Engineering Marion County: Tracy Straub

As a growing community in a growing state, Marion County is welcoming approximately 225 new residents a week. Attracted by job opportunities, affordable living, and that Florida sunshine. Coordinated planning, smart resource allocation, and efficient project execution by our local government entities help ensure our roads, water management, and other local infrastructure can keep up.  Hear from Tracy Straub, PE, Assistant County Administrator, Marion County Public Works and Growth Management as she highlights the wins and challenges of leading these initiatives for Marion County.<br/><br/>Nonprofit featured in this episode: The Rock<br/><br/>About Tracy Straub, PE:<br/>Tracy is the Assistant County Administrator for Marion County’s Public Works and Growth Services. She began her tenure with the Marion County Board of County Commissioners in 2001 as a Drainage Engineer, where she was responsible for developing the County’s stormwater program. She progressively gained responsibilities in transportation infrastructure planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance and was appointed the County Engineer in 2015. In 2021, she assumed her current expanded role where she oversees the Office of the County Engineer (Road Maintenance, Stormwater, Transportation Design, and Traffic Management), MSTU/Assessment, Building Safety, Community Services, and Growth Services (Planning, Zoning, and Code Enforcement). Tracy is a graduate of the University of Central Florida’s environmental engineering program and is a Florida-licensed professional engineer with 25+ years of experience in engineering and management.  Tracy is an Ocala native and fifth-generation Marion County Floridian.  She is married to Brian Hershberger, the owner of a small business that provides awards, recognition, and engraving for the business and industrial market. They both enjoy how they make their living, and they further boost their quality of life by enjoying fishing, travel, and their dogs.  Tracy takes great pride in her community and helping to shape its public infrastructure while preserving the beauty and environment of her home.   <br/><br/>The Catalyst is hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, sponsored by Douglas Law Firm and recorded live at Wiley Productions podcast studios, located in Ocala, Florida. New episodes, guests, and perspectives of leadership premiere twice a month. Follow us on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.