Adrienne Lothery
Assistant City Manager, City of Colleyville
What was the very first paying job you held (that you paid taxes on)?
Hostess at Razoo’s
What was your: undergraduate institution? Graduate institution? What was/were your degree(s) in?
Southern Methodist University (undergrad- Business & Political Science) and University of North Texas (graduate- Public Administration)
What class(es) (if any) are applicable to your job today?
Anything involving writing or giving presentations. Business math and learning how to use Excel is also hugely helpful.
Do you have a work or life motto? What is it?
A few favorites: (1) Create the life you want; no one else will do it for you. (2) If you aren’t having fun at work, you are in the wrong job. (3) “Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” – Theodore Roosevelt
What book are you currently reading? Would you recommend it?
Moloka’i by Alan Brennert (about the leper colony in Hawai’i created in the early 1900s) — very thought provoking, definitely recommend!
Other than ELGL – do you belong to any other professional associations? Which one(s)?
ICMA, TCMA, GFOAT as well as more regional groups like UMANT, NTCMA, Northeast Leadership Forum
What’s the best networking advice for job seekers you’ve heard or shared?
Get involved in professional organizations and volunteer on committees! It’s way better than trying to create small-talk at a reception and you are able to demonstrate your skill-set while building more meaningful relationships.
What’s the fastest way to NOT get a job or internship with you? (e.g. what should potential applicants avoid doing if they were to ever interview with you for a position).
Fail to demonstrate your passion for and love of public service.
Why should an undergraduate student consider a career working in local government?
In local government, we create the foundation for life to happen! What better reason to get up in the morning?