The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be approved for membership: Kourtney Dinkins, District III, Master of Urban and Regional Planning, University of Central Florida, Student Member; Lisa Hendrickson, District VII, City Manager, City of…
How long have you been an FCCMA member, and why did you join? I have been an FCCMA member since March 2025. I decided to join FCCMA to enhance my professional development and meet other professionals who have a passion for serving their local communities. Please describe your areas of formal/advanced education. I received my…
I hope you’re enjoying a safe and restful summer. As we look ahead, there are several exciting opportunities for connection, learning, and professional development. First, I hope you’ve already registered for the 2025 ICMA Annual Conference, which will take place October 25–29 at the Tampa Convention Center. This event brings together local government professionals from…
Matthew L. Spoor Assistant County Administrator, Pinellas County In the wake of Hurricanes Idalia, Helene, and Milton, Pinellas County found itself confronting the compounding effects of back-to-back storms—coastal flooding, housing loss, compromised infrastructure, and deepening community vulnerabilities. County leaders immediately sought help for the most vulnerable people, obtaining an unprecedented $813 million in Community Development…
How long have you been an FCCMA member, and why did you join? I became a member of FCCMA in June. I joined because of the educational and networking opportunities FCCMA provides. Being new to the State of Florida, having a network of experienced city managers I can reach out to will help in learning…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be approved for membership: Kevin Matyjaszek, District IV, Utility Systems Director, City of Port St. Lucie, Full Member; Lorie Mertens-Black, District III, Assistant City Manager, City of Casselberry,…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined FCCMA in February 2025 because of its valuable resources – networking, training, conferences, webinars, publications, and scholarships. The organization also offers internships, and I was honored to be selected as the FCCMA Next Generation intern for Palm Beach Gardens. This…
On June 10, 2025, FCCMA Member Sarah Hannah-Spurlock presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Broward County Commission in celebration of their 50th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured Left to Right: Commissioner Michael Udine, Vice Mayor Mark Bogen, Commissioner Steve Geller, County Administrator Monica Cepero, Sarah Hannah-Spurlock, Mayor Beam Furr, Commissioner Hazelle…
There are several people I want to thank right away. Firstly, Mark Cunningham. Mark, thank you for your leadership over the past year. It has been a pleasure to have you as our president. Your leadership and commitment to advancing the goals of the organization have not gone unnoticed. Thank you. I look forward to…
Shaping Culture with Process Improvement and Innovation Training
FCCMA would like to thank its sponsors and exhibitors for their contributions to the 2025 Annual Conference. The Association appreciates the many years of support. a5 Branding & Digital Accenture Acentria Public Risk Aclarian, LLC Advanced Robot Solutions AECOM Aetna Ajax Building Company, LLC American Data Group American Fidelity American Structurepoint, Inc. AngioScreen AshBritt, Inc.…
How to Use AI in your Job, Laying the Groundwork to Use AI
Cities & Counties Working Together to Provide Efficient Transportation_Jonathan Hopkins
Bridging Resident Access Gaps to Mental Health Care and Social Services
Aligning with Florida’s Cybersecurity Law NIST CSF Assessments and Beyond
45 years Carrie Hill Mark Ryan, Senior Advisor, FCCMA Sue Whittle 40 years Bob Barcinski Pam Brangaccio, National Coordinator for ICMA Senior Advisor Program, FCCMA Michael Crotty George Forbes, Senior Advisor, FCCMA 35 years James Drumm Barry Evans Ron Ferris, City Manager, City of Palm Beach Gardens Eugene Schiller 30 years Frank DiGiovanni James Drymon…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be approved for membership: David Allen, District VII, Assistant County Administrator, Pasco County, Full Member; Stefanie Anderson, District VII, Fiscal Services Manager, Pasco County, Affiliate Member; Sammie Brown,…
On May 20, 2025, FCCMA Member Sarah Hannah-Spurlock presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City of Fort Lauderdale Commission in celebration of their 100th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured Left to Right: City Manager Rickelle Williams, Commissioner Pamela Beasley-Pittman, Sarah Hannah-Spurlock, Mayor Dean Trantalis, Commissioner Steven Glassman, and Commissioner Ben Sorensen.
I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU! Foremost, THANK YOU to the FCCMA staff for your tireless work in making this a productive and successful program year. The enormity of the scope of work you do behind the scenes to make this Association a success is very commendable. THANK YOU to…
Dr. Keith A. Clinkscale, Director of Strategic Planning and Performance Management, Palm Beach County, and Dr. Addie Javed, Director of Public Works and Floodplain Administrator, Indian River County When we think about transforming our organizations, especially in local government, we often turn to strategic plans, performance metrics, and new technologies. But after years of leading…
How long have you been an FCCMA member, and why did you join? I recently re-joined a few months ago, but was previously a student member while attending the University of Central Florida. Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member? Yes. I am a…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be approved for membership: Audrey Ables, District VII, Assistant to the County Administrator, Pinellas County, Affiliate Member; Richard Berrios, District IV, City Attorney, City of Port St. Lucie,…
I’m excited about our upcoming FCCMA Annual Conference. This year’s conference will be held at the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando, from May 28th to May 31st. Our dedicated conference committee has been working hard to finalize the sessions, and it’s shaping up to be an amazing event. Click here for the conference agenda. Some…
How long have you been an FCCMA member, and why did you join? I was a student member for several years back in the early 2000s. I recently joined as a Full Member in January 2025 after being promoted to Deputy County Manager in August 2024. I joined FCCMA to increase my knowledge as a…
Claire Jubb, Assistant County Administrator, Charlotte County For years, employee evaluations in local government have primarily measured task completion, efficiency, and output. While these factors are important, they do not fully capture what makes a workplace successful. Recognizing the need for a shift, Charlotte County is in the process of rolling out a new evaluation…
The following membership application has been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why the applicant should not be approved as a member, he/she will be approved for membership: Azita Behmardi, District V, Assistant City Manager, City of Wilton Manors, Full Member; Robin Fenwick, District II, Assistant City Manager, City of Port…
Congratulations to the City of Wauchula, the FCCMA 2025 Photo Contest Winner. This photo will be featured on the cover of the 2025-2026 Membership Directory. By Katie Wheeler, Communications Coordinator, City of Wauchula The winning image is an awe-inspiring aerial view of one of the boardwalks in Peace River Park. Photographer 863Aerials said, “This photo…
Ray Liggins P.E., Village Manager, Village of Royal Palm Beach Florida’s environment provides the foundation for this state’s quality of life and is the cornerstone of its economy. Tourism officials market Florida’s distinctive lifestyle, and economic development leaders promote it to attract new business. Residents enjoy the many benefits this lifestyle offers. Recently, Florida’s population…
Congratulations to the four cities selected as internship host recipients: Crystal River, Flagler Beach, Lauderdale Lakes, and Palm Beach Gardens. 2025 FCCMA Annual Conference – Registration is now open for the FCCMA Annual Conference in Orlando! The conference will be held May 28-31 at the Rosen Shingle Creek. Register by May 9, 2025, for the…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member since 2019. Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member? I am not. Why did you select a career in public service? It started as an entry-level job…
The following membership application has been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why the applicant should not be approved as a member, he/she will be approved for membership: Leondrae Camel, District IV, City Manager, City of South Bay, Full Member; Gary DeMarzo, Township Administrator/Personnel Officer, Upper Township, Subscriber Member; Dominic Hamilton, District III, Chief…
By: Lynn Tipton, FCCMA Executive Director Emeritus Friend, colleague, leader, storyteller, innovator, and family man are just some of the many words that come to mind when thinking about Dan Kleman. After a full career and busy retirement, his many friends are remembering Dan, who passed away last week, and reflecting on his legacy within…
It was great to see so many of you at our Winter Institute, and on behalf of all the participants, I thank the Planning Committee for their hard work. For those unable to attend due to other commitments, the event took place on January 30-31, 2025, at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort in Clearwater Beach,…
The following membership application has been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why the applicant should not be approved as a member, he/she will be approved for membership. Brad McKeone, District V, Deputy City Manager, City of Coral Springs, Full Member; Gregory Miller, District VI, Master of Public Administration, Purdue University,…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I’ve been a member of FCCMA since February 2017. I joined because I was new to the profession and believed the quickest way to learn was to build a network of city management professionals. Are you an ICMA member? Why did you…
This is a last reminder that February 1 is the deadline to pay your dues and/or report your ethics training. All members who do not comply will be removed from the database. Our next FREE webinar titled “Surviving Rollback,” is scheduled for Thursday, February 6, at 2:00 p.m. Click here to register. If you entered…
In Memoriam: Pat Bean Ms. Patricia Bean was born August 18, 1945, in Columbia, SC, and passed away peacefully Monday, January 6, 2025, with her son Kevin by her side. Pat was the daughter of the late Paul and Maudine Crout Taylor. Ms. Bean was a longtime Tampa resident, who earned a bachelor’s degree in…
How long have you been an FCCMA member, and why did you join? I joined in 2022 to network and learn from the association’s diverse membership. Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member? Yes, I joined ICMA in 2022 for the same reasons. Please describe…
Parth Patel, Acting Assistant Budget Director, City of Fort Lauderdale Although fiscal year 2025 just began, it’s already time to start planning for the next budget cycle! As folks return from the holidays, municipalities have a tough task ahead of themselves: budgeting for the next fiscal year. Below is a snapshot of Fort Lauderdale’s annual…
The following membership application has been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why the applicant should not be approved as a member, he/she will be approved for membership. Brian Barroso, District VI, City Manager, City of Key West, Full Member; Rodrigo Delostrinos, District VI, Assistant City Manager, City of Key West,…
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Fall Symposium on Building and Improving Public Trust. It was a valuable opportunity for local government leaders to explore how transparency, accountability, and community engagement strengthen public trust. We appreciate the insights shared and look forward to continuing our efforts to build stronger, more trusting communities.…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member since my undergraduate years at St. Petersburg College approximately three years ago. I majored in Public Policy and Administration and studied under Jeffery Kronschnabl. Professor Kronschnabl encouraged all of his students to join and participate in both…
The University of South Florida ICMA Student Chapter’s Day at Temple Terrace City Hall By: USF ICMA Student Chapter Students filled the roles of Mayor, Council Member, City Manager, City Attorney, and Department Director for a day. Students partnered with their respective City of Temple Terrace counterparts to solve a real-world city issue.…
To help celebrate Okaloosa County’s 30th Anniversary of the Commission-Manager form of government, FCCMA Senior Advisor Mark Ryan presented the Board of County Commissioners and County Administrator John Hofstad a certificate honoring this milestone achievement. Pictured Left to Right: County Administrator John Hofstad and Senior Advisor Mark Ryan. Standing behind them: Trey Goodwin, Carolyn Ketchel, Drew Palmer, Sherri…
Connect with your ICMA regional director and senior advisors. By Joe Supervielle, ICMA content manager | Nov 25, 2024 | Blog Post Following the devastation from Hurricanes Debby and Helene, Bobby Weaver, city manager of D’Iberville, Mississippi, and president of the Mississippi City/County Managers Association, contacted ICMA Southeast regional director Randy Reid. Weaver expressed his community’s desire to help…
The following membership application has been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why the applicant should not be approved as a member, he/she will be approved for membership. Wendy Bednarz, District V, Master of Public Administration, Northern Illinois University, Student Member; Marcia Carty, District II, Interim City Manager/Finance Director, City of…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined FCCMA five years ago for the professional development and networking opportunities. Are you an ICMA member? Yes, I joined ICMA eight years ago for similar reasons. Although I’ve become more involved with FCCMA, I still enjoy participating in some of…
I hope each you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. The following are some updates I would like to share: FCCMA Recognition of Leaders Awards: The FCCMA recognizes exemplary leaders in public administration annually. These individuals are nominated and selected by peers. I encourage you to view the criteria for each award and nominate a deserving peer.…
By Terry Atchley, County Manager, Hardee County The FCCMA November webinar delivered a goldmine of information for city and county managers looking to enhance their legislative advocacy skills. A distinguished panel of experts shared their knowledge and experience when it comes to successfully securing funding for local projects. Panelists: Terry Atchley, County Manager, Hardee County…
To help celebrate Escambia County’s 45th Anniversary of the Commission-Manager form of government, FCCMA Senior Advisor Mark Ryan presented the Board of County Commissioners Chairman Steven Barry and County Administrator Wes Moreno a certificate honoring this milestone achievement. Pictured Left to Right: Chairman Steven Barry, County Administrator Wes Moreno and Senior Advisor Mark Ryan.
