The Big Five … with Lovie Haley, Palm Coast Protégée

As students head back to college this week, some are reflecting on their summer experiences as interns with high profile companies and government agencies. Softball star Lovie Haley spent her summer as intern with the City of Palm Coast (COPC) and shares a look into how it’s helping prepare her for the future.

What was the most important thing you learned from this experience? 

The most important thing I learned this summer while being an intern for the COPC is to compartmentalize my time working on various important projects at once. I also learned more about networking with a variety of people in the work place. I was able to see some of the complex issues that arise in order to make a city run fluidly.

How has the Flagler Tiger Bay Club helped you as a Young Tiger?

Since I was a junior in high school at Matanzas, I have been involved in Flagler Tiger Bay. I was blessed with the opportunity to go to a luncheon and hear a speaker with my law teacher, Mr. Ossler. Thank you to him for exposing me to the Tiger Bay Club. After that initial luncheon I decided to become a Tiger Bay Jr member. During COVID I would attend online meetings to listen to the speakers. Now that I am at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University studying homeland security and global conflict, Tiger Bay has been sensual to me, helping me network with professionals. I am grateful and thankful that I received a Tiger Bay scholarship last year to help me with my studies at ERAU.

What additional experience would you have liked to have gained from your internship? 

The staff that I worked with this summer was exceptional. They worked along with me to help me achieve my goals in environmental security and homeland security.

How will the experience help you in your future career? 

I use this experience that was granted to me this summer by the Palm Coast government as a stepping stone in my career for my future. I now have connections and mentors for my future. It is my goal to acquire a great job upon graduation at Embry Riddle and I know having this internship will benefit me in doing so. I feel grateful, thankful and blessed to have been awarded this opportunity all summer. Thank you to the city of Palm Coast! A special thank you to city manager, Denise Bevan, for her one on one time with me.

What advice would you give up-and-coming high school seniors? 

My advice to students going into their senior year would be to make the most of ever opportunity that comes your way. Get involved, have no regrets, and study hard all while having fun!

City Manager Denise Bevan provided her thoughts on Lovie Haley’s summer internship. 

“Interns at the City of Palm Coast are not just here to observe. They are active members of the team. From almost Day One, they are given a project and the resources needed to complete it. They work alongside the Executive Team and various departments to complete their project. Lovie has been a great asset to the City Manager’s Office this summer. Her project consisted of creating a marketing plan with a county-wide initiative to control litter in our community.”