The FCCMA Podcast: Recent Episodes
FCCMA
Today we re-visit Director Guthrie who speaks directly to city and county management with the end goal of saving lives and recovering tens of millions of dollars through FDEM and FEMA.
Mike Crow, the Assistant General Manager for Power Delivery for City of Tallahassee Utilities, shares anin-depth account of the recovery efforts following three tornadoes that hit Tallahassee on May 10 and left 80,000 customers without power. Mike discusses the detailed storm plan that guided their response, including the rapid mobilization of 433 additional workers, boosting their workforce to over 700 within hours of the storm. He covers the logistical challenges of weather-related recoveries and the importance of clear communication with city residents. Mike provides valuable advice on developing comprehensive storm plans, and he emphasizes the need for specific roles and responsibilities rather than broad departmental assignments.
Steve Langley, the Electric Utility Director for Mount Dora, joins us to highlight the importance of mutual aid in disaster recovery. Following the catastrophic tornadoes in Tallahassee on May 10, utilities across the state rallied to support the capital in a coordinated effort led by FMEA. Steve delves into the mutual aid agreement facilitated by the American Public Power Association, which enables municipal utilities not only in Florida but across the nation to assist one another during emergencies. He emphasizes how these agreements are crucial for swift and effective response to large-scale utility disruptions.
In this episode, we talk with Amy Zubaly, the Executive Director of the Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA), who has been with the organization for 25 years and in her current role since 2017. Amy shares insights into FMEA's pivotal role in supporting Florida’s 33 city-owned utilities, particularly during hurricanes and emergencies. As the 2024 hurricane season looms with a dire forecast, Amy emphasizes the importance of preparedness, and notes that it only takes one storm to wreak havoc on a city. She discusses FMEA's function as a mutual aid coordinator, connecting state and federal partners and mobilizing extra assistance for member utilities when disaster strikes. Amy’s expertise underscores the necessity for cities to have robust plans in place for any eventuality.
In Episode #144, we meet William Whitson, a seasoned public service professional with a resume that includes a decade in Washington, DC, and frontline experience in nine hurricane recoveries. His pragmatic approach to emergency preparedness, honed by experiences ranging from Hurricanes Erin and Opal to the devastations of Katrina and Harvey, provides a master class for city managers. William's crucial advice: engage proactively with the Florida Recovery Obligation Calculation (F-ROC) program to navigate the bureaucratic aftermath of disasters confidently.
Craig Hunter, with decades of experience and now retired, reflects on his career in Episode #144. He revisits his initial forays into writing zoning codes and integrating them with planning documents. A conversation with Steve reveals Craig's philosophy that crises present opportunities. Through his career, Craig has observed how challenges can serve as catalysts for innovation and progress within the realms of zoning and planning.
Terry Atchley, Hardee County Manager, returns to the show in Episode #142 after his initial appearance in Episode #39. Steve and Terry explore the parallels and distinctions between managing public entities and private businesses. Terry shares the current financial hurdles facing Hardee County's public utilities and the proactive measures being implemented to address these issues, offering a transparent look at public administration's unique challenges.
Charles Chapman, with a rich background in city and county management, and current consultant for the Florida League of Cities, dives into the pivotal role of the Florida Legislature in Episode #141. Drawing from his extensive experience across Gadsden and Hendry Counties and Naples city management, Charles presents insightful case studies from the 2024 Legislative Session. He highlights proposed bills that could have dramatically altered city/county manager contract renewals around election times and scrutinizes enterprise fund transfers and their implications on municipal utilities. Furthermore, he underscores the criticality of municipal officers engaging in the legislative process.
In Episode #140, we hear from Scott Andrews, whose initial career as a fitness trainer in Temple Terrace laid the foundation for a career journey under the guidance of a pivotal mentor. Celebrated with the FCCMA award in 2014, Scott epitomizes the ethos "If you care, you do." Now in Bakersfield, California, Scott reflects on his diverse experiences across Florida, Georgia and California, illuminating the distinct nuances of city government in each state. With an emphasis on the transportability of skills, he cautions that success in one city doesn't guarantee replication elsewhere, underscoring the uniqueness of each community.
Michael Pleus shares insights from his 16-year tenure as the city manager of DeLand, beginning from his initial role as assistant city manager. He contrasts strategic planning with goal setting, describing how individual goals contribute to fulfilling broader strategic objectives. Michael touches upon the importance of resident feedback, obtained through active social media engagement, and the necessity of being open to the responses received. He and Steve discuss DeLand's strategic approach to addressing homelessness, including the creation of The Bridge, a facility aimed at providing solutions for the homeless community.
Returning guest Matt Spoor, who first appeared in episode #17, reflects on Safety Harbor's remarkable growth since 2004. Matt details the community's evolution and the associated challenges of managing expansion. The conversation revisits Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs), highlighting Safety Harbor's success in leveraging CRAs for community and infrastructure betterment and defining it as a unique entity within government. The dialogue with Steve also covers topics like workforce recruitment and retention, with an emphasis on the variability in difficulty across different departments and divisions.
