Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1458429
firm specializing in construction and IT management. We've been married for seven years and I love being a wife and hands-on mom to our 4-year-old son, Laine. JG: Describe your ambition and work ethic. Mayor: I'm a dreamer, but I'm very ambitious and all about results. My work ethic matches my ambition, but I'm not a workaholic. I value personal and family time and try to balance everything. JG: What strengths do you bring to the mayor's office? Mayor: My legal and negotiation skills, and ability to evaluate risk. I'm a compliance buff. I want to know the rules and whether they're working, or if they need an overhaul or adjustments so they make sense. I learn from leaders and I'm able to work with a variety of personalities. JG: How about your weaknesses? Mayor: Time management. If I have five minutes, I try to accomplish 80 things. I need to work on organization and maintaining a schedule. There are more weaknesses, but those are three I'd never dispute. PRIORITIES & PLANS JG: How will your distinctions — neophyte, youngest, first Black and first elected female mayor — inform your priorities and determine how you'll operate? Mayor: "First" will follow me throughout my career, so I've got a lot to live up to, stereotypes to break down and expectations to meet. Everybody's watching, especially people in the same category. They want to see the example I'll set and whether I'll open doors for others. There's pressure, but I can withstand it. As my husband says, "Pressure makes diamonds." JG: I read that one of your first priorities after your election and before taking office was to meet and get to know the department heads and staff at city hall. How'd that go? Mayor: I met with each department head individually. I pride myself on being a team player. I see them leading with me, not working for me. I want them to understand that we're doing this together. If department heads feel good about the working environment, then the staff will, too. I consider myself a leader among leaders. JG: What are your early plans for your administration? Mayor: The number one priority is building relationships. I don't believe in coming in on day one and making changes. I would never do that, unless it's a matter of safety. I think in 30-, 60- and 90-day intervals. However, as the new mayor, I have the right to choose my own executive assistant. I chose someone with a lot of experience who was highly recommended by my team, and made sure the previous executive assistant was moved to an equivalent position in another city department. In the first 90 days, I'll be observing and strategizing, but there could be shifts in the way things are done if I see deficiencies. JG: How big is the city hall staff? Mayor: There are 12 department heads. There were 13 before my arrival, but the city council removed one. More than 600 people work at city hall. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS JG: Given the military service that runs through generations of your family, what are your plans 54 maconmagazine.com | FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022