Volume II March 2022
Inside This Issue: All Roads Lead to Forum 2022 Spotlights New Member Board Members Officer Mentor & ELI Emerging Leader Small Business
SO.FLO STANDARD Bi-Monthly Email Newsletter
LEARN MORE FORUM 2022 is a power-packed event, and attendees will leave better informed, connected, and equipped as Public Sector professionals. Do not miss this exciting experience and much more during FORUM 2022
ABOUT FORUM 2022 Join your peers, other attendees, and sponsors to become a part of this engaging, public-sector event and discover what’s new in local government, with additional corporate and community perspectives. https://www.nfbpa.org/ NFBPA is dedicated to the advancement of black public leadership in local and state governments. Come join us in support of our mission during the annual FORUM 2022 conference!
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Check out the various tracks and workshops being offered throughout the week at FORUM 2022. Register today you do not want to miss out! https://bit.ly/32nktJu
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESDIENT NFBPA SOFL Members & Community Partners: Welcome to our volume II newsletter entitled, “SOFLO STANDARD” for the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA), South Florida Chapter! We are excited you have contributed to the bi-monthly newsletter issue. Our newsletter is a platform to communicate local news, discover who we are, and how we advocate for current and future leaders in the public, education, and nonprofit sectors in the South Florida area. I want to thank everyone who attended the following professional development and networking events over the past two months: EMERGE 2022 Conference in Houston, Texas, Florida City and County Management Association District V Training in Sunny Isles, Florida, American Society for Public Administration South Florida 2022 Best Practices Conference virtually, International City/County Management Association Student Club Florida International University Leadership Roundtable virtually, and NoMi Music Festival in North Miami. I am grateful for such a strong and engaged membership across Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami Dade counties. NFBPA is a nationally recognized organization of 36 chapters with nearly 2,500 members leaders and managers of public programs and agencies in over 350 jurisdictions nationwide. NFBPA has established a national reputation for designing and implementing quality leadership development initiatives of unparalleled success. I am honored to serve a second term as the National Council of Presidents Chair and President of the NFBPA, South Florida Chapter, a non-profit organization, composed of leaders serving in the state, county, and local levels within the South Florida area. I pray you to have a great March/April. See you at FORUM 2022 in Grand Rapids, MI! Best Regards, Philip C. Harris, D.B.A.
Dr. Philip Harris President
NEW MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
Jorge M. Gonzalez has served as the Village Manager of Bal Harbour Village since November 12, 2013. Mr. Gonzalez is responsible for providing executive level leadership, vision and guidance to the organization, providing recommendations to the Village Council and implementing policy directives in an efficient and effective manner – all part of an incredibly diverse and dynamic community. Mr. Gonzalez received a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Public Affairs and a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Miami. He also is a graduate of the University of Virginia's Senior Executive Institute and both Leadership Washington, D.C. and Leadership Florida. Mr. Gonzalez is a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), International Hispanic Network (IHN).
Jorge M. Gonzalez Village Manager Bal Harbour Village
In 2004, Mr. Gonzalez received the first-ever City Manager of the Year Award from the Florida League of Cities. This award was created to honor a city manager in the state of Florida who displays exceptional excellence in the areas of judgment, initiative, integrity, innovation, professionalism, commitment, and citizen relations.
YAY OR NAY? >
MARCH 17 6:30PM CHAPTER
MEETING
CITY OF BOYNTON BEACH COMMUNITY ROOM 2100 HIGHRIDGE ROAD BOYNTON BEACH, FL 33407
BOARD MEMBER HIGHLIGHT TRI-COUNTY REPRESENTATIVE
Why did you select a career in public service? Public service provides me with the opportunity to serve and help others grow. I find it rewarding to support communities reach new heights and support innovation. Public service certainly helps me achieve that. What do you want to accomplish as NFBPA South Florida Chapter Tri-County Representative?
Greg Chavarria Assistant City Manager
I’d like to support engagement, participation and awareness of the opportunities the local chapter supports. NFBPA is comprised of some of the most prestigious professionals that are leading change within our region. It is an honor to be part of an organization that is constantly looking to progress, innovate, and bring forth opportunities for all. I highly encourage our members to share about their event experiences and let others know about how NFBPA is helping all of us take it to the next level. Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education. I hold two engineering degrees from the University of Miami and a Master’s in Information Systems from FIU. I am currently enrolled in a PhD program with Grand Canyon University. I admire NFBPA leadership like Dr. Harris and Dr. Sims that hold doctoral level degrees. Their achievements encourage me to pursue further.
QUOTE OF THE QUARTER “In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.” —Thurgood Marshall, first African American U.S. Supreme Court member
If you could give one piece of advice to people interested in a career in public service, what would it be? I actually have three: Do what you can with what you got. Look forward to making an impact and supporting change. Public service needs you and you are there for a reason!