In this episode, Eddie Pidermann, a 32-year resident and influential citizen of Miami Lakes, recounts his journey of public service, which includes authoring the town's original charter. He shares the town's practice of inducting new officials through a comprehensive orientation across various departments. Eddie's extensive experience, comprising a 30-year tenure with the city of Miami and a three-year stint at the Broward County Sheriff’s Fire Department, provides a backdrop to a rich discussion with Steve. They delve into the history of Miami Lakes, Eddie’s firefighting days and the challenges of managing the town's infrastructure.
John D'Agostino, Town Manager of Lake Park, shares his experience in employing technology to reduce crime in a majority-minoritycommunity. With a background in public administration, John discusses the economic development needs of Lake Park upon his arrival. He highlights the success of creating private investments and addresses community concerns through public outreach meetings. The episode also touches on Lake Park's unique allowance of breweries by special permit and the significant drop in crime rate over the last 7 years. John reflects on his commitment to leaving the community better off and the responsibility of a public servant to enhance the areas they serve.
Satellite Beach City Manager Courtney Barker discusses the impact of PFAS chemicals from a nearby space force base, the difficulties of remediation and the economic significance of the base to Satellite Beach. Courtney emphasizes the importance of doing things right the first time and discusses measures like implementing paid beach parking driven by community needs.
In this episode, Archer City Manager Tony Hammond discusses the unique challenges faced by smaller communities. With a background in smaller municipalities, Tony addresses the difficulties of securing grants for infrastructure projects and the particular struggle the City of Archer faces in bringing sewer to the community.
Former Atlantic Beach City Manager Jim Hanson understands better than most how much stress city and county managers experience. In this episode, he talks about preparing for retirement, being an FCCMA Senior Advisor, and what to do if you ever expect to be a manager in transition (according to Jim, you should expect to!)
Mario Diaz, City Manager of North Miami Beach, engages in a conversation with Steve about the incorporation of new technologies into city management. Diaz shares insights on navigating challenges in adopting these technologies to enhance efficiency and problem-solving. The discussion touches on consumer acceptance, communication strategies, and the opportunities and challenges associated with utilizing diverse platforms. Diaz also sheds light on the implementation of on-demand transit services —showcasing how innovative solutions are being integrated into traditional city management practices.
Kev Beresford explores the unconventional idea of replacing traffic lights with roundabouts. He presents compelling statistics, noting a 90% reduction in fatalities with roundabouts, as well as their positive environmental impact — roundabouts attract insects and result in 40% less fuel emissions compared to traffic lights. Beresford discusses the efficiency of roundabouts in managing traffic flow, their potential for artistic integration and addresses the resistance that Americans commonly exhibit toward adopting this traffic management alternative.
Gregg Mims, City Manager of Indian Rocks Beach, joins Steve in a discussion about fundamental principles in local government. They explore topics such as vacation rentals, noise issues and ordinances designed to address these challenges. Mims, whose background is in real estate insurance, stresses the significance of adhering to basic principles in local government, especially in the face of urban and suburban population dynamics. The conversation delves into how the decline in population can impact city management strategies and planning.
In this episode, Catherine Givens, Deputy City Manager for the City of Coral Springs, shares insights on crafting effective strategic plans for organizational success. Givens emphasizes the importance of celebrating wins and suggests condensing them into a concise, easily digestible document. Additionally, she advocates for creating linking documents to illustrate interdepartmental connections within an organization, promoting a holistic and interconnected approach to strategic planning.
City Manager veteran Kurt Bressner, with experience both in and out of Florida, joins Steve to discuss the timeless wisdom found in the 1960s ICMA article "Guideposts for City Managers." Serving as a Senior Advisor for ICMA/FCCMA, Kurt shares insights into his role and emphasizes the importance of active listening in effective city management.
John Daly, Ph.D., a veteran teacher at the USF School of Public Affairs, engages in a conversation with Steve about the transformations in city and county administration over his 38-year career. Exploring the challenges of modern local management, Daly addresses the declining trust in government and offers insights on recruiting young talent. The episode sheds light on the evolving dynamics of public service.
Meet Annamarie Reno, the City Manager of Mascotte, as she shares her experiences moving from Michigan to Florida. With a population of around 8,400, Mascotte presents unique challenges. Annamarie discusses the contrasts in local government between the two states and reflects on the significant changes she has encountered since making the move.
Former City Manager of DeLand and Interim City Manager of Flagler Beach, Mike Abels, joins Steve for a historical journey. Drawing lessons from Thomas Jefferson and his time volunteering at Monticello, Mike emphasizes the need for citizen buy-in for effective strategic planning. He shares that strategic planning precedes goal setting, providing a roadmap for successful plan implementation.
Kevin Surace, a technologist, futurist, and AI expert, takes the spotlight as a keynote speaker on artificial intelligence. With a wealth of experience dating back to his time in Silicon Valley in 1985, Kevin emphasizes the role of AI in addressing pain points and enhancing results for constituents. He introduces "Codecomply.ai," an innovative service that will analyze city documents for code compliance. Kevin provides practical advice on incorporating AI immediately, illustrating how cities can harness the power of technology to streamline processes and better serve their communities. His insights shed light on the potential of AI to revolutionize local governance.