As a part of the FCCMA Professional Management Matters initiative, the City of Chipley Mayor, City Council, and City Administrator Patrice Tanner are recognized for 25 years of the Council-Manager form of government by Senior Advisor Mark Ryan. Pictured Left to Right: Mayor Pro-Tem Kevin Russell, Councilmember Cheryl McCall, Mayor Tracy Andrews, City Administrator Patrice…
The following membership application has been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why the applicant should not be approved as a member, he/she will be approved for membership. Heather Akpan, District II, Assistant County Manager, Alachua County, Full Member; John Bohde, District VIII, Deputy County Manager, Polk County, Full Member; Manny…
Dr. Joshua Barnett, Behavioral Health Data Scientist, Pinellas County Human Services Pinellas County is a popular community on Florida’s Gulf Coast with nearly 1 million year-round residents and over 90,000 annual visitors. It is a community with a complex health system and a growing population. Earlier this year, Pinellas County launched Care About Me, a…
I know many of you are still recovering from the hurricanes that recently impacted our great state. While this is a stressful time for all of us, it also highlights our coming together and the resiliency of the communities we serve. Furthermore, it brings to the forefront the never-ending spirit of excellence and commitment that…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member for about two and a half years. I was encouraged to join by our former City Manager, Michael Beedie, who strongly valued career and professional development for his staff. He held FCCMA in very high regard and…
Congratulations to Lee Feldman, FCCMA Past President, for receiving the Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award honors managers who have had stellar careers and have been retired for at least two years. Lee Feldman’s career spans more than 35 years of service in Florida. Lee was city manager in Fort Lauderdale, Gainesville, Palm Bay,…
May 29, 2024 Minutes, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Allyson Beauharnois, District VI, Master of Public Administration, University of Central Florida, Student Member; Daniel Colon, District III, Public Administration, University of Central Florida, Student…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? Since 12/20/23. I joined so that I could learn from the seasoned professionals in the organization and become better at my job. I want to be of service to the community and eventually assist new members to become better themselves. Are you…
Save the date for the 2024 Ethics Fall Symposium. It will be held virtually on November 21, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Details will be available soon. Each month, we release new episodes of the FCCMA Podcast. If you have not had an opportunity, please take a moment to listen here. If you would like…
By Stephen Stepp, Deputy City Manager, and John Boehm, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Palm Beach Gardens The City of Palm Beach Gardens has implemented a comprehensive plan for emergency management response. As part of our best practices for responding to hurricanes, the City has created emergency response strike teams. The teams are…
FCCMA is saddened to announce the passing of Ollie Sam (O. Sam) Ackley. He passed away on August 25, 2024. O. Sam Ackley leaves behind his best friend and wife Diane Ackley; his five beloved children Amon, Ryan Sr., Eris, Nathan, and Kristen; their spouses, Renee, Shannon, and Raj; and his grandchildren Alana, Ryan, Ben,…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Lauren Bush, District I, Master of Health, Florida State University, Student Member; Brian Dean, District II, Safety Education Liaison, Sunshine 811, Corporation Member; Harrison Netburn,…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member on and off since 1998. In all candor, mostly off. This is because two organizations that I worked for in South Florida did not encourage membership in ICMA/FCCMA. In hindsight, I wish I had maintained my membership…
By Joe Malta, Organizational Training & Development Manager, City of Largo In 2018, the City of Largo began the journey to becoming a High Performance Organization (HPO) with training for leaders and team members across the organization. While those sessions provided a baseline understanding of HPO principles and helped team members feel empowered to make…
Looking forward to the 2024 ICMA Conference. FCCMA is hosting a reception on Monday, September 23, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Bill’s Bar and Burger, Pittsburgh. Bill’s Bar and Burger is located near the Convention Center. Register here. Don’t miss our upcoming Free Coaching Webinar on September 5 on Making the Most of…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Charles Anderson, District VII, City Manager, City of Treasure Island, Full Member; Kevin Cowper, District II, City Manager, City of New Smyrna Beach, Full Member;…
Known affectionately as Mr. Manager, Merrett Stierheim served in local government across six decades. His death was announced July 8, 2024 (obituary) at age 90, and a celebration of life will be held September 25 in Miami. To FCCMA, he was our longest living past president, having served 1974-75 with several years on the Association’s Board…
As most of you are already aware and, I hope, registered for, the 2024 ICMA Annual Conference will be held in Pittsburgh, PA, September 21-25. The Conference will provide many opportunities for local government professionals from around the world to connect and learn from their peers. I understand that this year’s Annual Conference will have…
Michael Booker passed away on July 14, 2024 after a battle with cancer. He served the City of Daytona Beach Shores until his retirement in 2020. A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Shores Community Center, 3000 Bellemead Drive, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118. Click…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. John Bartus, District VI, City Administrator, City of Key Colony Beach, Full Member; Amielee Farrell, District VII, Budget Director, Pasco County, Full Member; Zain Husain,…
FCCMA would like to thank its sponsors and exhibitors for their contributions to the 2024 Annual Conference. The Association appreciates the many years of support. Acentria Public Risk AchieveIt Aclarian, LLC Advanced Green Technologies AECOM Aetna, A CVS Health Company Ajax Building Company, LLC Ameresco American Fidelity American Structurepoint AngioScreen Anser Advisory (part of Accenture)…
By Stephanee Phillips, CHES, Wellness Coordinator, Charlotte County “Imagine a workplace where employees step through the doors with a shared commitment: to meet not only organizational objectives but also each other’s needs. This paradigm shift in perception and practice lays the foundation for an empowered, innovative, and harmonious workforce – a workforce that thrives, evolves,…
Gene Miller passed away on June 4, 2024 after a life-long battle with Type 1 Diabetes. He was born on November 30, 1935 in Blue Rapids, Kansas. He received his undergraduate degree from Kansas State University and his Master’s in Public Administration from Kansas University. A true public servant, Gene’s career as a city manager…
How long have you been an FCCMA member, and why did you join? I became an FCCMA student member in 2007 when I relocated to Florida in grad school. When I started at the City of Largo in 2008 as a Management Analyst, I became a regular member. I joined initially for networking and learning…
Presidential Address at the FCCMA Annual Conference It is indeed an honor to be standing before you today. I am humbled, and I am truly grateful for this opportunity. As some of you are aware, I began my local government employment as a janitor at the City of Jacksonville, NC’s Police Department not too long…
Congratulations to Craig Hunter, Daniel Kleman and Anthony Shoemaker for 50 years of service! 50 years Craig Hunter Daniel Kleman, Senior Advisor, Florida City and County Management Association Anthony Shoemaker 45 years Robert LaSala John Litton Frederick Nutt 40 years John Drago Joseph Gallegos Robert Lee, MPA Coordinator/Associate Professor, Florida Gulf Coast University Kenneth Parker,…
Dear FCCMA Members, The Program Year 23-24 has been an amazing year filled with some great achievements that I would like to highlight. But before I do, I want to first thank everyone here, you all are the professionals who served the organization in capacities such as Board members, committee members, subcommittee members, and task…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Jamie Brown, District IV, City Manager/Public Works Director, City of Lake Worth Beach, Full Member; Kaitlyn Doukas, District VII, Bachelor of Public Policy and Administration,…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member of FCCMA since 2021. FCCMA provides excellent opportunities to enhance my knowledge base through educational training sessions, networking opportunities as well as volunteer opportunities. Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have…
By Casey Lucius, Ph.D., Assistant City Manager, City of Marco Island, 50 Bald Eagle Drive Marco Island, FL 34145, [email protected] I’m going to keep this article short and sweet. I admit I’m biased on this topic because I am a veteran and I see the value in hiring veterans in local government. I serve on…
On March 12, 2024, FCCMA Member Sarah Hannah-Spurlock presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City of Dania Beach Commission in celebration of their 75th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured Left to Right: Commissioner Tamara Jones, City Manager Ana Garcia, Sarah Hannah-Spurlock, Mayor A.J. Ryan IV, Commissioner Joyce Davis, Vice Mayor Lori Lewellen and Commissioner…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Daphney Acevedo-Calvert, District V, Master of Public Administration, Florida International University, Student Member; Sam Ackley, District VII, Life Member; Robert Hicks, District VIII, Deputy City…
By Addie Javed, Vice President, EPIC Engineering and Consulting Group; and Susan Boyer, Executive Director, Florida Benchmarking Consortium INTRODUCTION The maturity level of an organization plays a pivotal role in its ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic realm of local government. Harnessing this maturity effectively can be a key catalyst for a successful journey…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member just shy of two years. I joined FCCMA because I understand and believe in the benefit of relationships and the valuable resource this association provides. Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long…
Dear FCCMA Members, The much-anticipated Annual Conference is just around the corner, and the excitement is building! Here’s a preview into what’s in store for attendees. Keynote Speakers: Crystal Washington, Mark Zeigler, Stephen MR Covey and Jeff Civillico. Visit the conference webpage and click on the speakers’ photos to learn more about them and their…
On March 21, 2024, FCCMA Member Chris Edwards presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Town of Ponce Inlet Council in celebration of their 30th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured Left to Right: Chris Edwards, CRA/Economic Development Director, New Smyrna Beach; Council Member Bill Milano; Vice Mayor Gary Smith; Town Manager Mike…
On February 5, 2024, FCCMA Member Addie Javed presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City of Oviedo Council in celebration of their 35th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured Left to Right: City Manager Bryan Cobb, FCCMA Member/EPIC Addie Javed, Mayor Megan Sladek, Council Member Natalie Teuchert, and Council Member Keith Britton.
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Colton English, District VI, Budget Coordinator, Hardee County, Affiliate Member; Christine Garcia, District V, Senior Director of Operational Services & Projects, City of Parkland, Full…
Congratulations to Sarasota County, winner of the FCCMA 2024 Photo Contest. This photo will be featured on the cover of the 2024-2025 Membership Directory. In 1999, Sarasota County established the Englewood Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) to help improve conditions in the area known as Olde Englewood Village. In 2024, the CRA celebrates 25 years of…
By Sarah Hannah-Spurlock, Sage Mediation and Consulting In local government, disputes involving noise and other nuisance complaints, zoning, development, service provision, and public space, to name a few, are as common as they are diverse. Typically, addressing these issues involves resorting to legal and regulatory measures, which can be punitive and expensive. However, adopting a…
Dear FCCMA Members, I’m excited to share some important updates and opportunities for your involvement with FCCMA. 2024 FCCMA Annual Conference: Mark your calendars! The 2024 FCCMA Annual Conference is shaping up to be an exceptional event. Our dedicated conference planning committee has been working tirelessly to bring you an outstanding program. Registration is now open!…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? Approximately 3 months. Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member? Yes, Professional development and networking, I was a previous member but let my membership lapse and rejoined about three months ago. Please…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Frank Calascione, District VII, Assistant City Manager, City of Inverness, Full Member; Michael Carnevale, District VIII, Deputy City Manager, City of Winter Haven, Full Member;…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined the FCCMA on May 5, 2022, shortly after starting my position with the City of Mascotte on February 1, 2022. Prior to that, I worked as a Township Manager in Michigan, where I was a member of the MME. Are…
Dear FCCMA Members, I hope this message finds you well and that you are enjoying the beautiful Florida weather. As February comes to a close in DeLand and the surrounding communities in Volusia County, it gets busy, and event season kicks into high gear with the Daytona 500, Bike Week and then Spring Break. Getting…
On February 6, 2024, FCCMA Member John Coffey presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City of West Melbourne Council in celebration of their 45th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured Left to Right: Tim Rhode, City Manager; John W. Coffey, ICMA-CM, City of Indian Harbour Beach City Manager; and Pat Bentley, Mayor.…
By Dominic Hamilton, CGCIO, Director of Information Technology, City of Indian Harbour Beach Almost every IT Support Specialist fears the dreaded phrase: “I clicked on something, and now my computer is acting weird.” The looming threat of cybersecurity lingers quietly over organizations around the globe. Like a natural disaster, cities can be struck by a…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Troy Bell, District II, City Manager, City of Palatka, Full Member; Amy Bland, District VII, Development Services Fiscal Support Director, Pasco County, Affiliate Member; Paul…
On December 11, 2023, FCCMA Member Addie Javed presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City of Winter Haven Commission in celebration of their 100th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured Left to Right: City Manager T. Michael Stavres, FCCMA Member Addie Javed and Mayor Brad Dantzler.
On January 23, 2024, FCCMA Member John Coffey presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City of Cocoa Council in celebration of their 50th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured Left to Right: Councilmember Matthew Barringer, Councilmember Lorraine Koss, City Attorney Anthony Garganese, Deputy Mayor Lavander Hearn, Mayor Mike Blake, Councilmember Alex Goins,…
On December 11, 2023, FCCMA Member Addie Javed presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City of Wildwood Commission in celebration of their 65th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured Left to Right: City Manager Jason McHugh and FCCMA Member Addie Javed.
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined FCCMA in 2022. Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member? Yes, I am an ICMA Member, joining in 2002. I started taking online courses and went to my first ICMA…
FCCMA Members, Elections are now open for even-numbered districts. All eligible members should have received an email from their District Election Committees asking for self-nominations. The deadline to submit your application is January 31st. Elections are also open for the Secretary-Treasurer and two At-Large Director positions for full members with three years of membership. The…
On January 17, 2024, FCCMA Member John Coffey presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City of Satellite Beach Council in celebration of their 50th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured Left to Right: Satellite Beach Mayor Steve Osmer, John W. Coffey, ICMA-CM and Satellite Beach Manager Courtney Barker.
