News

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,…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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,…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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;…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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: 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

  “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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…