Olivia Shock was introduced as the new Miami Lakes transportation manager during the Oct. 11 council meeting.
Shock, 22, grew up in Michigan and graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 2021, with a Bachelor of Science degree in community and environmental planning.
The position became vacant last spring when Michael Zayas-Morales resigned.
Shock said her partner’s new job in Miami brought the couple to South Florida, and they live in that city.
“I moved down here and was looking for a position and found this town,” Shock said.
Shock said the history of Miami Lakes is of interest.
“It is such a huge example in the planning world and how the Grahams developed [the town],” Shock said.
Shock was also attracted to the close-knit community and the possibility that the new job would offer growth opportunities.
She is hoping to continue the town’s mission of expanding transportation options.
It’s what drew her to planning as a degree while in college.
“I can really make a difference in a community from the ground up and know that I really had a hand in doing work that is important,” Shock said.