Alphonso Jefferson led the reestablishing of the Treasure Coast Chapter of NFBPA. The attached is Issue #1 of The Happenings from the Treasure Coast Chapter

1. Proudly Serving St. Lucie, Indian River, Martin, and Okeechobee Counties.
The
HAPPENINGS
WHAT’S INSIDE
 OUR LOCAL CHAPTER
• Meet the Executive Board
• Member Benefits
• Donation and Sponsorship
 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• Professional Development Series
• Upcoming Chapter Meeting
 MEMBER MENTIONS
• Celebratory Moments
• Kudos
• Member in the Spotlight
 WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
• Announcements
• Reminders
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
OCTOBER 2021
Quote of the Quarter
“There is no greater challenge and there is no greater
honor than to be in public service.”
-Condoleezza Rice
LET’S STAY CONNECTED
www.nfbpatreasurecoastflorida.org nfbpa.treasurecoastflorida@gmail.com
@nfbpatreasurecoastfloridachapter

2. The HAPPENINGS | 2021 OCTOBER ISSUE
ABOUT OUR LOCAL CHAPTER
Alphonso Jefferson, Jr.
Deputy County Administrator
St. Lucie County BOCC
Elijah Wooten
Economic Development Administrator
City of Port St. Lucie
Shanelle Tomlin
HR & Risk Management Asst Director
St. Lucie County BOCC
Johnna Morris
Director of Finance
City of Fort Pierce
Carlene Cidel
IT Applications Analyst
St. Lucie County BOCC
Sarah Smith
Community Engagement Coordinator
St. Lucie County BOCC
Nadege Pierre
Sr. Staff Assistant
St. Lucie County BOCC
The Treasure Coast Florida Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators
(NFBPA) was reestablished on July 26, 2021. The Chapter serves Indian, Martin, Okeechobee, and St.
Lucie Counties and includes all local and state public sectors, academic institutions, and nonprofit
agencies. Our mission is to inspire leadership, support professional development, promote service
excellence, and foster growth and prosperity in public service. The National NFBPA is the principal
and most progressive organization dedicated to the advancement of black public leadership in local
and state governments, academic institutions, and nonprofit agencies. We encourage you to become
a part of the Treasure Coast Florida Chapter and the National NFBPA that includes over 2,500
members that are dedicated to quality leadership and professional development initiatives that open
doors to unparalleled success.
Our Executive Board is
comprised of talented public
sector professionals with an
array of professional
expertise that contribute to
the advancement of the
NFBPA Treasure Coast
Chapter.
Over the past few
months, our Executive
Board has been hitting the
pavement to reestablish the
Treasure Coast Chapter. One
of our key endeavors has
been the prioritization of
community outreach to
strengthen and form
partnerships with County
and City municipalities, non-
profit agencies, local
businesses, and educational
institutions.
BOARD HAPPENINGS
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3. nfbpa.treasurecoastflorida@gmail.com
Coaching Program
The NFBPA, in partnership with ICMA,
provides a coaching program designed to
help you grow and enjoy your career.
The coaching program includes live
webinars, one-on-one coaching resources
and talent development resources.
Build Your Network
Access the National Membership
Directory and connect with a network of
more than 2,500 Black professionals in
the public sector and non-profit
community.
ABOUT OUR
LOCAL CHAPTER
The Treasure Coast Florida Chapter of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA) was reestablished on July 26, 2021.
The Chapter serves Indian, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie Counties and includes all local and state public sectors, academic
institutions and nonprofit agencies. Our mission is to inspire leadership, support professional development, promote service
excellence, and foster growth and prosperity in public service. The National NFBPA is the principal and most progressive organization
dedicated to the advancement of black public leadership in local and state governments, academic institutions and nonprofit agencies.
We encourage you to become a part of the Treasure Coast Florida Chapter and the National NFBPA that includes over 2,500 members
that are dedicated to quality leadership and professional development initiatives that open doors to unparalleled success.
National Forum for
Black Public
Administrators
MEMBER BENEFITS
TREASURE COAST FLORIDA CHAPTER
Save
NFBPA members enjoy discount car rentals
from Avis and Hertz rental agencies.
Involvement
Link with your peers from across the
country and participate in NFBPA Task
Forces, Advisory Councils and Constituent
Group to address critical issues impacting
the local community and the nation.
Career Development
Promote your skills and talents to
national recruiters through the NFBPA’s
online Career Center job board.
Your Investment
NFBPA National membership:
$200 annually
Treasure Coast Chapter membership:
$25 annually
Total membership cost: $225 annually
For more information on the National Forum for
Black Public Administrators feel free to contact us at
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4. The HAPPENINGS | 2021 OCTOBER ISSUE
DONATIONS AND SPONSORSHIP
Your support of NFBPA and the Treasure Coast Florida Chapter is appreciated and will go far in our mission to
enhance and improve public servant leadership.
