Hello and welcome! I started this group because I know that there are many others who can relate to my world and that a network would benefit us all. I started in State Government when I was 17 years old in a summer youth program. I didn't grow up imagining that a couple decades later I would be a middle-level government manager in a completely different state. In fact, I don't remember that being an option on all those job aptitude tests they made us take in high school. The funny thing is, I absolutely love what I do. I think it is what I was meant to do. I lead a team of about 80 folks spread out across the state. We have 10 education facilities and we are currently building an 11th facility. We reach hundreds of thousands of people each year through our education programs and activities. While I enjoy my position, public service certainly comes with a whole host of unique situations. From the get-go navigating the application process to the policies that shape our day to day work, government positions have a different flavor than a non- or for-profit organization. This is the place to share and discuss these ins and outs. And provide support for each other. So, with that, what's your experience in government?