By Lisa Kothe, Director, Safety Harbor Public Library In early 2016, Safety Harbor Library staff saw a need for a tool lending library to provide our community access to tools at no cost. We put a call out, requesting quality, working-condition hand or electric tools. The response was overwhelming. We received donations of post hole…
Donald Stilwell, former Lee County manager passed away on December 22, 2023 at the age of 85. He served as Lee County manager for 16 years. Donald received his bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Oregon and a Master of Public Administration from Lewis & Clark College in Portland. He has been a…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Pallavi Awasthi, District V, Assistant Professor of Public Policy, Nova Southeastern University, Affiliate Member; Juana Ayala, District VIII, HR Director/Executive Assistant to the City Manager,…
By Laurie Kimball, Human Services Grants Analyst, Charlotte County; Carrie Walsh, Human Services Director, Charlotte County; and Claire Jubb, Assistant County Administrator, Charlotte County Earlier this month, staff from our Aging and Adults and Veterans Services divisions of Human Services moved into their new location. This was not just a relocation or a new building…
On December 4, 2023, FCCMA Member Addie Javed presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Town of Longboat Key Commission in celebration of their 65th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured Left to Right: Seating – Mayor Ken Schneier and City Manager Howard Tipton. Standing – Vice Mayor Mike Haycock, Commissioner Penny Gold,…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member for over 20 years. Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member? I am a member and received my 40-year recognition this year. Please describe your areas of…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Sophia Boyer, District VII, Assistant Fiscal Services Director of Public Safety, Pasco County, Full Member; Matthew Coppler, District VII, City Manager, City of Port Richey,…
On Tuesday, November 15, 2023 the Town of Davie was recognized for its 40th Anniversary of the Council-Manager form of government, as a part of the FCCMA Professional Management Matters campaign. Pictured Left to Right: Vice Mayor Susan Starkey (District 3), Councilmember Marlon Luis (District 4), FCCMA Member Sarah Hannah-Spurlock, Mayor Judy Paul, Councilmember Michelle…
FCCMA Members, I hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, surrounded by loved ones. As we rush toward the winter holiday season, here are some updates and opportunities I’d like to share: *FCCMA Recognition of Leaders Awards: The FCCMA recognizes exemplary leaders in public administration annually. These individuals are nominated and selected by peers.…
By Emily Lewis, Deputy County Administrator, Charlotte County In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force with the potential to revolutionize various sectors. Local governments have begun to recognize the significant benefits that AI can offer. From streamlining administrative processes to enhancing citizen engagement, AI is…
On Tuesday, November 7th the City of Marianna was recognized for its 80th Anniversary of the Council-Manager form of government, as a part of the FCCMA Professional Management Matters campaign. Pictured Left to Right: Commissioner Kenneth Hamilton, Mayor James Roberts, FCCMA Senior Advisor Mark Ryan, Commissioner Travis Ephriam, City Manager William Long and Commissioner Rico…
Congratulations to Pam Brangaccio, Senior Advisor, FCCMA and National Coordinator for Senior Advisors, ICMA for receiving the Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award honors managers who have had stellar careers and have been retired for at least two years. Pam Brangaccio has had a successful, 40-year career serving Florida cities and counties, beginning in…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Roshana Rollock Agarrat, District III, Doctorate of Public Administration, Liberty University, Student Member; Jose Cerna, District V, Systems Security Administrator, Indian Creek Village Police Department,…
On Thursday, November 2, 2023 the City of Midway was recognized for its 35th Anniversary of the Council-Manager form of government, as a part of the FCCMA Professional Management Matters campaign. Pictured Left to Right: Dr. Henry Grant, City Manager; Nandrycka King Albert, City Council Member; Braheem Russ, Mayor Pro Tem; Ella Parker-Dickey, Mayor; and…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined in 2019. Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member? Yes. I joined ICMA because it is the premier professional organization representing the interests of those that have joined the profession…
On October 23, 2023, FCCMA District IV Director Andrea McCue presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City of Port St. Lucie Council in celebration of their 40th year as a Council-Manager form of government. From left to right: Councilman David Pickett, Palm Beach Gardens Retired Deputy City Manager Jack Doughney, Councilwoman Stephanie Morgan, Fort Pierce City…
On October 24, 2023, FCCMA Member Samantha Abell presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City of Fort Walton Beach Council in celebration of their 70th year as a Council-Manager form of government. From left to right: Mayor Dick Rynearson and Gulf Breeze City Manager Samantha Abell.
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined FCCMA in 2018 because I wanted to take full advantage of all the resources available to me to better serve my community. After becoming the City Manager in 2016, I understood the importance of networking and had learned about the…
On October 16, 2023, FCCMA Member Sarah Hannah-Spurlock presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City of Weston Commission in celebration of their 25th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. From left to right: Commissioner Chris Eddy, Commissioner Henry Mead, Mayor Margaret Brown, City Manager Don Decker, FCCMA Member Sarah Hannah-Spurlock, Commissioner Byron L.…
By Marsha Commond, MPA, Redevelopment Specialist, City of Fort Pierce & Fort Pierce Redevelopment Agency 100 N. U.S. Highway 1, Fort Pierce, FL 34950 [email protected] Making a pivotal shift toward how we prepare the next generation of city and county managers means that internships must be more than helping students gain work skills and hoping they work…
FCCMA Members, October is one of my favorite times of year. County Fairs, Halloween and the cooler weather are nice leads into the quickly approaching holiday season. October was also when ICMA held its annual conference in Austin Texas. It was the largest attended ICMA conference ever with over 5,500 attendees. Florida had a very…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Jerome Adams, District II, City Administrator, City of Oak Hill, Full Member; Brian Benton, District IV, City Manager, City of Sebastian, Full Member; Gretchell Cano,…
On September 26, 2023, FCCMA Sarah Hannah-Spurlock presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Commission in celebration of their 35th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. From left to right: Town Manager Linda Connors, Commissioner Theo Poloupolous, Commissioner Buz Oldaker, Sarah Hannah-Spurlock, Mayor Chris Vincent, Vice Mayor Edmund Malkoon and Commissioner Randy Strauss.
May 31, 2023 Minutes, Hilton Bonnet Creek, Orlando
How long have you been an FCCMA member – why did you join? have been an FCCMA member for two years. I joined FCCMA to be part of an intimate forum with those who share many of the same circumstances, opportunities and challenges that face cities today and to really have open dialogue about the…
FCCMA Members, September is here and fall is right around the corner. Fall is a great time of year that brings in cooler weather, football, and probably most exciting of all — a new budget year for most of our members. With that being said, I hope that you have the capability to fund an…
By Philip Harris, D.B.A., Executive Director of CIB, City of North Miami As the world watched, George Floyd died under the knee of a law enforcement officer. The response to his death reverberated within the City of North Miami, and its leaders launched a proactive approach to improve communications and transparency between their citizens and…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. David Birchim, District II, City Manager, City of St. Augustine, Full Member; Pamela Durrance, District VI, City Manager, City of Bowling Green, Full Member; Clarissa…
FCCMA Members, To all those affected by the storm, our thoughts are with you, and we sincerely hope everyone fared well. I am thrilled to share these upcoming association events with you. Your participation and support are appreciated. This year, we’ve replaced our annual dinner with a networking reception. It’s a great opportunity to network with…
Dear FCCMA Members, I have some exciting updates and opportunities to share with you: • Join us at the Parlor Room in Austin, TX on October 2nd from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. for a special reception during the 2023 ICMA Annual Conference. This year, we’ve replaced our annual dinner with this networking event, offering you a…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been an FCCMA member for five years. I joined because there were colleagues of mine that who how much this professional organization has to offer and how much they have gained from their membership! Are you an ICMA member? Why…
Dale Smith was born in Winter Haven where he attended Winter Haven High School and graduated in 1966. Dale attended the University of South Florida and received an Engineering Degree in 1973. He completed all requirements to become a Professional Engineer in 1978. He received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of…
On August 1, 2023, FCCMA District IV Director Andrea McCue presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City of South Bay Commission in celebration of their 40th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. From left to right: State Senator Lori Berman, Commissioner Albert Polk IV, Palm Beach Gardens Deputy City Manager Lori LaVerriere, North Miami…
By Desiree Casanova, Assistant to the County Administrator, Sarasota County The International City and County Management Association (ICMA), Local Government Management Fellowship (LGMF) program has been the launching pad for hundreds of local government careers. Over 300 alumni have assumed senior leadership positions in communities across the United States of America since its inception in…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Terry Bovaird, District VII, City Manager, City of Williston, Full Member; Kemarr Brown, District V, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, OnPointe Government Solutions, Corporate Member;…
On July 25, Ed Cook, City Manager of Callaway, presented a resolution recognizing retiring Niceville City Manager Lannie Corbin. Corbin served the City of Niceville for over 50 years, and his dedication and commitment to the community are truly inspiring. Thank you Lannie Corbin for 50+ years of service to the City of Niceville!
Integrating Disaster Response, Digital Transformation and Sustainable Infrastructure through Strategy Management Addie Javed, Vice President, Epic Engineering and Consulting Group 1. INTRODUCTION Each year, as natural disasters occur more frequently and intensify, local governments and public agencies are prioritizing robust disaster management. These natural hazards, including hurricanes, floods, and red tides, have significant impacts…
On July 10, 2023, FCCMA Past President Lori LaVerriere presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Town of Ocean Ridge Commission in celebration of their 35th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. From left to right: Commissioner Philip Besler, Commissioner Carolyn Cassidy, Town Manager, Lynn Ladner, Mayor Geoff Pugh, Palm Beach Gardens Deputy City Manager…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Sheila Fitzgerald, District I, Deputy County Administrator, Okaloosa County, Full Member; Genaro “Chip” Iglesias, District V, City Manager, City of South Miami, Full Member; and…
How long have you been an FCCMA member, and why did you join? I joined FCCMA in 2021 because I was looking for an association that provided training sessions on Florida issues and wanted to meet my colleagues across the region and state. Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long…
The City of Pinellas Park was presented with their 60-year recognition as a Council-Manager form of government by FCCMA representative, Kimberly Nicholls on June 22, 2023 at its City Council meeting. Pictured left to right – Dan Hubbard, Assistant City Manager; Mayor Sandra Bradbury; Kimberly Nicholls, FCCMA Representative and Assistant Human Resources Director, City of…
On June 28, 2023, FCCMA Past President Lori LaVerriere presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Town of Juno Beach Council in celebration of their 35th year as a Council-Manager form of government. From left to right: Chuck Huff, Village of North Palm Beach Manager; Brian Moree, City of Atlantis Manager; Councilmember DD Halpern; Carolyn Stone, Town of Palm Beach…
The City of Clearwater was presented with their 100-year recognition as a Council-Manager form of government by FCCMA representative, Kimberly Nicholls on May 18, 2023 at their City Commission meeting. City Leaders were so excited and overwhelmed to receive the award, it was tough to get pictures of everyone looking at the camera. Pictured left…
Dear FCCMA Members, I am enthusiastic about re-energizing the Association’s focus on the next generation of talent. I began my career through an unpaid summer internship in the City of DeLand Human Resources Department, which paved the way for my professional journey as I know it. Because of this, I hope to strengthen our profession…
September 19, 1939 – June 22, 2023 Samuel (Sam) Henry Halter concluded an exemplary life of family devotion, public service and spiritual faith on June 22, 2023. Sam passed peacefully at the age of 83 in Tampa while holding the hand of his beloved son and namesake, Samuel Henry (Hank) Halter, Jr. Sam was born…
In 2022, I became a student member of FCCMA and was honored to receive the B. Harold Farmer award to assist me in lessening the financial burden of tuition, books, and other needs to fulfill my financial obligation towards earning my degree. This opportunity also allowed me to strengthen my professional network throughout the state…
By Ratna Okhai, PhD Assistant Professor, School of Public Affairs, University of South Florida 329 Mohave Terrace, Lake Mary, FL 32746 [email protected] Numerous studies have been undertaken and provided best practices for future hurricane preparedness. This article provides readers with a few of those key points Readers will either learn or be reminded of some…
On June 8, 2023, FCCMA Past President Lori LaVerriere presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Village of Tequesta Commission in celebration of their 35th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Left to Right: Council Member Rick Sartory, Council Member Patrick Painter, Council Member Frank D’Ambra, Village Manager Jeremy Allen, Mayor Molly Young,…
I would like to start off by thanking Past-President Lori LaVerriere for her dedicated service as President this past organizational year. Her leadership and commitment to advancing the goals of the organization have not gone unnoticed. I wish Lori the best in her next phase of service as Past President. Looking ahead to my year…
FCCMA would like to thank its sponsors and exhibitors for their contributions to the 2023 Annual Conference. The Association appreciates the many years of support. Acentria Public Risk AchieveIt Aetna, A CVS Health Care Company Ajax Building Company, LLC Akamai Ameresco, Inc. American Fidelity American Structurepoint Anser Advisory, LLC AP Global Insurance Services dba World…
Congratulations to the ICMA Newly-Credentialed Managers! Jeremy Allen, Village Manager, Tequesta Tom Almonte, Assistant County Administrator, Pinellas County Kelvin L. Baker, Deputy City Manager, Miramar Craig Clay, Deputy City Manager, Miami Gardens Jared Cobb, City Manager, Mary Esther Juan Guerra, City Controller, Cape Coral Jesus Merejo, City Manager, Port St. Lucie William Sturgeon, Retired City…
Congratulations to Richard Kelton for 55 years of service! 55 Years Richard M. Kelton, ICMA-CM 45 Years Howard D. Tipton, ICMA-CM 40 Years Linda Weldon, ICMA-CM 35 Years Susan Boyer, ICMA-CM R. Michael Herr Reid Silverboard Dale S. Sugerman, ICMA-CM, Ph.D. John Wesley White, ICMA-CM Richard A. Williams 30 Years Jill Silverboard, ICMA-CM Donald D.…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will approved for membership. Cynthia Bowling, District III, Public Administration Certificate, University of Central Florida, Student Member; Maxine Calloway, District V, Assistant City Manager, City of Tamarac, Full Member;…
February 8, 2023 Minutes, Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Clearwater Beach, FL
How long have you been an FCCMA member, and why did you join? I have always been aware of the importance of networking. The first time I joined FCCMA was in 2019, when I was a graduate student at the University of Central Florida (UCF). I had a lapse in membership in 2020 during the…
Dear FCCMA Members, I’m writing to you today to express my excitement for our upcoming 2023 Annual Conference. I look forward to seeing you all there and sharing in the many great experiences that this event has to offer. As we prepare for the conference, I want to take a moment to reflect on my…
By Dr. Christophe St. Luce This statement may seem like an obvious one to make, but there are people who are afraid of technology and the change that is brought about by implementing technology, even though technological change is global. The microcosm of your organization may feel like the last safe place where change can…
On May 16, 2023, FCCMA District IV Director Andrea McCue presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Jupiter Council in celebration of their 45th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Left to Right: Andrea McCue (City Manager Greenacres), behind Andrea is Jeremy Allen (Village Manager Tequesta), in front of Jeremy is Frank Kitzerow (Town Manager…
On May 4, 2023, FCCMA Member Casey Lucius presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Palm Beach Garden Council in celebration of their 50th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Left to Right on front row: Dr. Phillip Harris (President-NFBPA-South Chapter), Lori LaVerriere (Deputy City Manager– Palm Beach Gardens), Dana Middleton (Councilmember- Palm Beach…
On May 16, 2023, FCCMA District VII Director Matt Spoor presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Treasure Island Commission in celebration of their 60th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Left to right include: Commissioner Doctor, Safety Harbor City Manager Matt Spoor, Treasure Island City Manager Amy Davis, Mayor Payne, Commissioner Wetzel, Vice Mayor Partridge and Commissioner Toth.
