Her arrival comes as an ongoing straw poll will gauge whether residents want to become a city -- a debate that has become bitter at times -- and she takes over an organization that has a legacy of high staff turnover and a poor record for customer service.

   

to be transparent but also to make everything more cohesive and create a better understanding for the residents."

  

Rey replaces Bob Fernandez, the community's first executive director, who resigned in February.

During Fernandez's tenure, there was friction among Town Hall personnel that created a negative environment and affected customer service.

 

Rey, who will make $130,000 in the post, said she considers her start a "clean slate" for all staff members.

But employees will be subject to Rey's management philosophy, and customer service is top priority.

  

Rey was responsible for customer service in her Villages job, where she created a one-stop concierge center for residents and even taught classes on dealing with the public.

  

"There's no reason why we can't explore every alternative to solve a resident's problem and do it with a smile," she said.

  

A long-range vision for financial planning is also on tap for the ranch. Rey said she will work with staff and the community to create a capital improvement plan.

 

The goal is to avoid unexpected large assessment increases for entry signs, road replacement and other infrastructure repairs.

  

"You don't want to wake up tomorrow and have a $10 million bill on your desk," she said.

Rey, who is divorced, moved last month to the Lofts on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch with her two cats, Mia and Digit, who is unique for an extra toe on each paw.

  

Her 23-year-old son still lives in Ocala and attends Central Florida College.

 

Rey started out her career in government as a secretary with the Department of Children and Families and then the Marion County Board of Commissioners.

 

She has worn many hats, including web content administrator, public relations coordinator, disaster relief liaison and project manager.

 

"I'm really called to public service," she said. "I feel that local government, the government closest to the people has the most impact on little things that can really change someone's life."

But employees will be subject to Rey's management philosophy, and customer service is top priority.

Rey was responsible for customer service in her Villages job, where she created a one-stop concierge center for residents and even taught classes on dealing with the public.

"There's no reason why we can't explore every alternative to solve a resident's problem and do it with a smile," she said.

A long-range vision for financial planning is also on tap for the ranch. Rey said she will work with staff and the community to create a capital improvement plan.

The goal is to avoid unexpected large assessment increases for entry signs, road replacement and other infrastructure repairs.

"You don't want to wake up tomorrow and have a $10 million bill on your desk," she said.

Rey, who is divorced, moved last month to the Lofts on Main Street in Lakewood Ranch with her two cats, Mia and Digit, who is unique for an extra toe on each paw.

Her 23-year-old son still lives in Ocala and attends Central Florida College.

Rey started out her career in government as a secretary with the Department of Children and Families and then the Marion County Board of Commissioners.

She has worn many hats, including web content administrator, public relations coordinator, disaster relief liaison and project manager.

"I'm really called to public service," she said. "I feel that local government, the government closest to the people has the most impact on little things that can really change someone's life."