Government Market News StaffProfiles in Power highlights public officials nationwide who are improving their communities through their dedication, enthusiasm, creativity and experience.
This week’s profile is Felicia Donnelly, city manager of Oldsmar, Florida.
My public career highlights and education: With over 30 years of experience in municipal leadership, urban planning, capital projects and policy development, I have worked to shape communities through strategic planning and public investment. I hold a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of New Orleans and am an AICP-certified planner. My work has focused on economic development, infrastructure improvements, and community engagement, ensuring long-term growth and resilience for the city.
What I like best about public service: What I find most fulfilling about public service is the ability to make a real difference in people’s daily lives. Whether it’s improving infrastructure, enhancing public spaces or navigating challenges like disaster recovery, I enjoy problem-solving and creating meaningful impacts for the community. What sets government work apart is the long-term accountability it demands. Unlike the private sector, where success is often measured in short-term results, public service requires decisions that must stand the test of time. I appreciate this kind of accountability because it allows me to see the real, lasting outcomes of the work we do.
The best advice I’ve ever received: “Always focus on the long game.”
In public service, there are always immediate pressures, competing priorities and, at times, political challenges. But making decisions with a long-term perspective ensures that the city and its residents benefit for years to come.
One thing I wish more people knew about my division of public service: I wish more people understood the complexity of municipal government and how much behind-the-scenes work goes into keeping a city running smoothly. From infrastructure maintenance to emergency response planning, public service requires constant coordination, strategic planning and adaptability.
A project or initiative we’re currently working on is: A major focus is advancing downtown redevelopment, including executing a development agreement for a key city-owned site that will create new opportunities for growth and investment. At the same time, I’m working to further strengthen the city’s resilience by investing in infrastructure and planning efforts that help us prepare for future challenges. Another priority is implementing strategic planning and key performance indicators across all departments. This initiative is designed to enhance accountability, efficiency, and service delivery by aligning resources with long-term goals and continuously improving how we serve the community.
People might be interested to know that: I’ve traveled to all 50 states, and one of my favorite things about visiting different places is discovering how each city is unique. From the way communities are designed to the local traditions that shape daily life, every place has its own character and story. That curiosity about what makes cities work is part of what led me to a career in public service.