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Mayra Aleman, District V, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Sunny Isles Beach, Affiliate Member; Amanda Boggus, District VIII, Master of Public Administration,…
Hello FCCMA Members: Registration for the FCCMA Annual Conference is now open. I hope you all plan to attend. We are all facing the challenge of finding and retaining good talent. Our Speed Networking session will allow organizations seeking quality candidates to connect with those seeking new opportunities. The casual environment makes it easy to…
By Claire Jubb, Assistant County Administrator, Charlotte County Disasters, both large and small, can result in the need to facilitate housing for residents who may have been displaced. This is not easy to navigate, especially when you are in the midst of recovery and there are many competing priorities. If the Natural Emergencies legislation proposed…
Briefly share your background. I am an ICMA Credentialed Manager with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, a Master’s in Public Administration from Florida State, and 29 years experience in local governance. I have a unique non-linear career path that includes time in conflict zones with ICMA-International (Iraq) and the Department of State…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Dennis Barron, District II, Director of Public Works, City of Jacksonville Beach, Full Member; Sherry Burroughs, District VI, Master of Public Administration, Florida Gulf…
By Mike McNees, City Manager, Marco Island “The FCCMA Podcast” series has revealed a virtual treasure trove of individual nuggets of insight, history, wisdom, and hard-earned experience in our field. Moderator Steve Vancore has reached into the collective experience of nearly 100 professionals (as of this writing) and documented what amounts to an amazing oral…
The winning entry for the 2023 Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) Photo Contest was submitted by the City of Panama City Beach. The city turned their entry into a contest, asking residents and visitors to submit a photo which best depicts life in Panama City Beach. They received 50 entries, with the winning…
How long have you been an FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member since 2018. Are you an ICMA member? Why did you join, and how long have you been a member? Yes, since 2018. I have been in public service for over 30 years and in the past several…
On March 7, 2023, FCCMA Member John Coffey presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Kissimmee Commission in celebration of their 100th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Left to right include: Vice-Mayor Olga Castano; Indian Harbour Beach City Manager John W. Coffey, ICMA-CM; Mayor Olga Gonzalez; Commissioner Janette Martinez; Mayor Pro-Tem Angela Eady;…
Hello FCCMA Members: I’m thrilled to announce our registration is open for the FCCMA 2023 Annual Conference in Orlando this summer. The conference will be held May 31 – June 3, at the Hyatt Grand Cypress. Please register by May 12, 2023, to take advantage of the early bird registration rate. We have some outstanding…
On March 1, 2023, FCCMA Member Sarah Hannah-Spurlock presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Coral Springs Commission in celebration of their 50th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Left to right: Commissioner Josh Simmons, Vice Mayor Shawn Cerra, Coral Springs City Manager Frank Babinec, Fort Lauderdale Nighttime Economy Manager Sarah Hannah-Spurlock and Mayor…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Scott Benton, District VIII, Veterans in Local Government Fellowship, Student Member; Tom Carrino, District VIII, City Manager, City of Eustis, Full Member; Michael Disher,…
Lester Bernard Baird, Sr. age 78, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away at his home on February 7, 2023 surrounded by his loving wife and family. Lester has been a FCCMA member since 1985. During his career, he served as manager in Eureka, MO and several cities in Florida including Ocean Ridge, Belle Glade, South…
Hello FCCMA Members: It was so nice to see so many of you at our Winter Institute! Congratulations, and thank you to the Winter Institute Planning Committee for organizing an outstanding learning opportunity for our members. The subjects of recruiting, onboarding and retaining employees are undoubtedly relevant for all of us. FCCMA staff has emailed…
On February 8, 2023, FCCMA Member Sarah Hannah-Spurlock presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Tamarac Commission in celebration of their 50th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Left to right: Commission Marlon Bolton, Tamarac City Manager Kathleen Gunn, Fort Lauderdale Nighttime Economy Manager Sarah Hannah-Spurlock, Mayor Michelle Gomez, Commissioner Elvin Villalobos, Commissioner Kicia…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been in FCCMA for nearly five years. I joined because my boss, Terry Atchley, recommended membership in FCCMA to help me continue to grow professionally. Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been…
Dear Fellow FCCMA Members: Happy New Year to all! FCCMA is off to a running start with lots of good things happening. It’s election time. There is one At-Large Director seat open along with the Secretary-Treasurer seat. All odd numbered districts will be holding elections for their District Directors as well. I strongly encourage you…
On February 1, 2023 City Manager Mike McNees presented a #FCCMA recognition to the City of Naples, FL – Government for 75 years as a Council-Manager form of government. Naples is actually celebrating 100 years as a city this year, and 75 years under the best form of government! Congratulations to the City of Naples…
On February 6, 2023, FCCMA Member John Coffey presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Fort Pierce Commission in celebration of their 100th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Left to right: Commissioner Jeremiah Johnson; Commissioner Arnold S. Gaines; Fort Pierce City Manager Nicholas C. Mimms, ICMA-CM; Indian Harbour Beach City Manager John W. Coffey,…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Daniela Andrade, District V, Master of Public Administration, University of Central Florida, Student Member; Tracey Choroco, District III, Master of Public Administration, University of…
On February 1, 2023, FCCMA Member Christophe St. Luce presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Miramar Commission in celebration of their 30th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: City Manager Roy Virgin and Bradenton Assistant City Administrator Christophe St. Luce. . .
On January 18, 2023, FCCMA Member Esmond Scott presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Cutler Bay Council in celebration of their 15th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Town Manager Rafael Casals, Council Member Richard Ramirez, Miami Shores Village Manager Esmond Scott, Mayor Tim Meerbott, Council Member Suzy Lord…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been an FCCMA member since February 2022, and I joined because I became a first-time administrator in Florida in October 2021. My last job was in Montgomery County, Maryland, so joining FCCMA to strengthen relationships throughout the state was an…
By John Coffey, City Manager, City of Indian Harbour Beach As local government professionals, we all know the tug of war we face in addressing the immediate needs of the organization versus trying to make strategic long-term planning an integral part of our daily lives. Whether we work in a large or small organization; in…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Molly Alleger, District II, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Jacksonville Beach, Affiliate Member; Cory Brandt, District VII, Director of Business Development, Disaster…
On December 15, 2022, ICMA/FCCMA Senior Advisor Jim Hanson presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Jasper Council in celebration of their 30th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Council Member Vanessa Smith, Vice Mayor Garrett Selph, City Manager Marcus Collins, Mayor Stewart Mitchell, Chairman Jay Daigle and Council Member…
By Kimberly Nicholls, Human Resources Director, City of Safety Harbor As 2022 comes to an end, and we evaluate our focus for 2023, try considering “we don’t need more to be thankful for; we need to be thankful more often” – author unknown. As I was growing up and even now, I read the newspaper…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I’ve had two membership “eras.” In the late 1990’s, I was fortunate to be awarded an FCCMA B. Harold Farmer scholarship. That experience not only helped me complete my graduate education, but also introduced me to a great network of professional managers…
Happy Holidays FCCMA Members, December is flying by, and I don’t know where the time is going. My holiday wish for everyone is to be able to spend some precious time with your family and friends and have an opportunity to relax. Tis’ the Season. Please enjoy it! We have several items of interest to…
On December 6, 2022, ICMA/FCCMA Senior Advisor Jim Hanson presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Atlantic Beach Council in celebration of their 65th year as a Commissioner-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Commissioner Bruce Boyle, City Manager Shane Corbin, Commissioner Candace Kelly, Mayor Curtis Ford, Senior Advisor Jim Hanson, and Commissioners Mike…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Alan Bullock, District VI, HR Director, City of Venice, Full Member; Matt Horn, Director, Local Government Services, MRB Group, Corporate Member; Candido Sosa-Cruz, District…
On December 5, 2022, ICMA/FCCMA Senior Advisor Jim Hanson presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Neptune Beach Council in celebration of their 30th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured: Mayor Elaine Brown and FCCMA Member Jim Hanson. .
August 26, 2022 Minutes, Wayne Sanborn Center, DeLand, FL
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Trina Cacioppo, District VII, Master of Public Administration, University of Southern California, Student Member; and Anthony Laurenti, District VI, Master of Public Administration, Florida…
By Casey Lucius, Assistant City Manager, Marco Island On September 28, 2022, Hurricane Ian hit the west coast of Florida as a Category 4 hurricane and continued to cut across the State of Florida and impact Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Ian was the deadliest hurricane to hit Florida since 1935 with at least…
Happy Holidays FCCMA Members, I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends and ate a lot of turkey and pie! During this season of gratitude, I wanted to express my appreciation to all our FCCMA staff and committee members who do such amazing work for our association. Our Fall Symposium was a…
On November 14, 2022, FCCMA District VII Director Matt Spoor presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Plant City Commission in celebration of their 95th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: City Attorney Buchman, Commissioner Jones, Vice Mayor Sparkman, Mayor Kilton, City Manager McDaniel, Safety Harbor Matt Spoor, Commissioner Mathis,…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member of FCCMA since late 2020. It is important that I network with other municipalities and governing bodies. This membership grants me access to seminars and workshops which ultimately provides me additional educational tools and knowledge to be…
Hello FCCMA Members, We have some exciting Professional Development opportunities being offered in the coming months. Our Virtual Fall Symposium will take place on Thursday, November 3rd from 1 to 5 p.m. The Symposium will focus on facing ethical challenges and will feature an inspirational and unimaginable story by Daniel Rosemond, Former City Manager of…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined FCCMA in August 2019. Previously, I served primarily in an HR role for almost 20 years. In 2019, I started expanding to other areas including IT and Procurement, and FCCMA provided the resources I needed for the transition. Please describe…
By Jessie O’Brien Jessie O’Brien When it comes to employee recognition, a little bit goes a long way. – Jessie O’Brien – High demands, long hours, and poor relationships can all lead to workplace stress. But survey data show that management can make a huge difference in alleviating tension by implementing small changes. The National Employee…
On October 17, 2022, FCCMA Member Christopher Edwards presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Bartow Commission in celebration of their 100th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Acting City Manager David Wright, Commissioner Trish Pfeiffer, New Smyrna Beach Director of CRA and Economic Development Chris Edwards, Vice Mayor Leo…
It is with much sadness that FCCMA reports the death of Larry Arrington who passed away on October 5, 2022. Larry served as a Congressional Intern and Aide in Washington, D.C., and then returned to his native Florida to begin a career in public management. He worked for Volusia County a total of eighteen years,…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Joseph McDonald, District VII, Consultant, Matrix Consulting Group, Corporate Member; Dan Dugger, District IV, City Manager, City of Boynton Beach, Full Member; Viviana Solorzano…
For those who were able to attend the ICMA conference I hope you found it to be educational and very well put together. The sessions and keynotes were great. We had approximately 90 attendees at our State Dinner on Monday the 19th. The venue was stunning (rooftop overlooking the city skyline). There were 16 students…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined FCCMA to connect with local government professionals within the state. Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member? I joined ICMA as part of my fellowship. Please describe your areas of…
Hello FCCMA Membership, As I write this message, our west coast colleagues are just beginning to discover the damage from what will likely become known as a historic hurricane event, Hurricane Ian. Many communities have been impacted, so please keep them in your prayers as they painfully uncover the destruction left in Ian’s path. One…
It is with much sadness that FCCMA reports the death of Joe Griffin. Joe served as a US Marine from 1966 to 1978. He was a F-4 ‘Phantom’ and F-8 ‘Crusader’ pilot in USMC fighter squadrons. After his Marine Corps service, he was a commercial airline pilot for 27+ years. His last assignment was as…
On September 12, 2022, FCCMA Member Sarah Hannah-Spurlock presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Palm Beach Council in celebration of their 100th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Councilman Lew Compton, Mayor Danielle Moore, City Manager Kirk Blouin, Fort Lauderdale Nighttime Economy Manager Sarah Hannah-Spurlock, President Maggie Zeidman, Bobbie…
On September 12, 2022, FCCMA Member Christophe St. Luce presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Venice Council in celebration of their 45th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Venice City Manager Ed Lavallee, Bradenton Assistant City Administrator Christophe St. Luce and Venice Assistant City Manager James Clinch.
Name Peter Cavalli, MPA What was your last position before becoming an MIT? Town Manager for the Town of Kenneth City (FL) Can you briefly share your background? Masters in Public Administration, BA Political Science, BS Environmental Science and Policy Teaching Certificate – Pinellas County 20+ years of experience split between local government and education…
June 1, 2022 Minutes, Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, Orlando, FL
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Steve Bradshaw, District IV, Master of Public Administration, Florida State University, Student Member; Carolyn Brown, District VI, Support Services Director, Town of Longboat Key,…
On August 22, 2022, FCCMA District I Director Lee Garner, City Manager, Sneads, presented an award from FCCMA to Lannie Corbin, City Manager, Niceville, congratulating him on his 50 years of service as city manager to Niceville.
Hello FCCMA Members: Happy September! I hope this means the temperatures are going to be kinder in the near future! We have a few reminders for everyone. The ICMA Annual Conference will be held in Columbus, Ohio from September 17-21, 2022. I hope you can attend. Hopefully, we will enjoy a hint of fall color…
Name Alan Rosen, MPA, ICMA-CM What was your last position before becoming an MIT? I left Lake County as the county manager in August 2021 to take care of my family. Can you briefly share your background? I earned an MPA in 2005 and have been working in local government since that time. I rose…
Briefly share your background. I have my bachelor’s degree in Public Management from Florida Atlantic University, while working full time at a local real estate office overseeing 10 offices in total. I have worked as a management analyst within the Barefoot Bay Recreation District Community Manager’s Office since 2021 (for those not familiar with special…
By Claire Jubb, Assistant County Administrator, Charlotte County We all know recruiting and holding on to a highly motivated and qualified workforce is getting harder. We are no longer simply facing competition from employers around us but with the ever-growing popularity of remote working, location is no longer a constraining factor. Additionally, the private sector…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. George Landry, District IV, Director of Public Utilities & Solid Waste, St. Lucie County, Full Member.
Fellow FCCMA Members: I hope everyone is having an enjoyable summer! It’s hard to believe Summer is nearly over, and the kids are returning to school. I’m optimistic that you were able to relish in some fun family time this summer! There are a few things we want our members to know. Firstly, registration for…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined in March of 2022 and I felt that joining FCCMA would be in my best interest since I entered into a new role when I started with the City of Bradenton in January of 2022. With a background in Information…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Courtney Easley, District V, Assistant to the Town Manager, Town of Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Affiliate Member; Kari Furrow, District VI, ICMA Fellow, Sarasota County, Student Member;…
How long have you been a FCCMA or ICMA member and why did you join? I have been a member of both FCCMA and ICMA since 2019. Both of these memberships have allowed me to pursue professional development opportunities, to stay informed of the latest trends and best practices in municipal government management, and to…
Greetings FCCMA Members: As your new President I would like to thank everyone for their support and kindness, especially our Board of Directors whose unwavering support meant the world to me!! It was such a pleasure to see and meet so many new colleagues at our 2022 Annual Conference in Orlando. I hope each of…
It is with much sadness that FCCMA reports the death of Sharon Anselmo, City Manager of Maitland. Sharon began her career in government and public service in the 1990s working for the state of Florida. She later joined the staff of the city of Maitland where she served for 24 years. She held several positions…
Congratulations to Frank Spence for 60 years of service and Merrett Stierheim for 55 years of service! 45 Years David T. Harden Richard Quigley 40 Years Thomas G. Bradford 35 Years Kim Ardila-Morgan Edward R. Mitchell, ICMA-CM Randall H. Reid David R. Sollenberger, ICMA-CM Ann Toney-Deal, ICMA-CM Joseph W. Yarbrough, ICMA-CM 30 Years Howard Kunik…
Congratulations to the ICMA Newly-Credentialed Managers! Lynda Boswell, Finance Director, Temple Terrace Karen Brooks, City Manager, Coconut Creek Emily Colon, Deputy City Manager & Manager of Innovation and Strategy, Lakeland Robert Daniels, Jupiter Amy Davis, City Manager, Treasure Island A. Jerome Fletcher, City Manager, North Port Joseph Helfenberger, Lake City Phillip Holste, Assistant Town Administrator/CRA Director, Davie Stephen Koontz, Town Manager, Oakland Richard Lemack, Town Administrator, Davie Macciano Lewis, Deputy Town Administrator, Davie Michael McNees, City Manager, Marco…
FCCMA would like to thank its sponsors and exhibitors for their contributions to the 2022 Annual Conference. The Association appreciates the many years of support. ABM Acentria Public Risk Ad-Vance Talent Solutions, Inc. AECOM Technical Services, Inc. AGG Restoration Specialists Ajax Building Company Alternative Claims Management Ameresco, Inc. American Structurepoint Armis AshBritt Avail Strategies, LLC…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Brian Andrews, District V, President, The News Directors, Inc., Corporate Member; Gabriel Bueno, Master of Public Administration, Northern Illinois University, Student Member; Janeiro Coulter,…
After a year of planning, hard work and much anticipation, our Annual Conference kicks off on Wednesday June 1st at the Renaissance Orlando SeaWorld Hotel. We’re looking forward to the many keynotes, sessions and activities geared towards our members. Receptions and social activities are scheduled each evening to allow us to personally connect with other.…
By Jim Woodard, Broadband Manager, Alachua County; and Gina Peebles, Assistant County Manager – Chief of Staff, Alachua County More than a decade ago, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) developed a roadmap for broadband initiatives known as the National Broadband Plan (https://www.fcc.gov/general/national-broadband-plan). During COVID, it became increasingly apparent that internet is just as crucial of…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member of FCCMA for 10 years. Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member? I joined ICMA to help with my continuation in professional development and to build my…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Abismael Abreu, District III, Strategic Initiatives Manager, City of St. Cloud, Full Member; Janeiro Coulter, District III, MBE Division Manager, City of Orlando MBE,…
FCCMA Conference! Our Annual Conference will be held June 1-4, at the Renaissance Orlando. Discount hotel rates end on May 9th and early registration ends May 16th, so act fast! Click here to view the agenda with session details and registration requirements. In addition to our usual conference classics, like the “So You Are Going to Be a…
On April 21, 2022, FCCMA Past President Shannon Lewis presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Palm Bay Council in celebration of their 50th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Councilman Foster, Deputy City Manager Joan Junkala-Brown, Melbourne City Manager Shannon Lewis, Palm Bay City Manager Suzanne Sherman, Councilman Felix,…
Can you briefly share your background? After receiving my Bachelor’s in Accounting from FSU, I worked in the private sector for a CPA firm for a few years, specifically as an auditor with an emphasis on the government sector. From there, I then went back to school to get my MBA from UCF, and worked…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Dennis Apgar, District VIII, Bachelor of Arts in Geography, University of South Florida, Student Member; Maureen Buice, District VI, Assistant to the City Manager,…
Our annual conference is scheduled for June 1st to 4th in Orlando and the Conference registration is now open. The Conference Planning Committee has planned an event that addresses key issues impacting managers and public servants. Our keynote speakers are Gilbert King, Ryan Leak, Doug Griffiths, Vincent Dalfonzo and Heather Benoit. This team of speakers…
It is with much sadness that FCCMA reports the death of Peter G Lombardi. Peter’s city management career spanned over 40 years, first serving in Connecticut and New Hampshire, and then the State of Florida for 30+ years in Treasure Island and Pinecrest. Peter passed away after a short illness on February 1, 2022. He…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined in September 2021 Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member? Yes, I am an ICMA member. I joined in July 2021, and I was a member before that; however, it…
On February 21, 2022, FCCMA Past President Micah Maxwell presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Safety Harbor Commission in celebration of their 95th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Safety Harbor City Manager Matthew Spoor, Clearwater Assistant City Manager Micah Maxwell and Mayor Joe Ayoub.
On February 28, 2022, FCCMA Member Michael Beedie presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Milton Council in celebration of their 45th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Councilwoman Shannon Rice, Councilman Vernon Compton, Councilwoman Shari Sebastio, Mayor Heather Lindsey, City Manager Randy Jorgenson, Fort Walton Beach City Manager Michael…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Nancy Aguirre, Director of Sales, OSG Billing Services, Corporate Member; Denise Bevan, District II, City Manager, City of Palm Coast, Full Member; Katherine Bleakly,…
It was such a pleasure to have our annual Winter Institute and resume our in-person training sessions. Our speakers touched on topics such as the inevitability of failure; turning failure into success; using failure as a tool for growth and future preparation; and establishing a culture of development through growth in leadership. Thanks to everyone…
By Josh M. Stefancic, Fire Chief, City of Safety Harbor Fire Department and Andrew Portale, Firefighter/Paramedic, City of Safety Harbor Fire Department In early December 2021, in collaboration with Pinellas County Safety & Emergency Services, the City of Safety Harbor’s fire department placed a new quick response vehicle into service to assist in managing increased…
On February 17, 2022, FCCMA Member Ratna Okhai presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City Manager Kevin Smith and the Lake Mary Commission in celebration of their 40th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. From left to right: Commissioner George Duryea, Commissioner Jordan Smith, FCCMA Member Ratna Okhai, Mayor David Mealor, City Manager…
The FCCMA District V Training was held on February 18, 2022 entitled “Abnormal is the New Normal” at the Gateway Center in Sunny Isles Beach. The impetus for the workshop was to understand the realities of the present that are affecting organizational and leadership decisions, employee recruitment and retention, career path development, and succession planning…
On February 22, 2022, FCCMA Member Daniel Eick presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the County Manager Taryn Kryzda and the Martin County Commission in celebration of their 40th year of being recognized as a Commission-Manager form of government. From left to right: Martin County County Manager Taryn Kryzda, Indiantown Management Analyst/PIO Daniel Eick and…
On February 14, 2022, FCCMA Member Ratna Okhai presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City Manager James Newlon and the Casselberry Commission in celebration of their 30th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. From left to right: Vice Mayor/Commissioner Anthony Aramendia, Mayor/Commissioner David Henson, City Manager James Newlon, FCCMA Member Ratna Okhai, Commissioner…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I officially joined FCCMA in 2021, although I have been attending conferences and taking part in some of the professional development opportunities for a couple of years. I am a member of ICMA and Broward County City Manager’s Association (BCCMA). FCCMA was…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Michael Anderson, District V, Managing Director, Abstract HR, Corporate Member; Carlos Baia, Deputy City Manager for Development, City of Concord, NH, Affiliate Member; Georgette…
Please be mindful of these important dates in February. The FCCMA Board will have two at-large director positions and the secretary/treasurer position open in June. Self-nominations are now being accepted to serve in these positions. If you are interested in serving the association, please submit the self-nomination packet by February 3, 2022. Click here to view the qualifications required for…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member for several years. I joined because I had a career goal of becoming a City Manager. I could see that membership in FCCMA would facilitate the achievement of that goal. Are you an ICMA member, why did…
On January 11, 2022, FCCMA Member Gina Peebles presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Waldo Council in celebration of their 25th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Front row left to right: Council Member Rick Pisano; Council Member Irvin Jackson, Council Vice Chair; Council Member Carolyn Wade, Council Chair; Mayor Louie Davis. Back…
By Claire Jubb, Assistant County Administrator, Charlotte County Florida is no stranger to hot construction markets and those of us that have lived through booms like the one we are in now know how much pressure and stress can be put on your building department staff. Staff are faced with significant increase in permit numbers…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Carmen Davis, District IV, City Manager, City of Lake Worth Beach, Full Member; James Dinneen, Vice President, GovHR USA, Corporate Member; Kizzie Fowler, District…
The holiday season is a great time to reflect on our many accomplishments and to celebrate the wonderful year the association had. This year, after a year of virtual events during the pandemic, we braved our way back to in-person events and had a very successful Annual Conference. We launched a new FCCMA website and…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined FCCMA in 2020 in the midst of COVID-19. I knew that city leaders would need to support one another and learn from each other throughout the pandemic, especially with new and ever-changing state and federal mandates. Are you an ICMA…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Robert Bage, District I, Police Chief, City of Fort Walton Beach, Affiliate Member; Jamal Baskin, District VI, Human Services Analyst, Manatee County, Affiliate Member;…
As I celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday, I began to reflect on the many things for which we can be thankful, including our profession; its foundation of ethics; our daily ability to serve our communities; and fostering an environment where we can create positive, lasting impacts that improve the lives of our residents. I am also…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been an FCCMA Affiliate Member for nearly 9 months. As a native of Florida, I joined FCCMA to collaborate with and build professional relationships with local government executives, who like me, are passionate about ensuring that Florida communities will each…
On November 10, 2021, FCCMA Member Dale Sugerman presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Lake Park Commission in celebration of their 40th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: FCCMA Member Dale Sugerman and Mayor Michael O’Rourke.