Lynne Ladner, Town Manager and Finance Director of Ocean Ridge delves into her multifaceted role. Responsible for a population of over 1,800 in a fully residential community, Lynne discusses her journey from the private sector to public service. She emphasizes the value of meeting residents where they are and highlights the importance of patience and dedication in a town manager's role. Lynne shares her approach to navigating challenges, including resident consideration when making significant infrastructure changes, and her strategies for seeking funding from private foundations. Her experience sheds light on the diverse skills and mindset required in a town manager's position.
T. Michael Stavres, City Manager of Winter Haven, shares his perspective on effective leadership and community growth. With a team of certified subject-matter experts, Winter Haven's focus is on understanding constituents' emotions and perspectives. T. Michael emphasizes the impact of public investment on private growth, exemplified by Winter Haven's infrastructure improvements. He highlights the transformational power of leveraging public funds for infrastructure, which yielded remarkable private investment returns for Winter Haven. Through his insights, T. Michael illustrates how being receptive to change and investing in a community can lead to positive outcomes.
In this episode, Marshall Labadie, the Town Manager of Highland Beach, provides insights into managing a unique community. Situated between Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Highland Beach boasts a population of 4,200 that doubles in the winter months. Marshall emphasizes the importance of collaboration, highlighting that success is achieved when everyone works together. He discusses the concept of regionalization and the benefits of service-sharing across boundaries, such as police and fire stations. Marshall's experience showcases how effective local governance involves recognizing who does things best, even if it's not always the local government.
Desiree Casanova, an alumna of the ICMA one-year fellowship program, was a guest on the FCCMA podcast for episode #36. We’re excited to welcome her back and hear how her journey has evolved! Join us to hear Desiree speak about mentorship from a unique perspective, her experience in the ICM fellowship program, and her position in Sarasota County.
Tobey Cyr, Director of Customer Service for The Villages, draws on her educational background in Early Childhood Education to discuss her approach to management. She outlines her five classroom-inspired rules and explores The Villages' expansion into new neighborhoods, catering to a diverse retiree demographic.
Dr. Brenda Fettrow, City Manager of Rockledge, shares her approach to leadership and community engagement. Her focus on being business-friendly, accessible, and informed allows for positive relationships with developers. Dr. Fettrow also discusses the impact of being located on the space coast and how Rockledge adapted to the end of the shuttle program.
Kim Glas-Castro, Assistant Village Manager of the Village of Palm Springs and Commissioner/Vice Mayor in Lake Park, discusses her unique position and insights gained from simultaneously holding roles as a village manager and elected official. She explores challenges in engaging residents, participating in commission meetings and finding common ground as a certified mediator.
Dr. Ratna Okhai, a recent Ph.D. graduate in Public Affairs from UCF and soon-to-be faculty member at the University of South Florida, joins us to discuss the critical role of transparency in crisis communication. Drawing from her research on social media and crisis communications, Ratna sheds light on the concept of a "cascading crisis." She highlights the balance between sharing pertinent information and overwhelming residents during emergencies. Ratna discusses municipal government priorities during crises and offers insights into fostering community security through transparent communication.
In this enlightening episode, Sheryl Sculley, the Amazon bestselling author and keynote speaker at the 2023 FCCMA Annual Conference, shares her wisdom on establishing credibility, confidence and trust in local government. Sheryl provides valuable advice on nurturing employee autonomy while offering guidance and coaching. She emphasizes the importance of political savvy for city government employees. Tune in to discover Sheryl's insights on talent spotting and team building, gleaned from her extensive experience in the field.
In this episode, we hear the inspiring story of Steven Hunnicutt, Lake Hamilton Town Administrator. Join us as we explore his transformation from a police officer to a Town Administrator and learn how his diverse experiences have shaped his approach to understanding community needs and navigating resistance to change.
In this episode, Andrea McCue, the City Manager of Greenacres, shares her insights on leading through change. Starting with a clean slate, Andrea outlines her approach to understanding the city's dynamics before implementing impactful changes. She delves into her guideposts for problem-solving, which include leadership training and team building. Andrea emphasizes the importance of grasping the needs of elected officials, employees and neighbors to set the right course. Join us to learn how Andrea's strategic navigation brought transformation to Greenacres.
In this episode, Assistant City Manager Michelle del Valle from Winter Park explores the importance of giving people victories. She discusses various initiatives, including park and library creation, addressing resistance to change within communities and building consensus through feedback from dissenting residents. Michelle recommends starting discussions with concepts to ensure that everyone's voice is valued.
Travis Wade, City Manager of Apalachicola, reflects on the city's transformation from a seafood-driven economy to a tourist-driven one. The discussion with Steve covers topics such as height limits for new construction permits, challenges in ensuring high-quality drinking water, and the city's efforts to expand its riverfront community.
