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Name: Christine Watson

Age: 50

Employed with: City of Prior Lake

Number of years employed with current organization: 3 months

Past employment: City of Rosemount (15 years), Musicland Group (5 years), stay-home mom (5 years)

Years active in APWA/MN Chapter: 3 months

LinkedIn Profile URL (if applicable): https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-watson-42437412/

Originally from: Brooklyn Park, MN

Family: I am the youngest of 6 kids, and a single mom of three kids ages 21, 20 and 18

Most challenging Public Works project you have been involved with: (It's more of a finance project) I helped develop water, sewer and stormwater rate models that are still being used by my previous employer.  The models are used to determine the rates necessary to accommodate planned revenues/expenditures for the next 10 years.  I enjoyed the challenge of managing this complex modeling for the city.

Most enjoyable Public Works project you have been involved with: I have been the "project lead" for implementing asset-management software on three different occasions.  I was/am responsible for the preparation, implementation, training and ongoing management of the software.  When we "go live" I truly enjoy seeing the successful results of many months of prep work, and also being the "go-to" person for ongoing support as the team embraces the new technology and continues to expand use on a daily basis.

Favorite Movie: Toy Story

Favorite Musical Artist/Group: Classic light rock (REO Speedwagon, Styx) or contemporary Christian

Favorite Restaurant: Chianti Grill

Favorite Vacation you've been on: Taking our kids to visit my parents in Yuma, AZ and also visiting San Diego and Mexico while we were there.  San Francisco is a close 2nd.  Skiing in Colorado is a close 3rd.

Hobbies/Extra-curricular activities: I umpire boys traveling baseball from May through October. I also enjoy DIY home renovations like tiling and painting.

At some point in my life I would most like to: Travel more. My son is studying to be a commercial pilot so I hope to have lots of free flights in my future.

Is there something about you that we would find surprising (e.g., are you a pilot, do you volunteer as a clown, are you a master gardener, etc.)? I know how to juggle (not knives or flaming torches or anything cool like that, just tennis balls and such)

Words of wisdom to share with the membership: Do not listen with the intent to REPLY but with the intent to UNDERSTAND