SRQ Magazine | December 2022, 35 Under 35 Honorees | Claire Craigmile

CLAIRE CRAIGMILE

PROJECT COORDINATION SUPERVISOR, SARASOTA COUNTY GOVERNMENT

35 Under 35 Honoree - December 2022

How did you make your start in your profession and what aspect of your work do you find the most meaningful?

I began my career as a reporter for the Bradenton Herald, covering local government events and I quickly fell in love with local government and the impact these organizations make within a community. During Hurricane Irma, the COVID-19 pandemic, and throughout Hurricane Ian I have implemented communicative strategies to keep our community informed. Hurricane Ian proved that we are truly making a difference in our community and serving as a lifeline to ensure the welfare of Sarasota County residents.

How do you spend time outside of work?

I love family time. Whether that be swimming in our pool or exploring some of our county’s beautiful parks and preserves. While it has been more than a year since we last kayaked due to pregnancy and the birth of my daughter, I enjoy getting out on the water with my husband and our three-legged puggle, Tripp, exploring new waterways. Now that the weather is getting cooler and my daughter is older and can sit up by herself, I am excited to share these experiences with her.

What is your guilty pleasure?

I am a huge Taylor Swift fan, or Swiftie. I remember the first time I saw her perform was at an outdoor festival where she was the opening act – how things have changed! Taylor Swift’s music is a form of therapy for me, and it is my go-to listen when I am in a good mood or have had a rough day and need a mood boost. In the six and a half years I’ve been with my husband, I managed to convert him to be a fan and we may have been considering the name Taylor for our daughter’s name.

What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned during the pandemic?

I operate and perform my best when I am under pressure – I like to think it is my journalism background and the adrenaline rush a looming deadline gives. During the pandemic, it allowed me to really understand the importance of the work-life balance and self care. While working remote often means work blending into the evening hours, I am fortunate to have learned this lesson as now with my daughter, who was born in April, I value the hours I have with her after work and really focus and put a conscious effort into the work-life balance.