Charron A. Follins, Senior Paralegal Office of Counsel
Q:
How long have you been with SFWMD?
A:
19 years on April 9, 2009
Q:
What is your role at SFWMD?
A:
My title is SENIOR PARALEGAL. I am the Public Records Coordinator for Office of Counsel, in addition to being both the Construction and Land Stewardship Paralegal.
My role is to act as liaison between Office of Counsel and the public records office in fulfilling public records requests from the public. I work mainly with the Construction and Land Stewardship attorneys with research, rulemaking, bid protests, administrative hearings, meetings, and varying tasks.
Q:
What made you choose a career at SFWMD?
A:
Actually, the District chose me. I had just completed my Paralegal degree and was visiting a friend at the District. She suggested that I fill out an application, which I did, and almost 19 years later I am still here.
Q:
What kind of education or training have you received from SFWMD? How was it beneficial?
A:
When I came to the District I only had my Paralegal degree. However, I have gone back to school and obtained my A.A. degree in business. In addition, I have had the opportunity to participate in a variety of training opportunities. I would like to pursue my B. A., in the near future. This will allow me the opportunity to utilize another District benefit designed to assist and promote employees' professional endeavors.
Q:
How would you say you've grown in your career at SFWMD? Both personally and professionally.
A:
I have become quite confident in my abilities, which was not always the case. I like to re-invent myself and the District provides me the ability to accomplish this by allowing me to use my strengths in areas of need. I have become a better paralegal through the support and guidance of my supervisors and co-workers.
Q:
What do you enjoy about SFWMD?
A:
I enjoy that everyday is different. It is not mundane or boring. The people are indescribable. Being a single parent is challenging, but the District's flexible work schedules allow me to participate in school activities with my son, which is important to me as a parent.
Q:
What is your proudest moment at SFWMD?
A:
When attorneys I've worked with sought me out because of my individual knowledge, skills and abilities in the area of Administrative Law as it pertains to protest hearings. In addition, having the chance to assist with the rulemaking process. This is evidence of my growth and confidence as a Paralegal.
Q:
What makes SFWMD different from other companies?
A:
The District has so many different opportunities under one roof. It's like a smorgasbord of professions with endless possibilities. There are scientists, biologists, engineers, attorneys, researchers, surveyors and on and on…
Q:
What would you tell a friend who is considering a career at SFWMD?
A:
If you want to be part of history making projects and activities that will be here for generations to come, then the District is the place to be.
Q:
In three words, how would you describe SFWMD and/or a career with SFWMD?
A:
Diverse, Trendsetting, Flexible
Bernardo Gomez, MultiMedia/Presentation Specialist Creative Services Department
Q:
How long have you been with SFWMD?
A:
2 years, 4 months (plus 7 months as a contractor)
Q:
What is your role at SFWMD?
A:
My title is MULTIMEDIA/PRESENTATION SPECIALIST.
I work closely with senior writers and other Creative Services staff to create and improve PowerPoint presentations as well as visual aids and multimedia (illustrations, 3D modeling and animations, video clips, etc.) for the Executive Director, Governing Board, Executive/Senior management, and Program Managers -- including numerous presentations on high-priority issues for the Florida Legislature. In addition, I am part of the planning and design team for the external web site's redevelopment.
Q:
What made you choose a career at SFWMD?
A:
Working at the District is more than just a job. What we do has a positive impact on the environment, local communities and wildlife. The staff and management, with their professionalism and organizational values create a wonderful working environment. In addition, the agency offers the support to maintain the right balance of family and work.
Q:
What kind of education or training have you received from SFWMD? How was it beneficial?
A:
Training and education have been in the areas of Human Resources, performance, emergency management, customer service, 3D modeling and 3D animation. The use of cutting-edge technology and software, coupled with a wide range of applications, contributes to a long list of professional benefits.
Q:
How would you say you've grown in your career at SFWMD? Both personally and professionally.
