, on a boat or visiting nature attractions. “Having the opportunity to de-stress and enjoy the good things in life are critical to one’s overall mental and emotional health,” Galiano said. “Without that balance, I believe one is less effective as a good manager.”

CHRISTINE M. THROWER-SKINNER, VILLAGE OF GOLF

Christine M. Thrower-Skinner, Village Manager of the Village of Golf, has learned during the pandemic that putting family first is key to handling job stress. “We have all learned that no job is worth sacrificing family time, so I make sure we carve that out,” Thrower-Skinner said. “My husband and I are empty-nesters, but the whole clan gets together for Sunday dinner at our house every week.”

Christine M. Thrower-Skinner, Village Manager, Village of Golf

Photo courtesy of Village of Golf

In her small village, she wears multiple hats in human resources, finance, planning and other areas. “I refer to what I do as ‘concierge government’ because I can really address specific requests to all 300 of our residents.” She has learned to be flexible and go with the flow. “Falling on your sword doesn’t help you or your community.”

A diverse work background gave Thrower-Skinner multiple skills that helped prepare her for her current role. “In my 37-year career in Florida, I’ve been a reporter, nonprofit CEO and filled many government positions for five cities before becoming Manager here in Golf,” she said.

Thrower-Skinner expected to stay in Golf for two years but now believes she is exactly where she’s supposed to be. “Big cities have big problems to tackle,” she said. “I love what I’m doing and am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community.”

LORI LAVERRIERE, CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH

Lori LaVerriere, City Manager of the City of Boynton Beach, also enjoys her current role. “We need to have fun at work,” LaVerriere said. “We spend more time there than at home. If we aren’t laughing and enjoying our colleagues and the work we do, then we simply can’t be the best we can be.”

Lori LaVerriere, City Manager, City of Boynton Beach

Photo courtesy of Village of Boynton Beach

She encourages her employees to maintain balance and put family first. When work becomes difficult, colleagues and friends will hold you up, LaVerriere said. “I’ve lived through that, and without the support of my family and my colleagues, it would have been a much more difficult experience.”

Also, she encourages her employees to set aside time to learn. “Through reading – which is relaxing – training, etc., we should always strive to learn and become an even better public servant.”

LaVerriere enjoys seeing the positive impact of her work on residents and the community. “Our work is never complete, and that’s fun, challenging and motivating.”

Overall, her career in public service has been “extremely fulfilling and flat-out fun,” she said. “It fills my heart with joy. City management doesn’t come without its storms, but with faith, friends and family, you will get through it.”

Joy Dickinson is the Editor and Creative Project Manager at the Florida League of Cities.

This article is from: