As we navigate our organization’s leadership transition, I want to thank Terry Atchley for his dedication and years of service to FCCMA. We wish him and his family all the best as he begins this next chapter. For those interested in learning more about the transition, the leadership announcement includes a link to Terry’s resignation letter. I’m honored to step into the role of FCCMA President, and I’m grateful to Matt Spoor for stepping into the President-Elect role. FCCMA is a strong community because of the commitment and collaboration of its members, and I look forward to working alongside all of you to continue building on that foundation and supporting Florida’s local government management professionals. Thank you for your continued involvement and support of our Association!
I hope everyone who was able to attend the ICMA Annual Conference in Long Beach, California, had a great experience. Conferences like ICMA provide a valuable opportunity to learn from others in the profession, share ideas, and connect with colleagues from across the country. A special THANK YOU to everyone who joined us for the FCCMA social event. It was a wonderful opportunity for our members to connect, catch up with colleagues, and enjoy some time together.
Mark your calendars for the free coaching webinar, “Onboarding Elected Officials – Building Trust Before the First Agenda Packet,” which will be held on November 5. In this session, moderated by a former Manager, attendees will hear directly from elected board members as they reflect on the information they wish they had when they first began their board service. Register here to secure your spot.
Registration is now open for the Fall Symposium, which will be held virtually
on December 10, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. This year’s theme, “Leadership Under Pressure: Principled Decision-Making,” promises engaging discussions and valuable insights. The Symposium is an excellent opportunity to meet your four-hour ethics training requirement. To register for the Symposium, click here.
The FCCMA Directory Photo Contest opens for submissions in November. The winning photo will be featured on the cover of next year’s directory, showcasing the places and people that make Florida’s communities unique.
FCCMA is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Awards Program, which recognizes outstanding leadership, professionalism, and service in public administration. These peer-nominated awards will be presented at our 2027 Annual Conference. In addition, applications are open for Academic and Conference Scholarships. If someone in your organization qualifies, please encourage them to apply. For more information, click here.
Registration for the 2027 Winter Institute opens in early November. The event will take place January 21-22, 2027, at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort. The event’s theme is “The Long Game, Drive the Narrative: Commissioners turn over, Legislators term out, Managers are still here making sure the numbers hold. Nobody knows your budget better than you. It’s time everyone else heard it from you first.”
Finally, a reminder that dues invoices were sent electronically on October 1. If you didn’t receive your invoice, please contact FCCMA staff.
Sincerely,
Mike Staffopoulos