A:
I was a small-business owner for more than 10 years. Working at the District has expanded my knowledge and expertise in the design field and has reinforced the value of team work, planning and time management.
Q:
What do you enjoy about SFWMD?
A:
Who we are and what we do! The District's mission and learning from the people that execute it. Also, the challenge and the flexibility to be creative.
Q:
What is your proudest moment at SFWMD?
A:
Every time our department is successful and recognized. I am proud of being part of such a strong team.
Q:
What makes SFWMD different from other companies?
A:
Its vision and mission. The SFWMD is a unique agency with a unique task. To achieve it, employees of the District are talented, capable, effective and efficient -- all well supported by an excellent list of company benefits and a suportive working environment.
Q:
What would you tell a friend who is considering a career at SFWMD?
A:
Apply now!
Q:
In three words, how would you describe SFWMD and/or a career with SFWMD?
A:
Purpose, Experience, Teamwork
Rick Miessau, Senior Project Manager
Modeling Department
Q:
How long have you been with SFWMD?
A:
It will be 25 years this November 2009.
Q:
What is your role at SFWMD?
A:
My title is SR. PrROJECT MANAGER. I manage the graphical user interface to the regional simulation model (RSM GUI).
I manage software development projects that help the hydrologic modelers. We assemble, manipulate, display and animate large amounts of data to help people understand how future improvements to our water management system will perform before we invest the time and money into making the changes.
Q:
What made you choose a career at SFWMD?
A:
I graduated from the Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), Jensen Beach campus, in 1984 with a degree in Oceanography. I wanted a job related to water where I could do something meaningful that would make a difference. My dad was the first person to point out SFWMD to me.
Q:
What kind of education or training have you received from SFWMD? How was it beneficial?
A:
Soon after I started working at SFWMD I took advantage of the educational reimbursement degree program and I started taking college classes at night. I received my A.A. in engineering from Palm Beach Community College (PBCC) and my B.S. in information management from Florida Atlantic University (FAU). I've taken training programs in computer programming, computer applications, boat handling, project management, and most recently I received my Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate.
The training has been outstanding and is one of the best benefits the agency offers.
Q:
How would you say you've grown in your career at SFWMD? Both personally and professionally.
A:
Professionally, I have grown from an entry level technician to a senior level project manager as a result of the training and experience I gained throughout my career. Personally, I have close friendships with people who I highly respect and enjoy working with. Over the past 25 years my job has never been the same for very long. Our focus changes from flood management to drought management to restoration projects -- and it still seems like I learn something new every day.
Q:
What do you enjoy about SFWMD?
A:
Definitely, the people. Back in 1984, most people in Florida never heard of the SFWMD, so our work didn't get much recognition. Today it's almost the opposite. Our work seldom goes unnoticed and as a result we attract the attention of some amazing people who eventually come to work for us, consult or participate on our projects. I work with the most diverse group of people who all share a common concern for the water resources and future of south Florida.
Q:
What is your proudest moment at SFWMD?
A:
I always feel proud when I present the results of our work to the public, professional groups or even to elementary school students. The people I work with are passionate about the work they do and it really shows. I recall one time at an international conference, I just finished giving my presentation and everyone was commenting on how great they thought it must be to work at SFWMD. It made me realize how lucky I was.
Q:
What makes SFWMD different from other companies?
A:
Working in public service, it sometimes gets overlooked that we do our jobs because we care and believe in the work we are doing. I don't know anyone who simply works here for the money. Our "company" bottom line is not profit driven, we've always been results-oriented and issues-driven. We focus on the "big picture". Everyone is invited to see this first-hand every month at our Governing Board meetings.
Q:
What would you tell a friend who is considering a career at SFWMD?
A:
If they're lucky enough to be asked to work here, it means they are the best at what they do. Put your talents to good use and you'll feel the reward of doing something meaningful that really makes a difference. It's very different from just working for a paycheck.
Q:
In three words, how would you describe SFWMD and/or a career with SFWMD?
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