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Feature: Brenda Carey County Commissioner Seminole County, FL |
An advocate for international peace, justice, and human rights entrepreneurs laud her for her work to expand contracting and procurement opportunities |
Worked on legislation and programs aimed to promote an ownership society and to ensure a safe and prosperous future for all Americans |
What was your "AHA" moment? While I can't recall an "AHA" moment, developing a professional career in real estate, engineering and construction back in the 70's & 80's, in basically an all male world, required an aggressive strategy tweaked on a daily basis! Why did you run for County Commissioner? My grandson Dermot, is the 5th generation of my family to live in Seminole County so the future of our community is very important to me. So after 20 years as a volunteer, the opportunity presented itself when the seated District 5 County Commissioner tossed his hat in the ring to run for Congress. While he eventually changed his mind, I did not, and the rest is history! What were your initial fears, and how did you overcome them? I probably had a pretty good insight into the office of the county commission because of my years of involvement with the county and with many county commissioner friends throughout the region. My biggest concerns were "where was the water for our future going to come from"; "how would we move people and goods around the region" and "how would we balance growth & redevelopment while protecting our natural environment & resources. My biggest fears were that we had not planned early enough; had not set enough money aside to fulfill our future needs; and I wasn't sure that with those "missed opportunities" we would be able to do all that we needed to do within a schedule that would be most beneficial to the public. I try and do my homework on every issue that comes before us and also on the dozen or so committees that I serve on. I don't know all the answers, but I have a great network of professionals and friends that I can call on for their expertise when I want to confirm or gather additional information. |
Brenda Carey is the President and CEO, The Carey Company Firm specializes in real estate strategic planning. Fights for women and children issues, started an Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon |
What are some of your major accomplishments as Commissioner? * I introduced the NACO Prescription Drug Program, which was initiated in February 2008 and has benefited over 29,500 citizens to the tune of over $685,000. * I took on an aggressive role in making sure that our citizens were informed about some potential rule making by the Florida Department of Health that could cost our Seminole County residents over $15 MILLION dollars and over $200 MILLION in the 3-county area that are part of the Wekiva Basin Study Area. This is ongoing and we need all citizens to be informed and stay active by contacting our Governor and letting him know that we DO NOT want the FDOH to move forward with any rule making until such time as all studies are completed and all options have been explored. * Being part of "My Region" which initiated "How Shall We Grow," a comprehensive look at how 7 counties and 86 cities can plan together as we prepare for our region to double its population by 2050. The 4 C's theme came out of a year and a half of work involving over 30,000 citizens - Conservation, Countryside, Centers and Corridors. If we "stick to the plan" Seminole County will continue to be THE place to live, work & play. |
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Worked on legislation and programs aimed to promote an ownership society and to ensure a safe and prosperous future |
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Community service is important to you, what would you consider your most rewarding experience? Just after Safehouse of Seminole opened their doors, my Beta Sigma Phi sorority sisters and I provided EVERYTHING from food to toys for the 22 women and 40 children that were in the domestic violence shelter that Christmas. I have continued to fight for women and children issues. Three years ago, the Sheriff & I teamed up and started the Annual Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon, which has raised over $200,000 for the benefit of Safehouse of Seminole. Economically we are challenged, how have you managed to maintain the quality of public service while making tough decision? Balancing any budget in these tough times is not easy, whether it's your business, family, or government budget. I believe that our role in government is to provide the essential services that our citizens expect i.e.: Public Safety, Libraries, & Parks. Unfortunately, I believe that during the "good times," government grown much larger than it needed to be. I have not supported the tax increases that have been requested by the county management as a way to balance the budget but believe that we need to reduce our expenses and live within our means. Business & families are struggling right now and any tax increase at this time could be devastating. I believe that we have other alternatives and I want us to explore them all. Your County has been recognized nationally for having some of the best places to live and best school rankings, what is the magic formula? Communication. Seminole County has been a leader in open communication between all the cities, school board, community college and the business community, which has resulted in better coordination and an improved environment to raise families. As a result, we have a large number of high wage paying employers locating their businesses in our community. What are you passionate about? Life - this is not a dress rehearsal so you should live everyday as if it could be your last. Please lend your "Jewels of Wisdom" to inspire those who are aspiring. When you get to the top, stay there, and make sure other women join you! What is your favorite quote? I actually have several: "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" Eleanor Roosevelt "Common sense is seeing things as they are; and doing things as they ought to be" Harriett Beecher Stowe And my mother's favorite…"sooner or later I'm going to die, but I'm not going to retire" Margaret Mead |
Born in Jacksonville Florida, Brenda moved to Sanford, Florida in 1957. A graduate of the Management Program at the Crummer School of Business at Rollins College, Brenda is a self-employed business woman, an active community volunteer and recognized Republican leader. She has been extremely active with many charitable organizations particularly those that affect women and children. |
Brenda Carey Seminole County Commissioner, District 5 President, The Carey Company |
Brenda Carey is the President and CEO of The Carey Company. The firm specializes in real estate strategic planning and owner representative services. She has been a licensed real estate broker since 1983, agent since 1979. Prior to dedicating herself full-time to her own firm, Brenda was the Manager of Business Development for Turner Construction Company, the largest Construction Management firm in the United States at that time. With 40+ offices throughout the U.S., Brenda was the only woman to hold the position of Manager of Business Development at that time. Her responsibilities included developing and implementing a business plan to secure $120 million dollars of construction annually in the Central Florida and north Florida regions. In the late 70's, she became a real estate agent/broker who trained under one of the best…Herb Stenstrom of Stenstrom Realty in Sanford, her hometown. In 1983 when the community of Heathrow was starting up, she moved her real estate license to Huskey Realty and became part of the original Heathrow real estate sales team. |
What was your childhood like growing up? It was great! In 1957 my family moved to Sanford to take care of my grandfather after my grandmother passed away. It was a small town of 15,000 people. We lived on Park Avenue, which was lined with oak trees that overhung from side to side. You could walk or ride your bike anywhere, downtown, to the waterfront, or to school. My family also had a summer home on the St. Johns at Highbanks, so boating, swimming, fishing and hunting were all a big part of my life. Of course, there was no electricity at this place except from the generator so it forced you get out and discover the great outdoors! What were your high school career goals? I wanted to be a cosmetologist and that was my first professional career. Who was your greatest influence? I really had two women who influenced my life. First my mother - she was a very strong person who always said, "What doesn't kill you will make you stronger." She had always pursued her dreams and always encouraged me and her grandchildren to pursue theirs. The other was Sandra Glenn - my political mentor. An elected official for over 20 years, Sandra encouraged me to get involved as a volunteer for Seminole County. I was the first woman ever appointed to the Seminole County Building Contractor & Licensing Board, where I later served as Chairman. I was also appointed by the County Commission to the MetroPlan Orlando Citizens Advisory Committee where I served for 15 years and to the Seminole County Port Authority Board where I served for 10 years. Sandra always made sure that I was involved in some campaign, which is really where I cut my teeth on "political fundraising." The first big one was the Reagan campaign and my mother's wisdom of "if you don't ask…the answer is NO" served me well. |