In this episode, Dania Beach City Manager Ana Garcia shares essential action steps for building great teams in city management. She emphasizes the importance of having one mission and one direction while keeping politics out of city hall. Ana believes that everything starts with the foundation of the team and the shared set of values. While team members may have different mindsets, having a common foundation is crucial. As a public servant, she discusses the significance of aligning words with actions to ensure consistency and maintain credibility.
Back in episode #19, Steve interviewed the then fairly new Florida Division of Emergency Management Director, Kevin Guthrie. Today we re-visit Director Guthrie who speaks directly to city and county management with the end goal of saving lives and recovering tens of millions of dollars through FDEM and FEMA.
In this episode, George Landry, County Administrator of St. Lucie County, reflects on his military background and transition to public service. With a 20-year military service and extensive overseas experience, Landry shares the alignment of skillsets required for critical decision-making. He expresses the satisfaction of impacting lives in the public sector and discusses the rapid growth of St. Lucie County, home to over 350,000 residents.
In this episode, Deputy County Manager Donna Renberg of Osceola County explores the value of mentorship and preparing future leaders. Renberg emphasizes the significance of providing all the necessary information to those working under her and creating a safe space for open dialogue. She discusses the challenges of delegating tasks and dealing with the perceived loss of control. Additionally, the episode touches upon Osceola County's reliance on tourism and agriculture.
Temple Terrace City Manager Carlos Baia shares his insights on how government processes can facilitate or hinder business. In this episode, Baia discusses the importance of differentiating your community from larger neighboring areas like, in his case, Tampa. He emphasizes the need for communities to be selective in accepting development projects, ensuring they are the best choices for specific areas within the community. Baia encourages communities to strive for uniqueness and avoid becoming just another neighborhood in a larger metropolitan region.
Explore the transformative power of accountability in leadership with Sam Silverstein, founder of the Accountability Institute and keynote speaker at the 2023 FCCMA Annual Conference. Discover a new perspective on accountability as a gift, not punishment. Learn about relational commitments and the role of leaders in modeling and teaching accountability.
Join Rick Johnson, City Manager of Mulberry, as he shares the inspiring story of the city's revival. Hear about the challenges faced, including corruption and high taxes. Learn about the ongoing projects, such as a new municipal complex and downtown restaurant complex, funded by the Community Redevelopment Agency.
Discover how technology is transforming governance with Christophe St. Luce. Explore the city's progress, including the construction of a Riverwalk. Christophe discusses using leading-edge technology, reaching wider audiences and overcoming daily technological challenges.
Join Deborah Manzo, County Administrator of Okeechobee County, as she navigates the differences between urban Palm Beach County and rural Okeechobee. Explore the challenges of rising homeowner insurance and the importance of stormwater mitigation. Deborah also offers valuable insights from her experience as a mentor.
City Manager of Largo, Henry Schubert, discusses the importance of building relationships with employees and communities. He talks about his monthly breakfast meetings with employees from different departments, where he gets to know them in a casual and conversational way. Henry also shares his experience dealing with diverse geography and communities and the need for honest communication and clearly communicating parameters.
In this special 100th episode, our featured guest is Mike Sittig, who worked for the Florida League of Cities for nearly 50 years and served as its Executive Director for 25. He talks about his retirement a little over two years ago and reflects on his long and successful career. The episode provides insights into the challenges and opportunities FLC faced during Mike's time there and how he helped steer the organization through them.
Lee County Manager Roger Desjarlais discusses the challenges of recruiting and maintaining the best employees in a changing environment where people get their information virtually. He also shares his experience helping newly elected officials navigate the process and have their voices heard. Roger discusses project management challenges and successes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this episode, Kristina Ciuperger, Deputy City Manager of Port St. Lucie, emphasizes that people are a product of their behavior and that allowing them to pursue their passions will keep them motivated and enable them to excel at their jobs. Kristina also talks about the need for departments to communicate effectively, utilizing social media and understanding the cultural use of each medium. As a leader, she highlights the importance of helping others see their potential and finding the right way to communicate with all departments.
Retired/Interim City Manager Chris Holley shares insights from his 50 years in local government, particularly on disaster response and financial planning. Known as the "Master of Disaster," Holley has served as an interim manager for cities in need, often those struck by natural disasters. Holley emphasizes the need for a response protocol that managers can use when dealing with storms and the importance of financial planning, especially in times of crisis when property values are devastated. He also discusses the challenges of disaster response and rule book interactions between state and federal governments, mainly in hurricane-prone Florida.
In this episode of the FCCMA podcast, Chief Human Services Administrator of Hillsborough County Carl Harness talks about the challenges of homelessness. Harness explains the six-legged stool model of human services, how the Tampa Hillsborough Homeless Initiative addresses homelessness, and how they are working with developers to provide housing for homeless vets and families. He also touches on the fastest-growing housing segment — long-term stay hotels and how rising rent and insurance costs affect middle-class families.
Miami Lakes Deputy Town Manager Dr. Tony Lopez began his Doctor of Business Administration program with one goal: to determine the factors driving the success of local government services and infrastructure. In this episode, he explains the differences between privatization, outsourcing, and public/private partnership and how the public sector can solve problems using business principles.
