Name: Danielle Falkner
Agency / Organization: City of St. Augustine
Title / Position: Procurement Specialist III
NFPA Board Role: Vice President
What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you wish you knew earlier?
It’s a long game, not a short one.
You get paid by becoming the full package:
• Highly competent
• Surrounded by a high-value network
• Known for high-impact achievements
• Equipped with a diverse skill set aligned with your intended impact
• Committed to lifelong learning
• Strong in soft skills (because hard skills evolve — soft skills endure)
This takes time to build. Too many people want to be paid too much, too fast. That’s not to say you can’t accelerate your growth, you absolutely can, but understand that developing yourself and those around you is a process.
Think of your life in seasons:
Seasons of growth.
Seasons of focus.
Seasons of rest and recalibration.
How do you define success in your role?
Success to me is defined as growth/development for yourself (continuously acquiring new skills, learning from challenges, growing professionally) while contributing and Impact your team and organization ( supporting colleagues, meeting or exceed your KPIs, contributing to morale and culture) all while maintaining values (actions align not only with the Agency’s mission and values but also your own).
Who has been a mentor or role model in your procurement journey, and why?
A role model who has had a profound impact on my professional journey is a trusted friend and colleague whose tenacity, leadership, courage, and genuine commitment to mentorship continually inspire me. I greatly value her perspective and often seek her guidance when navigating important decisions. What makes her mentorship so meaningful is that she never simply tells me what to do. Instead, she asks thoughtful questions, encourages critical thinking, and helps me see challenges from different perspectives, allowing me to arrive at my own well-informed conclusions. Through her example, she has helped shape not only my professional growth but also my confidence as a leader. Her support, wisdom, and belief in my potential have left a lasting impression, and they inspire me to approach leadership with the same spirit of encouragement, integrity, and empowerment for others.
What’s one fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
Gardening is one of my greatest passions. I grow vegetables in my backyard alongside eleven fruit trees and shrubs, and I’ve created a flower garden that is triple certified as a Butterfly Garden, Monarch Waystation, and Certified Wildlife Habitat. The garden is dedicated to the memory of my grandmother, whose love of gardening and nature inspired my own. What began as a hobby has grown into a meaningful way for me to honor her while supporting pollinators and local wildlife, and enjoying the simple joy of nurturing something from seed to harvest.
Can you share an example of a challenging procurement situation and how you handled it?
Every procurement comes with its own challenges, and in turn, its own learning opportunities. From navigating the unique requirements tied to federal grants to managing complex construction projects, no two solicitations are ever the same.
One of the most challenging situations for me is when a brand-new project manager comes on board and the previous employee is no longer available for consultation. Starting from scratch can be both tough and enlightening. There’s no institutional memory to lean on; only the need to dig in, ask the right questions, and build clarity from the ground up.
I handle these situations the same way I approach any hurdle: I buckle down and ask questions. The more I understand about the project’s goals, constraints, and desired outcomes, the better I can guide the project manager through the procurement process and help them secure exactly what they need.
That may mean asking seasoned colleagues about similar past projects, reviewing the full history of prior contracts, or researching other agencies’ solicitations and contracts for comparable services and speaking to their procurement staff and Project Managers. Each step strengthens the foundation and ultimately leads to a more thoughtful, well-structured procurement.
If you could have dinner with anyone (living or historical), who would it be and why?
I would give anything for one more dinner with my grandmother. It feels like there are still lessons left to learn, guidance I’d want to seek, stories I should have recorded, and moments I wish I had captured on video.
Mostly, I’d want one more chance to say “I love you” — and to hear her say it back.
There’s something about losing someone who shaped you that makes you realize how much more you still needed them. And how deeply their wisdom, love, and presence continue to live within you.
How has NFPA helped you grow professionally?
NFPA has played a significant role in my professional growth, particularly through peer networking and the relationships I’ve built along the way. The discussions I have with colleagues are just as valuable as any formal class. Through open conversations, I’ve gained insight into new techniques, shared challenges, and different approaches that ultimately lead to the same successful outcomes.
Beyond education, NFPA has provided me with meaningful opportunities to develop and strengthen my leadership skills. Serving and engaging within the organization has helped prepare me for continued career advancement and future leadership roles.
What’s your favorite local spot in North Florida?
My favorite local spots in North Florida are the conservation areas scattered throughout the region. There’s something grounding about stepping onto a quiet trail, surrounded by towering pines, marsh views, and the sound of wildlife.
I genuinely enjoy hiking and being immersed in nature. It’s where I can clear my mind, recharge, and reconnect — not just with the outdoors, but with myself.