Since NFBPA is a 501(c)(3) organization, your sponsorship or donation is tax deductible. Attached is
information on sponsoring our Chapter - Sponsorship Letter. There are 3 ways to give:
 Check (payable to NFPBA Treasure Coast Florida Chapter)
 CashApp ($treasurecoastflnfbpa)
 Givelify (nfbpatreasurecoastfloridachapter)
If you have any questions regarding sponsorship opportunities or donations, please contact Johnna S. Morris,
Finance Chair at nfbpa.tcffinance@gmail.com.
1. Download CashApp on your mobile device or PC (Using Google
Chrome or Microsoft Edge) https://cash.app/
2. Create an account or log into your existing account
3. Type in the amount to send.
4. Choose Pay.
5. Next to To, type $treasurecoastflnfbpa
6. Next to For, type Donation or Sponsorship
7. Finally, tap Pay.
1. Download CashApp on your mobile device or PC (Using Google
Chrome or Microsoft Edge) https://givelify.com/
2. Create an account or log into your existing account
3. Tap Give To (nfbpatreasurecoastfloridachapter)
4. Tap Other to enter amount
5. Choose one of the giving envelopes
6. Finally, tap 1-Tap Give Now
1. Make your check payable to: NFBPA Treasure Coast Florida Chapter
2. Mailing address:
USING CASHAPP
USING GIVELIFY
WRITING A CHECK
ATTN: Alphonso Jefferson
St. Lucie County
2300 Virginia Avenue
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
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5. The HAPPENINGS | 2021 OCTOBER ISSUE
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES
COMMISSIONER CURTIS JOHNSON, JR.
CRYSTAL MORRIS
Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr., City of Fort Pierce
Commissioner, gave an impactful presentation on Public Servant
Leadership.
“When you are leading as a servant leader, the most important
thing that you need to do is listen to the people that you’re
leading…” – Commissioner Curtis Johnson, Jr.
Crystal Morris, CEO of One Caring Adult, Inc., gave an inspiring
and interactive presentation on The Culture of Power – How
Equity and Inclusion Enhances Your Organization.
“We do not really see through our eyes or hear through our
ears, but through our beliefs.” – Lisa D. Delpit
SPECIAL THANKS!
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6. Please Save-the-Date for our NFBPA
Treasure Coast Florida Chapter
Meeting on October 21, 2021!
Join our virtual meeting for general
NFBPA Business Discussion and
Professional Development Series.
PRESENTATION TOPIC
GUEST PRESENTER
Dr. Calvin D. Jamison
UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT DALLAS
For more information on this event,
please contact Shanelle Tomlin at
tomlins@stlucieco.org.
TREASURE COAST FLORIDA
TREASURE COAST FLORIDA
CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETING
CHAPTER VIRTUAL MEETING
Dr. Calvin D. Jamison serves as vice president for facilities &
economic development at The University of Texas at Dallas.
His office is responsible for overseeing facilities management,
economic development, construction, real estate, and auxiliary
services. In a time of tremendous growth for the University, he
continues to lead more than $2 billion in development and the
addition of more than 14 million new and renovated square feet to
the campus, including a mixed-use development called Northside,
also known as “Comet Town.”
Dr. Jamison is the President of the National Forum for Black Public
Administrators (NFBPA), immediate past president of the Texas
Association of State Senior College and University Business Officers
(TASSCUBO),) and a member of its National Board of Directors. He
has held membership in the National Association of College and
University Business Officers (NACUBO), the Research Universities
Council, and the Southern Association of College and University
Business Officers (SACUBO). Dr. Jamison has also served as a past
president of the Richmond Arts Council, past chair Leadership
Metro Richmond, and past chair of the Virginia Tourism Corporation
Board of Directors where he received their Man of Vision Award.
He received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from Virginia
Tech, and he was appointed to the Board of Visitors of Virginia Tech
by the Governor of Virginia. Most recently, Dr. Jamison received
the “Marks of Excellence Award” (highest honor) from the National
Foundation of Black Public Administrators (NFBPA). He holds
bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees from Virginia Tech
O C T O B E R
2 0 2 1
12:00 PM
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LEADING DURING CHALLENGING TIMES AND
SOCIAL CHANGES
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7. The HAPPENINGS | 2021 OCTOBER ISSUE
SARAH SMITH
The St. Lucie County Board of County
Commissioners presented Sarah Smith with a COVID
Outstanding Service Award.
Her commitment has been evident through her
fierce advocation for County residents’ physical and
economic health throughout the Pandemic.
ELIJAH WOOTEN
The Florida Small Business Development Center
(SBDC) presented Elijah Wooten with a
Performance Award.
He was acknowledged for his dedication and hard
work for the advancement of the economic
development through effective collaboration with
the business community on the Treasure Coast.
KUDOS!
ALPHONSO JEFFERSON, JR.
obtained the 68-hour Lean Six
Sigma Black Belt Certification,
through the Florida
Benchmarking Center (FBC).
He is also named the 2021-2022
Campaign Chair for the United
Way of St. Lucie County!
CARLENE CIDEL completed
her course work for her
Master of Science in IT Project
Management from American
Public University Systems!
She also successfully
completed the Laserfiche
Certified Records
Management training.
CRYSTAL MORRIS was
presented with a Certificate
of Service for her
participation as a Group
Discussion Facilitator for the
West Palm Beach Racial and
Ethnic Equality Action
Summit.
MEMBER MENTIONS
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
Comm. Curtis
Johnson
WE WANT TO CELEBRATE YOU! If you would like to be featured in our newsletter, please do the following:
1. Fill out the Member in the Spotlight Form (this form is emailed to all new members);
2. Complete the Membership Questionnaire: https://documents.stlucieco.gov/Forms/NFBPA;
3. Keep us informed of your accomplishments by tagging us on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn @NFBPA Treasure
Coast Florida Chapter, or by emailing us at nfbpa.treasurecoastflorida@gmail.com.
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8. The HAPPENINGS | 2021 OCTOBER ISSUE
MEMBER IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Sarah Smith – Parliamentarian
Position: Community & Business Engagement Coordinator
Organization: St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners
Twitter: jeciera
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/sarah-smith-41b43a2a
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Sarah Burgess
MEMBER IN THE SPOTLIGHT Q & A
1) What are the benefits you see from being a member of NFBPA? As a member of the NFBPA, I
can collaborate with a diverse group of experienced public servant leaders. It provides additional
opportunities for mentor/mentee relationships that will help me grow as a leader in the public service arena.
2) As a public servant, what are the top qualities you should have when serving the community?
As a public servant, being kind and honest, active listening and good communication skills, and knowing
how to measure outcomes are all top qualities you should have when serving the community.
3) Which has been more valuable in your career, your education, or your experience? Why? My
education has been beneficial to my career; however, my work and life experiences, learning from the
experiences of others, and valuing the contributions of others regardless of career status have played a
more valuable role.
4) What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date (personal and
professional)? Wow, I have had so many accomplishments (my marriage –17 years and my children,
co-authoring a book, getting my real estate license, my business degree, etc.). Still, I consider my most
important accomplishment/quality to be my salvation [it has made me a more caring person] and my desire
and ability to help others be their best selves.
5) What are the leadership qualities that you believe are necessary for public service? The ability
to create a space where all people feel they belong and appropriately managing the power given to you to
make decisions for others.
Website: Coming Soon Following us on Social Media
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9. The HAPPENINGS | 2021 OCTOBER ISSUE
MEMBER IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Johnna Morris – Treasurer
Position: Director of Finance
Organization: City of Fort Pierce
Twitter: @johnnarere
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnna-morris-259282b3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnna.morris.7
MEMBER IN THE SPOTLIGHT Q & A
1) What are the benefits you see from being a member of NFBPA? Becoming a member of NFBPA
has given me access to a network of peers who have provided an invaluable wealth of
knowledge and support.
2) As a public servant, what are the top qualities you should have when serving the community?
As a public servant, the top qualities you should have when serving the public are kindness,
creativity, and flexibility. It is important to remember that our job is to serve the public and
that should always be done with kindness, treating others the way you want to be treated.
Also, you must possess the ability to adapt to change and think creatively around problems.
3) Which has been more valuable in your career, your education, or your experience? Why? In
my career, my experience has been more valuable. In my career my experience has been more
valuable. My education has given me my foundation and the skills to do what I do, but the on-
the-job experiences have taught be things that could never be learned in a classroom.
4) What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date (personal and
professional)? My greatest personal accomplishments are excepting Christ as my Lord and
Savior and allowing Him to lead my life and marrying my husband, Michael; both have proven
to be the best decisions. My greatest professional accomplishment to date is streamlining the
City of Fort Pierce’s financial services and creating a transparent platform for our citizens.
5) What are the leadership qualities that you believe are necessary in public service? The
leadership qualities I believe are necessary in public service are trust, resilience, and humility.
Website: Coming Soon Following us on Social Media
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10. The HAPPENINGS | 2021 OCTOBER ISSUE
K
 NFPBA Treasure Coast Student Chapter at IRSC
 First Annual NFBPA Treasure Coast Chapter Black History
Banquet
 Youth Symposium
 Business Card Exchange
 Ladies First (Women’s History Month event)
 Financial contributions are greatly appreciated:
o Cash App $treasurecoastflnfbpa
o Givelify nfbpatreasurecoastfloridachapter
 Committee Sign-ups! Would you like to volunteer your
talent? Please take a moment to sign-up for one or more
of our committees!
o Click https://forms.gle/RTocbZW9vap33Ab76
 EMERGE 2021 Registration!
o Click https://nfbpaemerge2021.eventbrite.com
 Keep in touch with the latest happenings of the Treasure
Coast Chapter:
o Visit www.nfbpatreasurecoastfloridachaper.org
o Email nfbpa.treasurecoastflorida@gmail.com
o Follow Us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube
@nfbpatreasurecoastfloridachapter
 Help us get to know you better! Please take a moment to
complete the membership questionnaire:
o Click https://documents.stlucieco.gov/Forms/NFBPA
WHAT’S HAPPENIN’
IN THE WORKS
STONGER TOGETHER
REMINDERS
LET’S STAY CONNECTED
www.nfbpatreasurecoastflorida.org nfbpa.treasurecoastflorida@gmail.com
@nfbpatreasurecoastfloridachapter
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