Assistant County Administrator for Charlotte County Claire Jubb has had plenty of experience dealing with FEMA, disaster housing and flooding in her 19 years working there. She discusses how to put the right tools in place to minimize loss of life and loss of property, manage a flooding threat and make a recovery plan when it looks like a disaster is imminent.
Lori LaVerriere, Palm Beach Gardens Deputy City Manager and current FCCMA President, discusses the deeply personal journey of an unexpected career transition. “It’s a tough job,” said Lori. “You’ve got to love what you do!”
Former Atlantic Beach City Manager Jim Hanson understands better than most how much stress city and county managers experience. In this episode, he talks about preparing for retirement, being an FCCMA Senior Advisor~~,~~ and what to do if you ever expect to be a manager in transition (according to Jim, you should expect to!)
Assistant City Manager Craig Radzak has been with the City of Sanford for 31 years. He transitioned to city management from the fire department, and in this episode, he talks about an incredible program Sanford instituted that helps proactively care for the health and safety of residents.
Port St. Lucie Deputy City Manager Teresa Lamar-Sarno is an expert on CRAs. In this episode, she explains where to start if your city is interested in a CRA, what they benefit, how they impact neighborhoods and what some of your biggest challenges may be.
Dan Kleman (Tallahasseeians will recognize that name from Kleman Plaza in downtown Tallahassee) has had a long and storied career in city management. He covers the dynamics of local politics and how it has changed the role of city managers. Dan currently lives and works part-time for Port St. Lucie, where he plays a part in union negotiations.
Safety Harbor Fire Chief Josh Stefancic covers how employee recruitment has changed over the last 30 years, especially in the emergency medical services space. He discusses establishing clear expectations for employees, intentionally and purposefully meeting with their crew to get feedback and the rapidly changing landscape of the EMS profession.
Join us for a special episode – our first ever with two guests! ICMA Executive Director Mark Ott and private sector consultant and ICMA volunteer AC Gonzalez discuss the critically important topic of mental health in the city and county management profession, its unique challenges and the future of workplace mental healthcare.
Marco Island City Manger Mike McNees believes the one thing that defines him as a leader is total transparency. The central theme that guides everything he does is continuous improvement. Mike is always asking, how can we do better tomorrow than we’re doing today? It’s not the goals that matter – it’s the habits that count.
Our FCCMA Podcast guest for this episode is Tim Hemstreet, County Administrator of Loudoun County, Virginia. Tim is the immediate past president of the National Association of County Administrators and worked in South Florida for part of his career. He discusses building and developing teams, breaking down silos, and the differences between working in Virginia vs. Florida.
2022 Fall Symposium Keynote Daniel Rosemond joins the FCCMA Podcast to talk about his recently released book, The Death of the Public Servant. He and Steve discuss pay equity in public government vs. the private sector and affordable housing.
Meridy Semones has an unusual but important role as Largo's performance and budget director. While Largo has historically been known as a pass-through community, Meridy and her team have a strategic goal for Largo to be known as a community in which people want to live, raise their families and run their businesses. She discusses ensuring every investment you make hits multiple strategic priorities and re-designing how to measure success.
City of Arcadia City Administrator Terry Stewart knows you don’t get things done without competent people to do them. The better the people you have working for you, the more effective and efficient your city will be. Join us as we talk about home rule, rodeos and the importance of tacos.
On this episode of the FCCMA podcast, we went all the way across the country to Moorpark, California! City Manager and past ICMA President Troy Brown believes there is no better way to understand and implement good policies than community engagement. He recommends sitting down and listening to people, understanding what’s important to them and what they value, and creating policies that directly address those things.
Dr. Robert Lee is a senior fellow at ICMA with extensive experience in local government and is currently a professor in the Political Science Department at Florida Gulf Coast University. He and Steve discuss the importance of building culture and credibility when starting a new position, formulating a strategic plan, and the power of transformational leadership and setting expectations.
If you could take all the knowledge from all the City Managers and County Administrators and squeeze it into one brain, that’s who our guest is! Lynn Tipton, Director of the Florida League of Cities University, joins Steve in this special episode of the FCCMA podcast. She shares her insights and understanding of city government and what it means today in Florida.
Doug Baber assumed the role of City Administrator of Mexico Beach in 2021, three years after the City was nearly destroyed in Hurricane Michael. Doug shares his experience in this interview recorded shortly after Hurricane Ian caused devastation on the west coast of Florida.
Leon County Administrator Vince Long is this year’s ICMA Career Excellence Award recipient. Vince talks with Steve about being patient to see long-term successes and how this field of work is incremental and punctuated by moments of opportunity that you have along the way.
This episode features City of Palm Coast City Manager Denise Bevan. She focused on Ecology in college and began her professional career at an environmental consulting firm in St. Augustine. In 2007 she began work with the City of Palm Coast, which recruited her because they wanted someone on staff specifically focused on the environment. Bevan helped develop a land development code for the city.
