Company you work for and your position title

City of Oxford, Payroll & Benefits Manager

Educational background

I graduated from Oxford High School in 2011.  I received my Bachelors of Accountancy from The University of Mississippi in 2015.

What inspired you to take your career path?

My family.  I am the oldest child and grandchild on both sides of my family.  In general, the oldest siblings are typically the ones who “set the standard” and “lead the pack”, along with those things I had the privilege of teaching my sister & cousins new things, give them advice, and watch them grow into who they are today.  My parents inspired me from a young age demonstrating the importance of hard work and helping others.  For as long as I can remember I knew that I wanted a career where I could help others and make a difference.  I am blessed to be able to serve my coworkers and the LOU community that I have called home for 32 years.

What is the favorite part of your work day?

My coworkers and learning!  In HR no two days are the same so I am constantly learning new things and on the move.  The City has 19 departments and over 500 employees so I love getting to go out to the departments and matching faces with names and getting to know my coworkers and seeing what all they do.

Volunteer/community/civic engagement

– Project: LEAD- Class of 2022   – Volunteer for CASA – Help with City hosted events- Trunk or Treat and the Annual Christmas Parade – Help former students with Résumé’s and mock interviews – A mentor for women who are diagnosed with cancer. – I enjoy looking for ways to help the community and have ideas that I hope to put into action in the near future!

Anything else you would like people to know about you?

Before the City, I taught Financial Courses at South Panola High School in Batesville. I loved my “kids” and teaching them about topics that they would use the rest of their life. I had to take a leave of absence in 2020 after being diagnosed with Breast Cancer.  Thankfully I had my now husband, our two dogs (Sterling & Lucy), my family, friends, and people from all over praying for me. The last few years have taught me a lot but most importantly to enjoy everyday and do what makes you happy.  For me– that’s the beach, random adventures, concerts, trying/learning new things.  I am honored to be chosen as one of the 20 under 40.  It is remarkable the changes that I have seen in Oxford over the last 5 years and I am excited to see what the future holds