FCCMA 2025 Awards Program

The Florida City and County Management Association’s (FCCMA) annual awards program recognizes the achievements of its members and their significant contributions to the management of local government in Florida. The program includes more than a dozen categories for both awards and scholarship prizes. Awardees from every category are nominated and selected by their peers.

“Every year, FCCMA gathers to honor members who are receiving these awards for their outstanding contributions to the profession and to this association,” said FCCMA President Sarah Campbell. “This is an opportunity to show our respect for each recipient and to thank them for all they do.”

Click on Ron, Ed, Leigh Ann, and Maggie’s pictures to watch videos from members congratulating them on their awards.

Congratulations to this year’s award and scholarship recipients!

Richard (Dick) Simmons Lifetime Achievement Award

Given to an exemplary member who has served the profession or the association with steadfast dedication, innovation and the highest standard of excellence. This award is a memorial to Dick Simmons – pioneer in the profession, past FCCMA president, range rider emeritus and a 60+ year FCCMA member.

Ron Ferris – City Manager, Palm Beach Gardens

Michael J. Roberto Award for Career Development

Recognizes a member who has made a significant contribution to the development of new talent in professional local government management (internships, mentoring, etc.). This award is a memorial to Michael Roberto, a past president of the FCCMA and a recognized leader in the development of public management careers.

Ed Lavallee
City Manager, Venice

Award for Professional Management Excellence

Recognizes an outstanding and long-term local government administrator who has fostered representative democracy by enhancing the effectiveness of local elected officials and by consistently initiating creative and successful programs.

Leigh Ann Henderson
City Manager, Wilton Manors

Assistant for Excellence in Leadership Award

Given to a member who has significantly demonstrated excellence in leadership while serving as an assistant (regardless of title) to a chief local government administrator or department head.

 

Maggie Paluch
Assistant City Manager, Largo

If You Care, You Do! Award

Given by the board of directors to an FCCMA member for going above and beyond on a project or program.

President’s Award

Given by the president in appreciation for individual(s) who have unswervingly supported the profession of city and county management.

Carl Harness
Chief Human Services Administrator, Hillsborough County

Javarious, Jackson
Assistant to the City Manager, City of Cincinnati, OH

Lynn Tipton
FCCMA Executive Director Emeritus

FCCMA’s Rising Star Award

Recognizes local government leaders in Florida with less than 10 years of local government experience for their personal and professional excellence. Those selected are among the industry’s top emerging talent and will be an integral part of the FCCMA and local government administration for years to come.

John Boehm
Assistant to the City Manager, Palm Beach Gardens

FCCMA’s Lifesaver Award

Recognizes FCCMA members who have employed or contracted Members in Transition (MIT) in any capacity.

Andrea McCue
City Manager, Greenacres

Outgoing Executive Board Award

Given by the board of directors and membership to an outgoing member of the board in recognition of voluntary leadership.

Mike Grebosz, ICMA-CM
Assistant City Manager, DeLand

President’s Gavel Plaque

Given in recognition of voluntary leadership to the outgoing president by the board of directors and membership.

Mark Cunningham, ICMA-CM
Assistant County Administrator, Sarasota County

B. Harold Farmer Scholarship

Given in memory of an FCCMA past president, this academic scholarship provides a stipend to attend the annual conference.

Madeleine Gonzalez
Master of Public Administration
Florida State University

Raymond C. Sittig Scholarship

Given in memory of Raymond C. Sittig, the longtime executive director of the Florida League of Cities, this scholarship provides a stipend to attend annual conference.

Brenda Toscano
Master of Public Administration
University of Central Florida

Aspiring Professional Manager Scholarship

Provides tuition assistance and includes a stipend to attend the annual conference.

Emily Smith
Bachelor of Political Science
Florida International University

Aspiring Professional Manager Scholarship

Provides tuition assistance and includes a stipend to attend the annual conference.

Josh Starr
Master of Public Administration
University of South Florida

Past Presidents’ Scholarship

Given by the FCCMA past presidents, this conference scholarship provides complimentary registration and hotel stay to attend the FCCMA annual conference.

Harrison Netburn
ICMA Fellow
Pinellas County

Emerging Leaders’ Scholarship

Given to a public administration student or entry-level city/county management staff member, this conference scholarship provides complimentary registration and hotel stay to attend the FCCMA annual conference.

Adam Mohammed
Acting Assistant Director-Youth Programs
Greenacres

Emerging Leaders’ Scholarship

Given to a public administration student or entry-level city/county management staff member, this conference scholarship provides complimentary registration and hotel stay to attend the FCCMA annual conference.

Aaron Olson
IT Business Analyst
Charlotte

Emerging Leaders’ Scholarship

Given to a public administration student or entry-level city/county management staff member, this conference scholarship provides complimentary registration and hotel stay to attend the FCCMA annual conference.

Christina “Kricy” Snoots
Firefighter/EMT
St. Petersburg

FCCMA Service Awards

Click on the image below to view the slideshow.