High-energy, electric sparks pop from Florida Public Service Commissioner Julie Imanuel Brown. Her excitement and love of her job, her family and community radiate from her. So, it is not surprising to learn shes the daughter of a high-energy former Mr. U.S.A., Fort Myers podiatrist Howard Imanuel and his wife Suzi.
I remember at about the age of 5, watching my dad compete in bodybuilding, Brown tells Sunshine State News. Every morning hed be up at 5 a.m. working out in the home gym. This helped foster my love of physical fitness.
Though she has a very intense schedule with the PSC, she has continued her fathers tradition of early morning workouts. Its a love also shared with her fraternal twin sister, Diana, but not her older sister, Allison.
I need my workouts for inner peace, which allows me to have more energy during the work day, especially during those long hearing days.
The commissioner, her husband Hank, and children Tripp and Emerson, are active supporters of Plant High School football, where Hank volunteers his time to coach the varsity team.
Brown, bitten by the public service bug early, was active in student government, as well as running and volleyball in her school years. After earning bachelors and law degrees at the University of Florida, Brown practiced law in Tampa in both the private and public sectors.
Having practiced law in both sectors, I understand the importance of fairness and finding a balance between the various competing interests, says the Gator alumna.
The PSC handles a wide range of issues, which puts Browns high energy to good use. This past fall found her intensely at work on a water and wastewater study put forth by the Legislature. The findings were presented to the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee. As chairperson, she and 17 members of the committee extensively researched possible solutions for water and wastewater issues in Florida.
The committee was comprised of a balanced group of members. We heard from small utilities, customer reps, and water management districts. It was an excellent opportunity to provide potential solutions to ongoing issues affecting many Floridians, said the commissioner.
A proponent of a diverse energy portfolio, Brown believes we should keep everything on the table and see if it is economically feasible and cost effective.
When it comes to the PSCs open process, Brown urges Floridians to get involved and have a seat at the table. When we go to a service hearing for a rate case, we take customer testimony. It is so important. Their testimony is essential for the Commission to be able to make an informed and balanced decision. If there is a disconnect between the utility and the customer we are going to hear about it, learn from it and it has impacted some of our decisions. We take everything into consideration.
The dynamic, high-energy commissioner credits several women as her career mentors. As a working mother, it can be difficult at times to juggle all the demands that are in place.From my mentors, I have learned many lessons about the importance of balancing work and family and know that you can be successful at both.
Likely there are women just starting out in their careers who will also be saying the same about Julie Brown.
Dr. Marilyn Naito writes special to Sunshine State News.
