Why ELGL?
We’re back with the new “New Sensation” feature. We’ve updated the questions based on your feedback. You’ll now learn about the best YouTube videos on the web, read about gift ideas for the holiday season, and learn about the career accomplishments of our new members. As a reminder, we developed this feature to introduce you to new ELGL members and as a way on connecting ELGL members with similar interests.
Vitals
Tracy Miller
Sarasota County (FL), Strategic Management Advisor
Education: SUNY Stony Brook Bachelor’s degree, Political Science and Government and University of Tampa – John H. Sykes College of Business, Master’s degree, Technology and Innovation Management
Experience: Florida Regional Director/Technology Director, Alliance for Innovation and Director of Information Resources/Inquiry Service, The Innovation Group
Projects: Transforming Local Government Program and Alliance for Innovation Journey – 2013 Report
Background Check
Tracy has held various positions with the Alliance for Innovation, a not-for-profit organization that serves local government in the U.S. and Canada. In 2005 she was promoted to the position of Regional Director, with responsibility for retention and recruitment of local governments into the organization. Miller was also the official liaison between the Alliance for Innovation and the Florida City/County Managers Association (FCCMA). In that capacity she was webmaster of the FCCMA website and sat on the organization’s Professional Development Committee.
She graduated from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in May 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. In addition, Tracy holds a Masters of Science in Technology and Innovation Management from the University of Tampa.
Lightning Round
Tell us about three of your biggest accomplishments.
- Family first (3 kids and a great hubby)
- 20 years at the Alliance for Innovation/The Innovation Groups where I learned so much and got to be an innovator and creator
- Getting my Masters Degree in Technology and Innovation Management – it was a calculated risk to go for a degree other than an MPA but I feel like it is a real distinguisher in the marketplace
Editor’s Note: While Tracy didn’t mention it, we must include her article “In Service to Public Servants” as a great accomplishment.
(Complete this sentence) I feel old when I……..Think of my son about to go to college next year (go Gators)
Tell us about two mistakes that you’ve made that we can learn from.
This is hard because I try hard not to live life with regrets. Saw too much of this as a child and so I embrace standing behind what you do and say and living with the consequences of those actions. With no regrets there is no need to be ashamed. With that said there have been a few times in my career where I was too open with my feelings about my leadership. It is okay to have those feelings and share them with the people you trust, but limiting that to your friends outside of work is a smarter decision for your career in the long run.
Give us three of your favorite YouTube videos.
First Follower – Leadership Lessons from a Dancing Guy
Rihanna – Diamonds (The X Factor UK)
As part of being an ELGL member, we give you a chance to redo or change any part of your life. How would you use it? (Note: My life is perfect, I am perfect, I would never change anything is not an acceptable response.)
I might consider changing jobs sooner than 20 years. I sometimes feel like I got a late start at the thing I am doing now. But otherwise remember, no regrets.
Our annual conference will be held in October 2014. Name three topics or speakers that should be included on the conference agenda.
The New Local Government
(Complete these phrases) Best thing about the….
80’s was……. Big Hair and AquaNet (I am a Long Island Girl)
90’s was…… Developing my faith in God and starting my family with my wonderful husband
00’s was….. Getting my master’s degree and really coming into my own professionally
Last year was….. Taking a new job at Sarasota County after 20 years at a great non-profit organization
Today is…. Having a really solid base at home which gives me the freedom to go for it in my work as a community builder and strategic planner
Name two of your mentors and describe them in five words.
Katy Simon – A courageous, smart, beautiful lady
Peter Block – A unique, thought-provoking philosopher
What’s your least favorite thing about humanity? Lack of follow-through to do the right thing
How did you hear about ELGL? CPBB
Fast forward one year, what will factor into your decision on whether to renew your ELGL membership?
How cool and different this group to have the courageous conversations.
Give us two ideas for attracting and retaining talented individuals to the public sector.
- Have serious discussions on strategic planning and what the “new” local government will need to be in the next 20 years.
- Create more flexible workplaces.
What questions should we have asked? I like these… Good Job
What one question you have about ELGL? Can we build a story line for strategic planners?