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 | Kristen Kerr, Recovery

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 Kristen Kerr.

Q: Share a little bit about yourself, where are you from? Where did you graduate from?

“I grew up on a barrier island. I was born and raised in Indian Harbour Beach, Fla. I graduated from Florida State University in 2013 and am currently in my second year of the Masters of Public Administration program. I am an FSU Seminole through and through. When I am not working or in class, I love watching FSU football, playing disc golf, painting, grilling, reading, kayaking and really anything that involves the water”.

Q: What made you interested in emergency management?

“I took a few undergraduate and graduate courses that were offered by Florida State’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security department. I have always been interested in international relief and international development which originally led me to the public administration program. I really enjoyed the classes and applied for a position at DEM in the Bureau of Recovery. Since beginning here four months ago, I have learned a lot about FEMA’s Public Assistance Program and appreciate what it does and has the potential to do to help restore local communities.”

Q: What is the most valuable thing that you have learned so far in your new role at DEM?

“Working as a team is the best way to get tasks accomplished. I began working in Recovery at a busy time, and learned that everyone’s efforts have an impact on one another. What cannot be accomplished alone can certainly be accomplished with the help of the person sitting in the office next door. Most of everything I have learned in this short time has been at the assistance of the great coworkers surrounding me.”

Q: Fun Fact: What is your hidden talent?

“I tend to sing every song off pitch which makes the Mariah Carey songs I choose for karaoke very interesting”.

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!”