During Hurricane Michael, 92% of buildings in Panama City were destroyed. City Manager Mark McQueen discusses his 36 years of service in the army, how his experience has helped him serve in city government and the revisioning and revitalizing of a city fresh from disaster.
Join us as we discuss retired public manager and author of Ethical Leadership in Challenging Times Merrett Stierheim’s accomplished management career and his perspective on making ethical choices through the scope of local government.
Town Manager of Sneads Lee Garner is the oldest active town manager in Florida and has much to show for his tenure and accomplishments. His advice to listeners and anyone in town leadership is to get to know your council members and let your staff know you wouldn’t ask them to do anything you wouldn’t do.
A man of many locations and even more experiences, Randall Reid, joins the FCCMA podcast to discuss his journey through both the county and city levels throughout the past 50 years. From Ohio to Wyoming to Florida, Reid discusses his current role at ICMA, including providing professional development, ethics training and how they support local managers and their jurisdictions.
Jacksonville Beach City Manager Mike Staffopoulos joins the FCCMA podcast this week to discuss the transformation of Jax Beach through strategic planning, the draw to the area, and what is to come. All the dynamics involved in urban development with a stable infrastructure are also discussed.
Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Kevin Guthrie, has more than 30 years of experience in public safety and emergency management. In this episode, Kevin covers emergency management preparedness for local governments in tangible, practical, and actionable terms.
Beginning her career as a city planner in Little Rock, current Gulf Breeze City Manager Samantha Abell joins the podcast to share what she’s learned from her years in the field. The City of Gulf Breeze is four square miles but is located in Santa Rosa county, the fourth largest growing county in the state. Sam believes city management is all about managing people and personalities.
Naples City Manager Jay Boodheshwar joins FCCMA this week to discuss what it is like as a first-generation immigrant working in city management. He also shares his experience as former Deputy City Manager for the town of Palm Beach, home to Mar-a-Lago and its most famous resident.
Andy Berns has been the Town of Southwest Ranches Town Administrator for ten years. As he likes to say, “government is the ultimate team sport. If you have a problem with your baseball team, it’s a whole lot easier to fire your manager than it is to fire your 25 players.” Andy believes in duality with creating and managing a team and recognizing that everyone you deal with has different needs.
Longboat Key Town Manager Thomas Harmer began his career in government as a Marine Corps interrogator before working as a 911 dispatch operator. From these experiences and his time as a town manager, he learned the importance of taking the time to truly listen and observe before making any decisions.
City Manager of Ormond Beach Joyce Shanahan explores some of the challenges of public-private-partnership. She discusses civic engagement tactics and a legacy project for public safety.
Monica Cepero discusses the path that landed her as Broward County Administrator. From working for Jeb Bush to working for the City Manager of Tallahassee, she emphasizes going out of your comfort zone to maximize your career growth.
Winter Haven City Manager Mike Herr discusses the amazing transformation of Winter Haven. He talks about the growth downtown, the City’s sustainability strategy and the public-private partnership that paved the way.
Deric C. Feacher talks about his journey to becoming City Manager of Daytona Beach. Starting as a Communications Director for the City of Winter Haven, he discusses the transformation and the collaboration that took place within the city.
Eagle Lake City Manager Thomas Ernharth plans to triple the size of Eagle Lake from 3,000 to a staggering 9,000 in only five years. He discusses the differences between Pennsylvania townships and Florida towns/cities, and touches on the complexities of outsourcing services to neighboring cities.
Lakeland Deputy City Manager Emily Colon explains the importance of demonstrating leadership in your organization. Elected officials set the vision for their city, and each department must understand what their business is and how that ties into the city’s overall strategic plan.
Tallahassee City Manager Reese Goad discusses implementing a new 911 system in the city that allows those who are having a mental health crisis to receive counseling. He also touches on managing duplication of services with county/city services, being open-minded and striving to be better today than we were yesterday.
Tamarac City Manager Kathleen Gunn believes that a driving force for being in government is to provide a voice for equity. In this episode, Gunn reflects on her beginnings in public service, working for a mayor in White Plains, NY and explains how economic development is a pillar of her career.
Join us as we speak to Deland City Manager Michael Pleus about challenges and lessons learned from navigating a multi-county gas tax compact and spearheading complex and politically difficult city problems like homelessness.
Flagler Beach City Manager Will Whitson has been in city leadership for seven hurricane seasons. He advises preparing for hurricane season by thinking through possible issues, gathering your team, preparing and reviewing checklists and determining how to coordinate with the private sector to manage resources best.
Port St. Lucie City Manager Russ Blackburn has been in city government for 44 years and with Port St. Lucie for five. He discusses the process his city went through regarding tax abatement and how he created a core team of strategic planners who worked closely with stakeholders and allies to accomplish the goal.
Boynton Beach Director of Economic Development and Strategy David Scott understands the tremendous potential his city has to offer. David discusses economic development tools of the trade, strategies for attracting target industries and talent and tapping into the power of your city to bring in new businesses to the community.