On November 3, 2021, FCCMA Secretary-Treasurer Director Mike Grebosz presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Daytona Beach Commission and City Manager in celebration of their 100th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: DeLand Assistant City Manager Mike Grebosz, Daytona Beach City Manager Deric Feacher and Orange Park Town Manager…
By Ratna Okhai, PhD Student, University of Central Florida With 50-60% of the local government workforce within retirement age in the next five years, it comes as no surprise why both FCCMA and ICMA have undertaken programs and initiatives to bolster bringing up the next generation of leaders into local government. So how should local…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Heathcliff Beach, District I, Chief Executive Officer, Avail Strategies, Corporate Member; Kayla Cosma, District VII, Master of Public Administration, University of Central Florida, Student…
On November 1, 2021, FCCMA Secretary-Treasurer Director Mike Grebosz presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Flagler County Commission and County Administrator in celebration of their 35th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Commissioner David Sullivan, Vice Chair Joe Mullins, DeLand Assistant City Manager Mike Grebosz, Flagler County County Administrator…
The ICMA Conference was held in Portland this month. Their Conference Planning Committee did an awesome job, given the unique challenges of planning this year’s conference. With the online registration option, many of the sessions, keynote and forums are accessible through the end of the year. If you missed the conference, missed a session or…
By Sharon Ragoonan, Assistant City Manager, Hallandale Beach/MIT Advocate/District V Director/Membership Committee Liaison The new fiscal year has begun and offers a myriad of opportunities for municipal and county managers to become a lifesaver by hiring a Manager-In-Transition (MIT). Whether the MIT can backfill an interim full-time or part-time position, work as an independent contractor…
By Gina Peebles, Assistant County Manager/Chief of Staff, Alachua County and Amy Childs, Assistant Risk Manager, Alachua County As the wise Benjamin Franklin once said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Both public and private sector employers have come to expect annual health care insurance cost increases. Alachua County is no…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? Roughly two years now. I signed up when I moved to Florida in November 2019. Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member? Yes. I joined in order to network and meet people…
On October 13th the City of Winter Park was recognized by the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) for their 70-Year Anniversary of the Commission-Manager form of government. Al Butler, FCCMA District III Director and Director of Support Services, City of Ocoee, presented the city with the #ICMA Recognition Award. Pictured Left to Right:…
On August 17th the City of Lake Butler was recognized by the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) for their 25-Year Anniversary of the Council/Commission-Manager form of government. Sarah Campbell, FCCMA District II Director and Town Manager of Orange Park, presented the city with the #ICMA Recognition Award. Pictured Left to Right: Mayor Jack…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Andrea Agha, District VII, Assistant City Manager, City of Gainesville, Full Member; Ian Coyle, Affiliate Member; Jason Davis, District IV, Division Director IV, Palm…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a FCCMA member since December 2020. I joined because it’s a great opportunity to learn from new and seasoned managers and understand how to navigate an early career path in local government. Are you an ICMA member, why did…
On September 28, 2021, FCCMA Member Michael Beedie presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Santa Rosa County Commission in celebration of their 25th year as a Commission-Administrator form of government. Pictured left to right: Commissioner Sam Parker, Vice-Chairman Bob Cole, Fort Walton Beach City Manager Michael Beedie, Chairman Dan Piech, Commissioner James Calkins, and…
The ICMA Annual Conference is in Portland from October 2 to 6, however, there is a great platform to provide virtual offerings for those unable to attend in-person. The range of topics are great and offers opportunities for getting the training and development necessary to enhance our professional skills. For those attending in-person, we will…
By Casey Lucius, Ph.D., Assistant to the City Manager, City of Marco Island 50 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145 [email protected] Last month the City of Marco Island Human Resources Department led an employee fitness challenge. We had over 35 employees participate, either as part of a team or individually. We used an app…
June 3, 2021 Minutes, Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek, Orlando
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Sammie Brown, District IV, Legislative Aide, City of Riviera Beach, Full Member; Wayne Clark, District II, City Manager, City of Port Orange, Full Member;…
As an organization, we mourn the passing of Bill Horne, longtime (20-year) City Manager of Clearwater. Bill was a giant in the profession and, during his tenure, made a positive impact in so many of the circles in which he was involved. He was known to many by different titles, including family man, inspirational/faith leader,…
On August 2, 2021, FCCMA Member Michael Beedie presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Niceville Council and City Manager Lannie Corbin in celebration of their 65th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Councilmember Bill Schaetzle, Councilmember Cathy Alley, Councilmember Abner Williams, Fort Walton Beach City Manager Michael Beedie, City…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I became a member of FCCMA in January 2021. I joined FCCMA because I was looking for support, education, and networking to become an enhanced public servant and leader which I feel FCCMA provides. Are you an ICMA member, why did you…
By: Douglas G. Baber, SHRM-CP, MBA, DBA(c) On November 3, 2020, the Florida voters have spoken, and Amendment 2 was passed. This initiative passed with 60.8% of the vote, just over the 60% minimum required for approval. Effective, September 30, 2021, the new Florida minimum hourly rate will be $10 an hour or $6.98 plus…
Honorary Membership Michael Sittig, Executive Director Emeritus, Florida League of Cities Service Awards 10 Years Austin Blake Alan Braithwaite Zoie Burgess Daniel Clark Jared Cobb Rodney Lucas Jeffrey Tillman Ocea Wynn 20 Years John Coffey Angela Gasca Antonio Jefferson Emilie Smith Matthew Spoor Randal Vosburg Kim Worley 25 Years Dale Arrington Ajibola Balogun Marc-Antonie Cooper…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Geoff Dickinson, Senior Vice President, SB Friedman Development Advisors, Corporate Member; Dana Flora, District VI, Master of Public Administration, Florida Gulf Coast University, Student…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? That’s an interesting story, I went to my first FCCMA conference in 1995 while I was a staff member at The Innovation Groups. The Innovation Groups which later became the Alliance for Innovation had a long-standing partnership with FCCMA and from 1995…
By Claire Jubb, Assistant County Administrator, Charlotte County In your roles, floodplain management probably does not bubble to the top of your list, but it may be something that you want to be more aware of, especially in the coming months as there are significant changes that will impact your citizens. Firstly though, what is…
The Board recently revisited our strategic plan and affirmed FCCMA’s mission “to support practitioners of local government and the cities/counties they serve in Florida through innovation, best practices and a strong code of ethics.” Our core principles were identified as: Local government excellence is best supported through the advancement of professional management; Ethics is the…
By: Mike Grebosz, Assistant City Manager for DeLand, FL In 2020, many activities of daily life were disrupted due to the pandemic. In many jurisdictions, special events were cancelled, postponed or flat out banned from taking place. While flipping the off switch for special events might have been fairly easy to implement, the challenge that…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Ashley Bernal, District VII, Management Analyst, Town of Belleair, Affiliate Member; Amber Cabrera, District V, Master of Public Administration, Lynn University, Student Member; Elizabeth…
Horace’s Incoming Speech at the Annual Business Meeting on June 4, 2021 My appreciation to Shannon Lewis for administering the Oath of Office. For those who are not familiar, Shannon served as president immediately prior to Micah during the onset of Covid, when many of us were looking for models for service delivery during the…
Congratulations to the ICMA Newly-Credentialed Managers! Samantha Abell, City Manager, Gulf Breeze Frank Babinec, City Manager, Coral Springs R. Scott Blankenship, City Manager, Umatilla Jennifer Bramley, City Manager, Dunedin Rodd Hale, Assistant City Manager, New Port Richey Ramiro Inguanzo, Deputy Village Manager, Bal Harbour Michael “Jake” Johansson, Former City Manager, Port Orange Faye Johnson, City…
Congratulations to Bud Parmer and Gene Strickland for 55 years of service! 45 Years Michael J. Wright 40 Years Bruce T. Haddock Rex Taylor 35 Years Robert Baldwin James DiPietro Edwin “Buz” Eddy Lee R. Feldman Barbara Lipscomb James P. McKnight Bernard J. Murphy Jr. Gail F. Nelson Frank Roberts Wayne Saunders Jack M. Schluckebier,…
FCCMA would like to thank its sponsors and exhibitors for their contributions to the 2021 Annual Conference. The Association appreciates the many years of support. ABM Acentria Public Risk Aclarian, LLC ADA Site Compliance Ad-Vance Talent Solutions AECOM Technical Services Ajax Building Company Alternative Claims Management American Public University American Structurepoint ArchiveSocial AshBritt, Inc. Asphalt…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member of FCCMA since 2017. I joined when I was awarded the Raymond C. Sittig Scholarship in my senior year of my undergraduate studies at Nova Southeastern University. Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and…
On May 19, 2021, FCCMA District V Director Sharon Ragoonan presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the West Miami Commission and City Manager Yolanda Aguilar in celebration of their 40th year as a Commissioner-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Commissioner Luciano Suarez, Commissioner Candida Blanca, Vice Mayor Eric Diaz-Padron, FCCMA District V Director…
On Tuesday, June 22nd the City of Indian Harbour Beach was recognized by the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) for its 45-Year Anniversary of the Council/Commission-Manager form of government. This anniversary occurred in 2020; however, due to COVID-19 this recognition was delayed. Shannon Lewis, City Manager of Melbourne, past-President of FCCMA, presented the…
On May 25, 2021, FCCMA Member Sarah Hannah-Spurlock presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the North Lauderdale Commission and City Manager Ambreen Bhatty in celebration of their 40th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right in the front row: City Manager Ambreen Bhatty and Fort Lauderdale Nightime Economy Manager Sarah Hannah-Spurlock.…
On June 16, 2021, FCCMA Member Sarah Hannah-Spurlock presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Oakland Park Commission and City Manager David Hebert in celebration of their 55th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Commissioner Mitch Rosenwald; Vice Mayor Michael Carn; Commissioner Aisha Gordon; City Manager David Hebert; and Via…
On Tuesday, June 15th the City of Green Cove Springs was recognized by the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) for their 75-Year Anniversary of the Council/Commission-Manager form of government. Sarah Campbell, FCCMA District II Director and Town Manager of Orange Park, presented the city with the #ICMA Recognition Award. Pictured Left to Right:…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Tom Bradford, District III, Assistant City Manager, City of West Melbourne, Full Member; Bart Diebold, District VII, Assistant City Manager, City of Pinellas Park,…
May President’s Article Well, here we are – my final newsletter and the precursor to the first in-person FCCMA event of the year. Now, I have heard from past presidents that the presidential year tends to fly by, but just informationally, for any presidents serving during a pandemic,… it doesn’t. That said, I am also…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I became a member in March 2020, just after being appointed to the Assistant County Administrator’s role. Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member? I am, I joined ICMA at the same…
By Claire Jubb, Assistant County Administrator, Charlotte County Every journey has a beginning. Mine began at a conference a couple of years ago. The conference focused around the importance of water in the planning world. Maybe not immediately the most fascinating of topics but I came away from this conference with a perspective that really…
On Tuesday, May 25th the City of Melbourne was recognized by the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) for their 95-Year Anniversary of the Council/Commission-Manager form of government. Mark Ryan, City Manager of Indian Harbour Beach, a member of the FCCMA Communications Committee, presented the city with the #ICMA Recognition Award. Pictured Left to…
On May 10, 2021, FCCMA Member Sharon Ragoonan presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Miami Springs Council and City Manager William Alonso in celebration of their 65th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: City Manager William Alonso, Councilman Bob Best, Sharon Ragoonan, Councilwoman Jacky Bravo, Mayor Maria Puente Mitchell,…
On May 13, 2021, FCCMA Member Sarah Hannah-Spurlock presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Coconut Creek Commission and City Manager Karen Brooks in celebration of their 45th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: City Manager Karen Brooks, Fort Lauderdale Nighttime Economy Manager Sarah Hannah-Spurlock and Mayor Becky Tooley.
On May 17, 2021, FCCMA District VI Director Terry Atchley presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Sarasota Commission and City Manager Marlon Brown n in celebration of their 75th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Mayor Hagen Brody, Wauchula City Manager Terry Atchley, City Manager Marlon Brown, Vice Mayor Erik Arroyo, Commissioner Liz…
On May 18, 2021, FCCMA District II Director Mike Grebosz and At-Large Director Alan Rosen presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Port Orange Council and City Manager Wayne Clark in celebration of their 50th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: DeLand Assistant City Manager Mike Grebosz, Councilman Drew Bastain,…
On Thursday, May 6th, the City of Cocoa Beach was recognized by the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) for their 65-Year Anniversary of the Council/Commission-Manager form of government. Mark Ryan, City Manager of Indian Harbour Beach, a member of the FCCMA Communications Committee, presented the city with the #ICMA Recognition Award. Pictured Left…
On April 29, 2021, FCCMA District VI Director Terry Atchley presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Okeechobee County Commission and Deputy County Administrator Louis Johnson in celebration of their 25th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Deputy County Administrator Louis Johnson, Commissioner Brad Goodbread, Commissioner Kelly Owens, Wauchula City Manager Terry…
On May 4, 2021, FCCMA District VI Director Terry Atchley presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Arcadia Council and City Administrator Terrance Stewart in celebration of their 60th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured left to right: Deputy Mayor Judy Wertz-Strickland, Council Member Robert Heine Jr., Mayor Keith Keene, Wauchula City Manager Terry Atchley, City Administrator…
On Wednesday, May 5th the City of Rockledge was recognized by the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) for their 50-Year Anniversary of the Council/Commission-Manager form of government. Mark Ryan, City Manager of Indian Harbour Beach, a member of the FCCMA Communications Committee, presented the city with the #ICMA Recognition Award. Pictured Left to…
On May 5, 2021, FCCMA Member Claire Jubb presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Cape Coral Council and City Manager Roberto Hernandez in celebration of their 35th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Pictured: Mayor John Gunter, Charlotte County Assistant County Administrator Claire Jubb and City Manager Roberto Hernandez.