BOARD MEMBER HIGHLIGHT MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
How long have you been a NFBPA member and why did you join? I've been a member of NFBPA since 2010. I joined NFBPA because it offered me as an emerging young black public administrator, mentorship and an opportunity to engage, and learn from industry leaders propelling municipal landscapes. What do you want to accomplish as NFBPA South Florida Chapter Membership Chair? As Membership Chair, I'd like to continue the amazing work of my predecessor and as we approach our 40th anniversary, grow chapter membership by 100, celebrate our existing members and advance national's overall mission. Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education?
NATASHA HAMPTON, ICMA-CM HHL MANGEMENT CONSULATING, CEO
I have a B A in Political Science and Public Administration from South Florida's sole HBCU Florida Memorial University and MPA in Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University, Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship. If you are involved in any volunteer or leadership activities in your community, please share with us a bit about what you do and why it is important to you? I started in partnership with ASPA's South Florida Chapter the Girls In Government Scholarship to increase the number of women in leadership positions in local government. This past January 1st, I held the first annual #HHLTAKEASTAND women's rally to highlight the continued plight and fight for women's rights, pay equity and workplace protections
OFFICER HIGHLIGHT
How long have you been an NFBPA member and why did you join? I have been a member of NFBPA for 1.5 years. I joined the organization for many reasons. But most importantly, to expand my professional network and enhance my professional development. What do you want to accomplish as NFBPA South Florida Chapter First Vice President?
Shirley Sims-Gibbs, Ed.D, MPA
Dr. Shirley Sims-Gibbs is a skilled professional with a wealth of academia and nonprofit sector experience. She has more than 15 years of experience in management and leadership and specializes in compliance, business and strategic planning, and operations. As a certified John Maxwell coach, trainer, and speaker, she has supported dozens of leaders to create, retain, and expand their businesses. As the 1st Vice President, I want to strengthen our members by focusing on building meaningful and impactful relationships amongst members. Identify innovative ways for members to shine in their communities and develop additional skills to strengthen their professional tool kit. I plan on being available for membership and fulfill the mission of NFBPA.
Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education. Dr. Sims-Gibbs holds an Ed.D in Education and Innovation from St. Thomas University, a Master of Public Administration and concentration in government contracts from Troy University, and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Florida. She is also an inaugural graduate of the Clark Atlanta University-HBCU Executive Leadership Institute.
TOO TRENDY!
If you are involved in any volunteer or leadership activities in your community, please share with us a bit about what you do and why it is important to you. She remains connected to her community through her activism by serving in various roles in the following" A member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Z-BESTO (Board chair) Albert Gibbs Leadership Academy (Board Chair) Kappa Gamma Pi (committee member) She is the creator of The Balanced Executives. A brand which empowers high-achieving women to live and lead balanced, sustainable, and fulfilling lives
MENTOR & ELI CLASS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
GREGORY ANTHONY KERLYNE HENRY SMALL BUSINESS SPECIALIST II PUBLIC OPERATIONS MANAGER OFFICE OF EQUAL BUSINESS CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH OPPORTUNITY (OEBO) PALM BEACH COUNTY
PATRICIA JOLLY SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE
GEDEL MERZIUS ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER CITY OF NORTH MIAMI BEACH
FELICIA FORD-POWELL SENIOR MANAGEMENT ANALYST CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE
TARLESHA SMITH, ESQ. ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER/HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR CITY OF FORT LAUDERDALE
EMERGING LEADER HIGHLIGHT
When it comes to public service, NFBPA member Amber Cabrera has the attitude, appetite, and ambition to help. “I like to help people, enjoy structure, and see ways to help people through the system”, says the Senior Management Fellow for the City of Fort Lauderdale. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Lynn University. She was introduced to NFBPA by Bobbi Williams (City of Lauderdale Lakes). “There is so much to learn,” Amber expresses herself as she steps into the new role. She appreciates her peers and the opportunity to grow.
Amber Cabrera
NFPBA South Florida supports Amber and all members that seek opportunity and avenues for advancement. Follow the website and be sure to engage in the next professional development event. We hope to see you there!
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT At MVG Consulting we assist organizations whose goal is to expand their reach in the communities they serve, by providing a range of services that provide meaningful change both inside and outside the organization. We acknowledge that each organization is unique in its function and impact within its socioMVG Consulting’s skilled team of experienced economic ecosystem. grant writers and clinicians collectively have over 40 years of experience working in non-profit and government agencies.
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Website : www.mvgconsultingllc.com Contact: 954-793-1125 Certifications: National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) (CBE) (SBE) programs