In this episode, the host becomes the interviewee! Join us as FCCMA Executive Director Casey Cook interviews our beloved host, Steve Vancore of VancoreJones Communications, about what he has learned over 60 episodes.
City of Arcadia City Administrator Terry Stewart knows you don’t get things done without competent people to do them. The better the people you have working for you, the more effective and efficient your city will be. Join us as we talk about home rule, rodeos and the importance of tacos.
Charlotte County Administrator Hector Flores began his career in city government as a temporary full-time employee. Now, as County Administrator, Hector has put programs in place to help others rise through the ranks.
Yocelyn “Yocie” Galiano, Village Manager of the Village of Pinecrest, talks about her experience with the Managers in Transition program and how it has transformed her career and given her a fresh perspective. She and Steve also discuss urban deforestation and Pinecrest’s partnership with FIU.
Brittany Jumper-Rutherford services the City of Satellite Beach in a dual role as the Support Services Director and Comptroller. The support services director handles all finances and is over the Human Resources and Information Technology departments. In addition, Brittany helps the city by administering grants and working with FEMA in times of disaster.
St. Lucie County Administrator Howard Tipton understands in a county of over 350,000, how important vertical alignment is – understanding how what you do affects other people. In this episode, he extols the virtues of being approachable, knowing your residents and breaking down tasks to reasonable milestones.
Michael Grebosz, Assistant City Manager of DeLand, has lived in the Deltona area since he was 10 years old. Now working for the city, he understands the importance of mentorship programs in encouraging young professionals to begin their careers in city government.
Jerome Fletcher is the North Port City Manager, the largest city in Sarasota County. He explains how emotional intelligence separates someone driven by technical expertise alone and how emotional intelligence and the ability to listen to people make you truly successful.
Fort Pierce City Manager Nick Mimms doesn’t try to make people happy. His philosophy is: if you’re abiding by your values and principles no matter what, and working fairly and consistently, you will have nothing to regret.
The Village of Golf, comprised of less than 180 homes spanning five square miles, has Village Manager Christine Thrower-Skinner at the helm. Christine encourages those in city government to get to know their residents as much as is possible.
Lake Butler City Manager Dale Butler has to know everything about running his city. Although only a staff of 13, Lake Butler was recently noted by Governor DeSantis as being on the cutting edge and is a town of 1800 people already on sewer, which is highly unusual for a community that size.
In this fascinating episode, FCCMA Winter Institute Keynote Speaker Doug Logan discusses how success, ultimately, doesn’t matter – it’s what you do after success or failure that does. Life is not war, and the person you’re competing with is not your enemy.
Yolanda Aguilar, City Manager for the City of West Miami, has been a public servant for nearly four decades. She discusses her advancement in the City of West Miami after being hired as an office clerk for the water department, to becoming City Clerk, to becoming City Manager for the last 27 years.
Sarah Spurlock is used to people being confused and intrigued by her title: Nighttime Economy Manager for the City of Ft. Lauderdale. The city is one of the first to label itself an 18-hour city, focusing on advocacy and education. Sarah believes that the focus local government puts on city planning should be just as prevalent at night as it is during the day.
Casey Lucius, City of Marco Island Assistant City Manager, took an unusual path to city government. Part of her Ph.D. research was studying political decision-making, and she gives valuable insight into the two key ways humans make decisions.
Port St. Lucie City Manager Russ Blackburn has been in city government for 44 years and with Port St. Lucie for five. He discusses the process his city went through regarding tax abatement and how he created a core team of strategic planners who worked closely with stakeholders and allies to accomplish the goal.
Umatilla City Manager Scott Blankenship left the Air Force in 1981 and worked for the USPS for ten years. He was in the private sector for several years before returning to public service. Scott discusses how the public understands and appreciates when their tax dollars are being invested wisely and how to establish trust with the community you serve.
Deputy City Manager of Sarasota Patrick Robinson was a law enforcement officer for 21 years. He explains the importance of people feeling safe in their communities in order for the surrounding economy to grow and thrive.
Loxahatchee has been an incorporated town since 2006 and, in government years, is a “toddler of towns.” It was not until 2018 that the independent water control district and town government merged into one. Town Manager Jamie Titcomb explains exactly what an “unmanager” is and how the principle has guided his public service career.
Key Biscayne City Manager Steve Williamson served his country in the military before working in the private sector. He felt something was missing – serving something for a bigger purpose – and began his career in city government working for the City of Miami.
Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Kevin Guthrie, has more than 30 years of experience in public safety and emergency management. In this episode, Kevin covers emergency management preparedness for local governments in tangible, practical and actionable terms.
Flagler Beach City Manager Will Whitson has been in city leadership for seven hurricane seasons. He advises preparing for hurricane season by thinking through possible issues, gathering your team, preparing and reviewing checklists and determining how to coordinate with the private sector to manage resources best.
Pensacola City Administrator Kerrith Fiddler covers ongoing repairs from hurricanes, working with FEMA to improve city infrastructure and how to support employees by giving them room to grow.