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Brooke Bailey, District VII, Management Analyst, City of Largo, Affiliate Member; Cynthia Barber, District I, Deputy City Manager, City of Tallahassee, Full Member; Jennifer…
Well, there is t-minus one month until FCCMA’s biggest event of the Program Year: the FCCMA Annual Conference. Now I know many of you are excited to get back to an in-person event for the first time in more than a year, but before we get there, I need to carry out one of my duties…
By Gina Peebles, Assistant County Manager – Chief of Staff, Alachua County In April 2018, the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) opened a public museum and memorial in Montgomery, AL for the 4,400+ African Americans who were lynched between 1877 and 1950. In Florida alone, 317 documented lynchings occurred (https://lynchinginamerica.eji.org/explore). While 18 are recorded on the…
On Monday, March 22nd the City of Sanford was recognized by the Florida City-County Management Association (FCCMA) for their 100-Year Anniversary of the Commission-Manager form of government. The actual anniversary occurred in 2020; however, due to COVID, the city was not able to be recognized until 2021. #FCCMA member Mark Ryan, City Manager of Indian…
On Wednesday afternoon, March 24th the City of Tallahassee was recognized by the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) for their 100-Year Anniversary of the Commission-Manager form of government. The actual anniversary occurred in 2020; however, due to COVID, the city was not able to be recognized until 2021. Mark Ryan, City Manager of…
On March 23, 2021, FCCMA District II Director Mike Grebosz presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the New Smyrna Beach Commission and City Manager Khalid Resheidat in celebration of their 100th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Left to Right: Zone 1 City Commissioner Michael Kolody, Vice Mayor and Zone 2 City Commissioner Jake…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member since 2013. I first learned of FCCMA and ICMA as an undergraduate student attending an open house with the USF School of Public Affairs. There, I heard a presentation from Jeff Tillman and Shawn Sherrouse (then MPA…
By Zoie Saunders, Chief Education Officer, City of Fort Lauderdale Known for its beautiful beaches and waterways, Fort Lauderdale is working to become an education destination. The City of Fort Lauderdale Commission, comprised of four former educators, launched a reinvigorated focus on public education through the creation and recruitment of its first Chief Education Officer…
Well, looks like there might be a light to the end of this tunnel. Actually, both tunnels, the global pandemic one and then, of course, there is my time as President of FCCMA. The first I am excited about, the second gives me mixed emotions. I have had a wonderful time over the last 10…
On April 6, 2021, FCCMA District II Director Mike Grebosz presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Volusia County Commission and County Manager George Rectenwald in celebration of their 50th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Top row from left to right…Councilmembers: Ben Johnson, Billie Wheeler, Danny Robins, Jeff Brower (County Chair), Dr. Fred…
On April 6, 2021, FCCMA District VII Director Matthew Spoor presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Belleair Commission and Town Manager Joseph Murphy in celebration of their 40th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Left to right: Town Manager Joseph Murphy, Deputy Mayor Tom Kurey, Commissioner Tom Shelly, Mayor Mike Wilkinson, Commissioner Thomas…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined FCCMA in 2019. I had the privilege of being a scholarship recipient for the 2018 Annual Conference and was able to see firsthand how the sessions provide real solutions and information to city/county managers, the benefit of the networking opportunities…
On Wednesday, April 7, the Town of Indialantic was recognized by the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) for their 40-Year Anniversary of the council-manager form of government. The actual anniversary occurred in 2020; however, due to COVID, the city was not able to be recognized until 2021. Mark Ryan, City Manager of Indian…
On April 13, 2021, FCCMA District VII Director Matthew Spoor presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Dunedin Commission and City Manager Jennifer Bramley in celebration of their 95th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured: Safety Harbor City Manager Matt Spoor and Dunedin City Manager Jennifer Bramley. .
On Tuesday, April 20th the City of Cape Canaveral was recognized by the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) for their 55-Year Anniversary of the Council-Manager form of government. Mark Ryan, City Manager of Indian Harbour Beach, a member of the FCCMA Communications Committee, presented the city with the #ICMA Recognition Award. Pictured Left…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Luisa Agathon, District V, Senior Assistant to the City Manager, City of Fort Lauderdale, Full Member; Maricela Arteaga, District VIII, Associates Degree in Political…
On April 21, 2021, FCCMA Member Sarah Hannah-Spurlock presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Hollywood Commission and City Manager Wazir Ishmael in celebration of their 95th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Pictured: City Manager Wazir Ishmael, Fort Lauderdale Nighttime Economy Manager Sarah Hannah-Spurlock and Mayor Josh Levy. .
On Wednesday, April 21, 2021 the Town of Melbourne Beach was recognized by the Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) for their 30-Year Anniversary of the Council/Commission-Manager form of government. The actual anniversary occurred in 2020; however, due to COVID, the town was not able to be recognized until 2021. Mark Ryan, City Manager…
By David Hebert, City Manager, City of Oakland Park On Sunday January 3, frustrated by the required internet registration process failures and the massive congestion and long waits at vaccine sites, I called the county director of the state department of health and proposed a closed POD vaccine site targeting vulnerable seniors. Seniors were identified…
On March 1, 2021, FCCMA District II Director presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the DeLand Commission and City Manager Michael Pleus in celebration of their 95th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Left to Right: City Manager Michael Pleus, Commissioner Chris Cloudman, DeLand Assistant City Manager Michael Grebosz, Mayor Bob Apgar, Commissioner Charles…
Carl Cheatham, longtime city manager of Winter Haven, passed away February 19, 2021. FCCMA awarded him honorary membership in 2000 to recognize him for his significant contribution to the field of public administration. He served in Lake Wales over 10 years in various positions before becoming the city manager in 1969. He became the manager…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Angelia G. Adediran, District V, Assistant City Manager, City of Deerfield Beach, Full Member; Peter Bieniek, District V, Director of Public Works, City of…
I want to thank everyone who attended the FCCMA Winter Institute that we held virtually this year. I had a great time, and it was nice catching up with all of you! A special thank you to our Institute Facilitator, Todd DeAngelis, Director of Communications, City of Parkland. His hours of preparation and execution, expert…
On February 23, 2021, FCCMA Member Rob Duncan presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Charlotte County Commission and County Administrator Hector in celebration of their 45th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Left to Right: Commissioner Ken Doherty, Deputy County Administrator Emily Lewis, Commissioner Chris Constance (Vice Chair), County Administrator Hector Flores, Commissioner Bill…
By Rob Duncan, Managing Director, Imagine That Performance There are various types of meetings these days that are being conducted virtually. These include traditional public meetings, training, update/status meetings and the like that are not meant to build or foster teamwork. There are also internal department, cross functional and project team meetings. In those meetings,…
On February 9, 2021, FCCMA District 2 Director Mike Grebosz presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the South Daytona Council and City Manager Les Gillis in celebration of their 40th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Left to Right: DeLand Assistant City Manager Mike Grebosz, Les Gillis and Mayor Bill Hall. .
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I am a new FCCMA member. I joined FCCMA to increase my knowledge with respect to local county/city management, as well as to broaden my understanding of county/city operations. I enjoy being a part of local government and believe in providing high…
On February 2, 2021, FCCMA District 7 Director Matt Spoor presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Oldsmar Council and City Manager Alan Braithwaite in celebration of their 40th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Left to Right: Safety Harbor City Manager Matt Spoor, Council Member Knapp, Council Member VM Gannon, Oldsmar Assistant City…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Jennifer Alvarez, District IV, Interim City Manager, City of Delray Beach, Full Member; Jacob Ashby, District VI, Intern, City of Sanibel, Student Member; Walter…
Happy New Year, everyone! I know it seems like folks are more relieved that 2020 is over than looking forward to the possibilities of 2021, but I can tell you that the staff and the board of directors are genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead of us! And, what better way than to start off…
By Casey Lucius, Ph.D., Assistant to the City Manager, City of Marco Island Like many cities in the State of Florida, COVID-19 brought numerous unprecedented challenges for the City of Marco Island. One challenge that we were not expecting was the swarm of visitors utilizing vacation rental properties and creating a nuisance for many of…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined FCCMA in 2014 because I wanted to be part of a peer group of similar professionals. FCCMA membership offers an opportunity to network and learn from other leaders in local government. Are you an ICMA member, why did you join,…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Prasad Chittaluru, District III, President & CEO, EPIC Engineering & Consulting Group, LLC, Corporate Member; Mario Diaz, District V, Village Manager, Village of Biscayne…
On December 15, 2020, FCCMA Member Rob Duncan presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Temple Terrace Council and City Manager Charles Stephenson in celebration of their 65th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Left to Right: FCCMA Member Rob Duncan, Mayor Andy Ross and City Manager Charles Stephenson. .
Happy holidays everyone! It’s a time of lights, trees, menorahs and social distancing – the usual stuff!! However, what may be more important is that we are hurtling towards 2021. We have so many great things coming up, so it’s hard not to get excited. On the heels of an excellent virtual Fall Symposium with record…
By Emily Lewis, Deputy County Administrator, Charlotte County The 1% local option sales tax is an important revenue stream in Charlotte County and has been consistently approved by our voters since 1994. Over the years, this has generated more than $430 million and funded more than 120 projects. Our program was due to expire on…
On December 8, 2020, FCCMA At-Large Director Mike McNees presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the Collier County Commission and County Manager Leo Ochs in celebration of their 45th year as a Comission-Manager form of government. Left to Right: Commissioner Andy Solis, Commissioner Rick Rick LoCastro, Marco Island City Manager Mike McNees, Commission Chairman Burt…
On December 8, 2020, FCCMA District II Director Mike Grebosz presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City of Orange City Council and City Manager Dale Arrington in celebration of their 30th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Left to Right (Back Row): Council Member Alex Tiamson, Council Member William O’Connor and Council Member…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined in March 2020 to become more connected to municipal professionals across the state, learn from their experiences, and to share what we are doing in the City of Gainesville. Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Peter Cavalli, MPA, District VII, Coordinator/Instructor, Public Works Academy, Pinellas Technical College, Affiliate Member; Megan George, District II, Master of Public Administration, Florida Gulf Coast…
By Norton Bonaparte, City Manager, City of Sanford There is no playbook for managing a city in a pandemic. From providing services to residents directed to stay home, to coping with sick employees, to closing City Hall to the public, everything can and does happen. This year’s coronavirus pandemic has brought great challenges and an…
I hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving, fellow FCCMA members! As we exit election season and transition to a very different version of the holidays than what many of us are used to, I am excited. The election seemed to be the icing on the cake of an extremely difficult year for all of us,…
By Mike McNees, City Manager, City of Marco Island 50 Bald Eagle Drive Marco Island, FL 34145 [email protected] I recently had conversations with two residents who had become quite agitated for different reasons, but both based on intentionally propagated misinformation. The other commonality was how those conversations ended; The first said “it’s just so hard to know…
On November 10, 2020, FCCMA District VII Director Matt Spoor presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City of Indian Rocks Beach Commission and City Manager Gregg Mimms in celebration of their 50th year as a Commission-Manager form of government. Left to Right: Commissioner Edward Hoofnagle, Vice Mayor Phil Hanna, Commissioner Diane Flagg, Mayor Joanne…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member of FCCMA for just over five years. I joined initially as an affiliate for professional development and networking, and to further explore my interest in public administration. Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Christopher Edwards, District II, Director of CRA and Economic Development, City of New Smyrna Beach, Affiliate Member; Gabriella Gonzalez, District VII, Master of Public…
Well, we have done it. We have hit the 42.67% mark of the program year. You may be asking why 42% is so significant, but honestly, in a year of unique challenges and opportunities, I just thought that this was a chance to celebrate the often-overlooked 42.67% milestone. To recap what I am calling “the…
On October 6, 2020, FCCMA member Matthew Campbell presented the ICMA Recognition Award to the City of New Port Richey Council and City Manager Debbie Manns in celebration of their 55th year as a Council-Manager form of government. Left to Right: Kenneth City Town Manager Matthew Campbell, Councilman Chopper Davis, City Manager Debbie L. Manns,…
By Casey Lucius, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Marco Island 50 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145, [email protected] What does it mean to be a team? How can a finance director, a public works director, a police chief, a city clerk, and five or six other experienced, smart, and talented professionals work together to…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Tom Almonte, District VII, Assistant County Administrator, Pinellas County, Full Member; Rodd Hale, District VII, Assistant City Manager, City of New Port Richey, Full…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I became a member of FCCMA following my appointment as the Fernandina Beach City Manager in December, 2015. Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member? I have been a full member of…
September has been an exciting month for FCCMA. I would like to thank all of you who participated in our Professional Development and Winter Institute Survey. Your feedback is incredibly helpful as we make decisions regarding our events and trainings. FCCMA always offers ethics training at the annual conference. Though we could not hold the…
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Carl Schwing joined FCCMA in 1998 when he was City Manager of St. Pete Beach. He also served as the Assistant City Manager of Cape Coral from 2005 to 2011 and City Manager of Bonita…
Congratulations to Dr. Philip C. Harris, District Recovery Manager, Broward County Public Schools. He has been award honorary membership in ICMA. This membership is awarded to an individual outside of the profession of local government management because of his or her distinguished public service and contributions to the improvement and strengthening of local government. Dr.…
