Current Location: Beeville, TX

Hometown: Elgin, IL

What was your overall UIS experience like?

My overall experience at UIS was truly exceptional. From the start, I was impressed by how well the campus was maintained, with clean facilities and spacious classrooms that created an ideal environment for learning. During my time at UIS, I earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, which helped me develop a deep focus on a subject I am passionate about and ultimately launched my career in City Management.
I was fortunate to participate in the Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) program, through which I worked for two years at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services while completing my degree. Additionally, I was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, the national honor society recognizing academic excellence in Public Administration.

Do you have any fond memories of your time at UIS you'd like to share?

My experience with the GPSI internship was incredibly rewarding. I had the chance to connect with other interns, and my supervisor and coworkers were instrumental in helping me understand my role within the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. One of the highlights of my time at UIS was working on my Master’s Capstone project, which focused on addressing the homelessness crisis in Springfield. I was fortunate to engage in hands-on research and fieldwork that directly informed my final paper. Additionally, I formed lasting friendships during my time at UIS—one of my closest friends, Shawna Davis, was in several of my classes. We graduated together, and she now serves as the City Manager of Odessa, Missouri.

Why did you choose UIS?

One of the main reasons I chose UIS was because my father also earned his degree there and had great memories of his time in the Master of Public Administration program. I was also drawn to the Graduate Public Service Internship (GPSI) program, which offered the opportunity to gain valuable work experience while having my tuition covered—allowing me to graduate debt-free. Additionally, the courses offered at UIS truly intrigued me and aligned well with my interests.

What has your career path been like? How did you end up where you are?

After graduating from UIS, I began my career as a Budget Analyst I with the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. After a year in that role, I accepted a position as a Management and Budget Analyst with the City of Oklahoma City. Two years later, I was promoted to Senior Management and Budget Analyst, a position I held for an additional three and a half years. I then took the next step in my career by joining the City of Beeville as the Assistant City Manager.
I met Beeville’s current City Manager, John Benson, at the ICMA Conference in Austin, Texas, in the fall of 2023. I was attending the conference through my previous position as a Senior Management and Budget Analyst for the City of OKC and had the chance to connect with him during a networking event. During our conversation, he mentioned that he was in the process of hiring an Assistant City Manager. I applied for the position the following day, and after a highly competitive selection process, John offered me the job—and I gladly accepted.

How did your UIS education prepare you for your career?

The courses at UIS prepared me well for my career, particularly those focused on budgeting and finance. I also gained valuable skills through classes in Human Resources Management, where I learned about employee recruitment, termination procedures, and effective personnel management. One of the most impactful courses was on collective bargaining, which taught me the complexities of negotiating union contracts and navigating challenging discussions at the table. Additionally, my experience at UIS helped me develop time management and prioritization skills, as I balanced full-time coursework with my internship at the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and a part-time job. This experience also taught me the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Do you have any cool hobbies/side projects you'd like to tell us about?

In my free time, I enjoy cooking at home and experimenting with new recipes. I also love trying different cuisines and exploring various cultures through food. Staying active is important to me, so I spend time lifting weights and working out at the gym. Traveling is another passion of mine. On my most recent trip, my family and I visited Scotland, where we explored 23 different cities in just 11 days. I truly enjoy immersing myself in new cultures and experiencing all the world has to offer.

What are some life lessons you'd like to share with current students?

Some of the most valuable life lessons I’ve learned are to always aim to be the hardest worker in the room and to be willing to do what others won’t—so you can achieve what others can’t. I’ve also learned the importance of working as if no one is watching, because who you are when no one is looking is the truest reflection of your character.