MEET THE 2022 LEADERSHIP TRAILBLAZER TOP 10 FINALISTS

Today’s Trailblazer: Jill Silverboard

The League caught up with Top 10 Finalist, Jill Silverboard, Deputy County Administrator, Pinellas County, Florida to talk about being named a Leadership Trailblazer and having a career in public service:

Q: Congratulations on being named a finalist for the Leadership Trailblazer Award. What
does it mean to you to be nominated?

Being nominated and named a Leadership Trailblazer Award finalist is truly an honor. To
be mentioned among this year’s nominees and the distinguished ranks of past award
recipients is an even greater honor. I appreciate whoever nominated me – albeit
anonymous – for considering me worthy of nomination. This nomination feels like an
affirmation of the commitment and progress I have supported in years past. It
encourages me to press on and look for more opportunities to support women in local
government.

Q: What led you to a career in public service?

As an undergraduate, I interned with the City of Hickory, NC, and was introduced to the
wonderful world of cities and counties. Prior to that internship, I intended to pursue a
career in the federal government. I quickly learned that local government is closest to the people
and holds the keys to tangible impacts. I was completely hooked by the ability to positively
impact people’s lives and community well-being. 37 years later, I remain convinced we are
by far the most responsive, cost-effective, and efficient provider of infrastructure and
services.

Q: Who were your mentor(s) or advocate(s) in your career?

I am so very fortunate to have had fabulous mentors. These include former City Manager
Dee Freeman, who hired me into my first director position. Former City Manager R.J.
Intindola, who appointed me to my first assistant city manager position. My husband Reid
Silverboard, a former city manager, always encourages and supports me. There are
our previous trailblazers who forged a path for all of us; in particular Pam Brangaccio
(ICMA Senior Advisory), and my Florida cohort, without whom I would not be successful.
And, last but not least, the aspiring managers I mentor inspire me with every
conversation.

Q: What is the most important lesson you learned while coming up in your career?

Exercise integrity in all things personal and professional. Adhere to the ICMA Code of
Ethics and seeking to build trust in all relationships. Loyalty without integrity will never create
trust and confidence. As local government managers, our professional reputation is built
upon ethical actions, trust, and integrity.

Q: What advice do you have for women just beginning their careers who would like to be
an executive in local government someday?

Don’t hesitate! Seize and create opportunities to advance your career. Stop questioning if
you are “ready” to be a manager or assistant. Be confident and bold in accepting new
challenges. Reflecting back over the last 34 years, I see that had I not seized the first
opportunity to be Assistant City Manager, I wouldn’t have had the career I’ve led or the
position I now hold.

Q: What do you hope to leave as your legacy in local government when your career
comes to an end?

Hopefully, I am living into my legacy now! I seek to continually improve my own leadership
skills and support aspiring managers through mentoring and service to the profession. I
view the managers and local government professionals I currently champion as my legacy
and hope they become legacies for those that follow them.