by Addie Javed, PE, Managing Director, Kercher Group; Katia Delgado, PE, Asset Management Manager, Polk County; and Jason McHugh, CPM, AICP, City Manager, City of Wildwood Investment in infrastructure and public assets is critical as part of the systematic recovery of our great country from the COVID-19 pandemic. According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI),…
Visitation and Service Information Visitation: Friday, October 2, 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Osceola Memory Gardens, 1717 Old Boggy Creek Road, Kissimmee. Celebration of life: Saturday, October 3, 10:00 a.m. at Kissimmee Christian Church, 415 N Main Street, Kissimmee. “Mark’s life is an excellent example of a life well lived.” Said Ken Parker, friend…
JOIN FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY FOR THE FALL 2020 LEADERSHIP LECTURE SERIES This hour-long Zoom lecture series features public sector leaders discussing contemporary challenges and sharing insight into their leadership and professional development experience. There is also interactive Q&A with students and attendees. For more information, please visit go.fiu.edu/publicaffairslead. If you have any questions, please contact…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member since 2015. A coworker asked me to attend the “So You Want To Be” session with her and I found it to be such an intriguing session. It was so different from the typical accounting conference sessions…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Kristina Ciuperger, District IV, Special Assistant to the City Manager, City of Port St. Lucie, Full Member; Dru Driscoll, District II, Deputy City Manager,…
This year has thrown us many curveballs, but it has been amazing to watch how resilient our staff, partners and membership have been. Now more than ever the value of FCCMA and the sense of community it brings is powerful, but we need to keep it going. Its easy for the President to have a…
AFI’s TLG 2020 Experience – Thank you and Congratulations! At AFI, we are so appreciative of our innovation and transformation community! With the pandemic situation, we found ourselves needing to quickly pivot our signature annual event, the Transforming Local Government Conference, to a virtual event. We are so thrilled that our community joined with us…
By Claire Jubb, Assistant County Administrator, Charlotte County I took a vacation recently – a very safe, COVID friendly vacation in beautiful north Florida. I intentionally unplugged, knowing that I needed the time to reflect on the past few months. Taking the time away gave me the opportunity to recognize what this organization, and I…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Brendan Betancourt, District VI, Bachelor Degree in Public Policy and Administration, St. Petersburg College, Student Member; Jared Cobb, District I, City Manager, City of…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined FCCMA in 2014. I had attended the “So You Want to Be” session while in graduate school through the recommendation of my graduate school advisor (Dr. Daly). I was instantly surprised and tremendously grateful for how welcoming and open the…
In June, the ICMA Executive Board approved a statement and provided six initial action steps to address systemic racism. That topic, along with other systematic challenges related to diversity and inclusion, will be discussed at the upcoming FCCMA board meeting. The goal of these discussions is for the board to provide a set of action…
What is digital accessibility and ADA compliance? How do you identify the digital barriers your organization may have? What must governments do to comply under Section 508 and WCAG? How do you provide equal access to all the digital information your constituents need through your website or social media outlets? In an effort to provide guidance on these important questions,…
Leading in the pandemic is challenging government employees to manage their work in a “new normal”, leverage discoveries and processes that arose from rapidly shifting priorities, and chart a new path forward. Focusing on a return to what was is not a viable option because doing so would keep organizations stuck in the past, overlooking…
By Bob Francis, ICMA-CM, City Manager, City of Belle Isle, Florida I manage the City of Belle Isle, Florida. It’s a small city with a small staff. Belle Isle is mostly surrounded by Orlando, so we see big city issues spilling over in our community. This pandemic has certainly taken its toll on our lives. For my…
The annual FLC CityStats survey launched on Monday, June 29. The 2020 survey is being conducted online via survey links that were emailed to each city’s designated key contact. Your survey link is unique to your city. If the link was not received, please contact FLC Research Analyst Liane Giroux. CityStats is a vital source…
By Gina Peebles, Assistant County Manager, Alachua County and Brandon Henry, Community Planner/GIS Analyst, Safety Harbor As Andy Stanley once said, “try to do for the next generation of leaders what the previous generation of leaders has not done for you.” FCCMA is doing just that through our Student Council, which exposes the next generation…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? It was January 2019 as a full member. Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member? Yes, I joined ICMA because I wanted to be part of the changing face of local government.…
Recent events have challenged local governments, with debates over public health, racial equity and policing raise important issues, including questions about the distribution of power and decision-making responsibility. The National Civic League is looking for volunteers to assist in efforts to review, revise and update the Model City Charter to ensure that the document best…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Austen Colon, District IV, Master of Public Administration, Florida Gulf Coast University, Student Member; Kevin Crowder, District V, President, BusinessFlare Academy, Affiliate Member; Florida…
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced $150 million is now available to local governments through the Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Program. The Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Program is designed to provide funding opportunities for local governments and state agencies to develop large-scale mitigation activities that allow Florida communities to be more…
Don’t miss out on Alliance for Innovation’s TLG 2020 Virtual Conference (starting July 28!) The Alliance for Innovation’s annual TLG conference is just around the corner (July 28-30)!! Check out the sampling of TLG Experience sessions that will address how Local Government has pivoted in response to COVID-19 www.transformgov.org/tlg2020/covid-19 When registering, don’t forget to enter…
Ralph “Bud” Bentley passed away at home on June 10, 2020 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Bud was an ICMA and FCCMA member until his retirement in 2019, and had served in several cities in Florida including West Palm Beach and Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. In light of the pandemic, the family does not want to…
Micah’s Incoming Speech at the Annual Business Meeting on May 29, 2020 Good morning all, Thirty years ago, my dad, Jerry Maxwell, stood on stage and was sworn in as the 44th President of FCCMA. Knowing him, he probably gave an inspiring speech which probably touched the hearts of the whole audience. Fair warning: my…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, they will be invoiced for dues. Brittany Jumper, District III, Support Services Director/Comptroller, City of Satellite Beach, Full Member; and Ashley “Nicki” Paden, District I, Management Analyst, Leon County, Affiliate…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a FCCMA member for nine years. At the time of joining, I worked as a Parks and Recreation Manager with the City of Lake Alfred and was pursuing a M.P.A. at USF. I had a strong desire to advance…
By John A. Titkanich, Jr., AICP, ICMA-CM, Innovation and Performance Division Director St. Lucie County The viral pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) has challenged federal, state and local government’s conventional disaster management; and more specifically, disaster response and recovery. A viral pandemic poses challenges to governments at all levels, and local governments are on the frontlines in…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Ken Brush, District VIII, Senior Procurement Analyst, Polk County, Affiliate Member; Casey Lucius, District VI, Assistant to the City Manager, City of Marco Island,…
Local government is changing with each coming day. New forces and factors influence our work every day. New challenges present innovation opportunities and with those opportunities we are challenged to adapt, adopt, and progress. So it’s time to get together – to learn from each other and hear stories from across the country. The Transforming…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I have been a member of FCCMA since 2017. I joined because I wanted to learn more from others and grow my network. Are you an ICMA member, why did you join, and how long have you been a member? I have…
Fellow FCCMA Members: Thank you for allowing me the honor of serving as President of FCCMA for the 2019-2020 program year. Working alongside dedicated professionals to serve our incredible membership is a privilege I will never forget. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to those who have worked to make FCCMA an…
By Reese Goad, City Manager, City of Tallahassee Home is more than where the heart is these days. It is the center of our worlds due to COVID19. Local homes must be structurally and mechanically sound to help keep residents safe. This is partially ensured by inspectors with the City of Tallahassee’s Growth Management department,…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined FCCMA in early 2018 immediately after a discussion with my mentor and St. Lucie County Administrator, Howard N. Tipton, regarding my career path and plans for growth. After Mr. Tipton advised me on membership with FCCMA and how it would…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Megan Powers, District VII, Executive Assistant to the City Manager, City of Madeira Beach, Affiliate Member; and Evelyn Trammel, District V, Ph.D. in Public…
Fellow FCCMA Members: I want to extend my gratitude for your continued investment in FCCMA and your cities and counties, now more than ever. As we enter uncharted territory with COVID-19, I want to recognize and applaud the strength and resiliency found in local governments as well as our association. FCCMA appreciates the diligent work…
By Douglas G. Baber, SHRM-CP, Interim Human Resources & Risk Management Director, St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners; and Shanelle Tomlin, SHRM-CP, PHR, Human Resources Generalist, St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Florida Benchmarking Consortium (FBC) provides Lean Six Sigma (Yellow and Green Belt) training to various St. Lucie County Board of…
By Larry Schooler, Director of Consensus Building and Community Engagement, CD&P City leaders are grappling with the unimaginable—the protection of their entire community from a threat the likes of which many of us have never seen. Amid all this chaos, we continue to need robust, two-way communication with the public we serve, even if they…
It is during times like this when our communities rely on their local government teams for so much, and the team at the Alliance is tremendously proud to work alongside you and support your efforts. We know there are significant demands on your teams right now, and pivots you are making in your own organizations…
FCCMA was notified of David’s passing, which occurred March 11. David was an ICMA and FCCMA member until his retirement in 2006, and had served as manager of Martin County as well as the City of Stuart. He also worked with Colin Baenziger’s executive search firm. He was a Marine Corps Air Reservist and had…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I became a member of FCCMA in 2007. My city manager at the time encouraged me to join FCCMA so that I could learn more about local government management as a profession, develop skills to achieve my career goals, and network with…
Reprinted with permission from ICMA. As the virus continues to spread, we’ve gathered some resources to support local governments. The Coronavirus Disease 2019, otherwise known as COVID-19, is a respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and has spread to multiple countries. In an…
Send In Your Award Nominations! The Florida Police Chiefs Association has established a number of awards to recognize law enforcement professionals and their agencies who have distinguished themselves in service. The Florida Police Chiefs Association is now accepting nominations for the following awards: Outstanding Chief Executive Officer of the Year Outstanding Command Officer of the…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Vickie Gainor, District I, City Manager, City of Lynn Haven, Full Member; John J. Holman, District II, City Manager, City of Starke, Full Member;…
Registration for the annual conference opened on February 24th. The conference will be here before you know it, so sign up early. President-Elect Micah Maxwell and the entire Conference Planning Committee have worked hard to plan engaging, interesting and meaningful sessions! You can access the conference page on the FCCMA website for up-to-date information on…
By Mark Ryan, City Manager, City of Indian Harbour Beach The 2020 Legislative Session is racing toward the conclusion on Friday, March 13, 2020. As local government practitioners our membership is actively involved in the legislative process. I want to thank the members who work tirelessly to actively engage legislators on issues important to their…
The Alliance for Innovation’s national conference, Transforming Local Government (TLG) 2020, is just around the corner – May 5-8 in Phoenix…there’s still time to register!! What’s in store? You’ll hear from futurists, trailblazers and entrepreneurs as they unleash their super-powers. All the details about the conference are available here. Missed the early bird pricing? Not…
By Brandon Henry Earlier this year, FCCMA officially published its latest resource “Local Government Internships in Florida – A Brief Toolkit.” In envisioning a resource for local governments to launch, maintain, and/or grow their internship programs, FCCMA’s Professional Development Committee and Membership Committee collaborated to collect best practices and examples of local government internship programs…
The City of Ocala Human Resources is looking for any policies or procedures your jurisdiction has for a Flu epidemic or a pandemic response plan. We are especially looking for any plans you may have where it deals with your jurisdiction’s plans for dealing with your employees, the partial closing of operations, telecommuting to work,…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? I joined FCCMA in 2012. I was encouraged by our then and current County Administrator Ray Sandrock to join as he explained the many benefits being a member of the Association. I quickly learned the value of the resources available such as…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Michelle Berger, District IV, Town Manager, Town of Sewall’s Point, Full Member; Jared Bickham, District VI, Capital Projects Manager, Charlotte County, Affiliate Member; Jack…
By Mark Ryan, City Manager, City of Indian Harbour Beach Greetings! The 2020 Florida Legislative Session is well underway. As of January 24, 2020, more than 3,400 bills have been for consideration during this session. Many bills are Local Funding Requests and relief bills for claims subject to the liability limits in Florida Statutes for…
As we begin the new year and a new decade, many of us are making resolutions and/or setting goals – we are certainly looking back and looking forward. As I consider my personal priorities, I also reflect on the many benefits offered to us through our professional association FCCMA. I hope you will resolve to…
How long have you been a FCCMA member and why did you join? Becoming an FCCMA member at the beginning of my career as a city manager was pivotal, to the enhancement of my knowledge as a professional public servant. I joined eight years ago seeking council and collaboration in matters that affected local government,…
The following membership applications have been received. If no current member comes forth with a reason why these applicants should not be approved as members, he/she will be invoiced for dues. Juana Ayala, District VI, Master in Public Administration, Northcentral University, Student Member; Deborah Bowie, District VII, Executive Chief of Staff, City of Gainesville, Full…
ICMA began a review of the ICMA Code of Ethics and Guidelines in 2013. This year, Tenet 3 is being reviewed. ICMA is asking members to submit their comments. Below is Tenet 3 and the Guidelines for the Tenet. Tenet 3. Be dedicated to the highest ideals of honor and integrity in all public and…
