Staff Spotlight - Rodney Brown, Sr.

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Even if you go hiking, riding, bird watching or kayaking in our conservation parks or nature preserves, you may not have had the opportunity to speak with our staff. When fully staffed, Hillsborough County's Conservation & Environmental Lands Management Department has almost 200 staff members spread out throughout the county. Staff spotlight is an opportunity to meet and learn about the people who work hard to keep the County's conservation lands thriving and beautiful for all to enjoy. Our staff do everything from mowing and fence construction to prescribed fire, invasive species removal, ecological restoration, guided programs and more!


Rodney is a military veteran of the United States Marine Corps with a total of 30 years of active service. He retired in October of 2013, took some time off, and began working for the County’s Procurement Services Department as a Senior Procurement Analyst in January of 2016. He joined the Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department on June 6, 2022, as the Contracts Manager.


Rodney got into this field initially during one of his previous assignments in the military as a Purchasing and Contracting Chief.


Meeting and helping people is Rodney's favorite part of the job. He is friendly and helpful indeed.


Rodney sees the department becoming the loudest voice in the defense between land preservation and commercial development.


Creating a life-cycle reporting tool that gives management a bird’s eye view of our contracts from inception to fruition is Rodney's biggest challenge he faces at work. It is certain that tool will be incredibly useful.


When not on the job, Rodney enjoys woodworking. He picked it up during his brief
retirement while performing some projects in his home. He also enjoys traveling.  His most memorable event was having the opportunity to swim in the Dead Sea on a trip to Jordan.


Home is where the heart is and Bell Creek Nature Preserve is Rodney's favorite ELAPP property since this is where he had his first meeting after joining the County and is his home away from home. However, he does plan to get out to see the other preserves.


Rodney's advice to new and future employees is to bring your best self and skills to work daily and learn as much as you can from your fellow employees.


Rodney is a Halloween baby, so don't miss the opportunity to wish him a Happy Birthday this month. We are certainly glad to to have Rodney in the CELM team!

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