Employee Spotlight | Mark Helms, Human Resources

Twice a month, we shine the spotlight on a FDEM employee to introduce our followers to the exceptional men and women serving Floridians before, during and after a disaster. Today, it is our pleasure to present Mark Helms.

Mark has recently retired after serving the Division for 25 years – thank you Mark for your many years of service.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

“I was born and raised in Tallahassee. I graduated from Godby High School in 1974, from Tallahassee Community College in 1976 and then from Florida State University in 1978. I’ve been married for 31 years to my wife Sheila. We have two daughters – Amy is 20 and is currently a junior at Florida State, Allison is 26, married and living here in Tallahassee.”

Q: What aspect of your role here at the Division did you enjoy the most?

“By far, I love to interact with the employees throughout the Division. I also enjoy having the opportunity to assist them with human resources related issues. It’s so nice to see employees get hired and then receive promotions as a result of their hard work.”

Q: Now that you’ve retired, what items do you plan to cross off your bucket list first?

“I plan to work in my yard, it’s one of my favorite things to do. And I plan to volunteer more time at my church, Thomasville Road Baptist. I have a Sunday school married couple class for many years and also help with the 2nd and 3rd grade children choir. I also enjoy Florida State baseball and hope to attend more games now.”

Q: Fun fact: Tell us something fun and random about yourself to let others get to know your personality!

“I am color blind, especially with the colors brown/green and blue/purple. I really like to cook. My favorite candy is peppermint – I would always have some on my desk to share. And I really like apples, I eat one nearly every day.”

Employee Spotlight | Cherie Milligan, Finance

Twice a month, we shine the spotlight on a FDEM employee to introduce our followers to the exceptional men and women serving Floridians before, during and after a disaster. Today, it is our pleasure to present veteran Division employee, Cherie Milligan.

Q: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

“Originally, I’m from Detroit. I have lived in Tallahassee since 1984. I am married, and have a son and two grandsons.”

Q: You’ve worked for the state for 25 years, what other agencies have you worked with before FDEM?

“I started working at the former Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission, currently known as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in April 1984. I worked in personnel until August 1986. I then left the state for four months to return to school as a full-time student and also worked part time at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. In December 1986, I started working at the Department of Community Affairs in the Housing Division in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Section.

After that I moved on to work on the Growth Management Division for 10 years, then the Coastal Management Program for three years until March 2001. I left the state in 2001 for five years and began work at two law firms in their legislative sections, where I monitored legislation for many lobbyists and attorneys.

I returned to the Department of Community Affairs again to the CDBG program and, in March 2006, I began working at the Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) in the current position I have today“.

Q: What has been your most memorable moment while working at FDEM so far?

“I have many memorable moments…the 2007 tornadoes, working both at the Lake County Emergency Operating Center (EOC) the day after the tornado hit and again at the Joint Field Office in Orlando working to set up the Recovery effort. Also, I was deployed four times to Mobile, Ala., in support of the BP Oil Spill/Deep Water Horizon incident. In addition to deployment, I have worked many disaster activations in the EOC. I love the fast pace, adrenaline rush atmosphere you get while working in the EOC. During blue skies, the most memorable time was when FDEM transitioned from working under the Department of Community Affairs to the Executive Office of the Governor. It was definitely a challenge to coordinate that effort for FDEM. It was amazing to watch all the moving pieces and parts and to realize the effects this change has on so many areas of government.”

Q: So now a fun fact, tell us anything fun and random about yourself!

“I love to shop! I love to be with my friends and family! And one day, about five years from now, I just might RETIRE!”

Employee Spotlight | Bianca Hernandez, Meteorology

At FDEM we value our employees and the work they put in to carry out our mission. Twice a month, we will shine the spotlight on a Division employee to highlight their contributions, but also to introduce our audience to the men and women that are here to serve you before, during and after a disaster.

So, who is our first Employee Spotlight on? Please help us welcome our new FDEM meteorologist, Bianca Hernandez!

Q: Share a little about yourself, your background. Where are you from? Where did you go to school? And more importantly, why did you choose to go into this field?

“Being born in Miami, FL I grew up hearing the story about the legendary Hurricane Andrew. My mother was 8 months pregnant with me when the eye of Hurricane Andrew struck Miami. My parents lived in a mobile home, and after Andrew passed, there was nothing left of our home except my bedroom. My parents and grandparents took several videos during and after the storm and I would love watching them. It got my mind thinking about what exactly this monstrous part of Mother Nature was and how it could cause this much disaster. I was four years old when I knew that when I grew up I was going to become a Meteorologist. In order to make that happen I went to Florida State University where I studied meteorology and graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Meteorology and a minor in Mathematics. While at FSU, I interned with the NOAA Hurricane Hunters and the National Weather Service and learned an abundant amount about the weather, especially the tropics”

Q: Let’s hear a fun fact: tell us something fun and random about yourself!

“My two favorite things are working out and Buffalo wings. So if anyone wants to go to the gym and then go eat a few wings after feel free to contact me!”

Q: What have you learned so far in your new role at FDEM and what do you look forward to as a new State Watch Office meteorologist?

“Let me tell you, I don’t think I’ve ever had to learn so many acronyms. I remember sitting through my first meeting and wondering what in the world all of this meant. I can say that now when I sit through a meeting I’m not so totally lost! As for meteorology, I’ve learned how to disseminate the weather in a clear and understanding way. After just using math and physics to explain the weather for four years it was definitely something I had to get used to.

I am looking forward to going into our first activation and really getting a good feeling as to what we do here. I am excited to work with all of our partners and really make a difference when a disaster strikes!”