Leading with faith through unchartered territories

A strong faith and respect for others drive the Chief of the Neighborhood Compliance Section in the Regulatory and Economic Resources (RER) Beverly Washington-Albury. For more than 30 years, she has worked through significant community challenges. Her accomplishments result from believing in her staff's abilities, listening carefully and applying her experience.

Growing up in Ohio, Washington-Albury came to visit friends in Miami and decided to stay. At the Florida Department of Corrections, she worked in probation and parole. 

"It was a great responsibility evaluating convicted criminals and providing pre-sentence reports," she said. "Protecting the community and the welfare of residents is fundamental."

She joined the Building and Zoning Department in 1994 and later worked at Team Metro. In 2005, she joined the Department of Solid Waste Management, where she had a pivotal role in recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina in August and Hurricane Wilma in October.

"We had to develop a plan and work hand in hand with FEMA through two back-to-back storms," Washington-Albury explained. "The FEMA requirements were extensive. Our diverse community needs had to be met, and our team delivered and excelled."

In 2013, Washington-Albury joined RER and returned to work in code compliance. Fast forward to 2020, when the pandemic started, and once again, she is thrust into the middle of unchartered territory and responsible for working directly with leadership to help the community navigate policies that changed almost daily.

"We worked day and night, 15 hours a day and seven days a week, conducting business checks," she explained. "Keeping staff motivated and protected was essential. That meant staying aware of what was happening to each of them as they set out to conduct spot checks. Sometimes, that meant closing a business. The work was difficult but essential to the safety of our residents."

"My own boss was deployed to the National Guard," Washington-Albury shared. "It was important to make him proud as he was proudly serving the County. There was no playbook to follow. We were all learning every day and helping citizens. We completed over a million visits."

"While I have been on the front lines and trusted with serving our residents, during these important assignments, I recognize that it's a team effort. Our employees always respond to difficult times and deliver their best."

Washington-Albury is not ready to retire yet. "I want to continue to be an example and influence our generation to care about others. My son and his wife serve our nation. I'm so proud of them and firmly believe a career in government provides great opportunity."

When not at work, Washington-Albury's passion is motorcycling on her Harley. She has been able to bring her bike along to ride in several other countries. Of course, even with her riding group, she has made time to help others, including children with spinal injuries. 

Learn more about the many service areas at RER.