Ken Parker became a senior advisor after retiring from serving the City of Port Orange. The program is a joint effort through FCCMA and the International City Management Association. Senior advisors serve as volunteers with a primary focus on members in transition.
City Manager of Wauchula Terry Atchley spent 32 years in the private sector before becoming a county commissioner and, eventually, city manager. He discusses using the tools he has as a business owner to inspire, encourage, and support his staff.
Podcast guest Desiree Casanova was born and raised in Broward County by a single mother, unsure of whether she would be able to go to college. She talks about putting herself through two degrees through scholarships and working full-time, and the work she is currently doing for Sarasota County on a 1% surtax and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
Lake Helen has a population of about 3,000. Its City Administrator Lee Evett has worked in city administration for 51 years. During that tenure, he took a private sector sabbatical to advise cities on evaluating their finances and evaluating how they derive revenues.
Deputy City Manager of Sarasota Patrick Robinson was a law enforcement officer for 21 years. He explains the importance of people feeling safe in their communities in order for the surrounding economy to grow and thrive.
Former interior designer Sarah Campbell took an interesting and usual path into being the town manager of Orange Park. She covers the challenges of creating a town square with no way to expand and talks about a difficult moment in her career that left her with a new perspective.
Town of Dundee Town Manager Tandra Davis strives to inspire a culture of personal growth. She talks about the importance of focusing on turnover reduction and how providing continuing education to staff members has been a positive and rewarding experience.
Fort Walton Beach City Manager Michael Beedie began his career as a civic engineer in the private sector. He discusses how having a true understanding of how the city operates on both a logistical and personnel level has helped him serve his community.
Satellite Beach City Manager Courtney Barker was in the private sector for seven years before working in city government. With a background in urban planning, Courtney shifted her focus to climate change, environmental planning and public engagement. In this episode, Barker discusses preservation, town halls and navigating social media.
The Town of Malabar has a population of just over 3,000. Its town manager, Lisa Morrell, arrived after working for Palm Bay – a transition from 800 to a staff of 20. In this episode, Morrell talks about her background in IT and how it has helped her be a better town manager.
Assistant City Manager of Pinellas Park Lisa Hendrickson began her career in city government at 30 years old. When she first started as an HR specialist, she found that work silos in the department contributed to public frustration and internal inefficiencies. In this episode, Hendrickson discusses breaking department silos and approaching union negotiations.
During Hurricane Michael, 92% of buildings in Panama City were destroyed. City Manager Mark McQueen discusses his 36 years of service in the army, how his experience has helped him serve in city government and the revisioning and revitalizing of a city fresh from disaster.
Pete Antonacci, Chief Administrative Law Judge for the Division of Administrative Hearings, discusses the dispute resolution mechanisms that DOAH can handle for city managers and county administrators.
Indian Harbor Beach City Manager Mark Ryan has been a strong advocate of legislative activism since he began serving as chair of the FCCMA Legislative Committee. Mark and Steve discuss economic development, sustainability and the steps the Indian Harbor Beach took during the pandemic to help local businesses stay afloat.
Mark Cunningham, Assistant County Administrator of Sarasota County, discusses the Rails-to-Trails Program implemented in the community via a county-wide referendum. He also covers working jointly with FDOT.
Gina Peebles, Assistant County Manager of Alachua County, talks referendums, public communication and carefully listening to the community's needs. Gina is the newly appointed Communications Committee Chair of FCCMA.
Boynton Beach Assistant City Manager Kathryn Matos discusses starting her career as an administrative assistant and the importance of connection and mentorship.
Daniel Clark is the Town Manager of Lake Clarke Shores in Palm Beach County. The town is just one square mile with 3,500 residents and 1,400 homes. Daniel discusses the challenges and triumphs of being a small municipality.
The City of Hollywood was expecting property values to rise dramatically, but they did not follow the same trend as the rest of the residential and commercial market. Assistant City Manager Adam Reichbach explains what happened and how the city continues to move forward.
Total Quality Management came out of the Japanese quality movement to explain how to improve productivity and quality of workmanship. Pinellas County Assistant County Administrator Kevin Knutson discusses the implementation of Total Quality Management Practices when he was with the City of Coral Springs.
Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, Kevin Guthrie, has more than 30 years of experience in public safety and emergency management. In this episode, Kevin covers emergency management preparedness for local governments in tangible, practical, and actionable terms.
Staff Director for The Florida Center for Cybersecurity Dr. Ronald Sanders discusses how cities can find themselves susceptible to ransomware attacks. In Florida, some of the most progressive and transparent public record laws make our cities and counties more vulnerable to hackers. Ron explains how small governments can better prepare and implement cyber-readiness.
City of Clearwater Manager Bill Horne has been a champion for equity for his whole career. He discusses how his 27 years in the Air Force taught him how to actively work toward establishing a more diverse organization.
City of Safety Harbor City Manager Matt Spoor explains what community redevelopment agencies are and how their revenue can help re-invest in streetscapes, hardscapes, and other types of community-improvement projects.
Are you managing your city’s long-term plan better than you are managing your own? In this episode, we speak with FCCMA Senior Advisor Pam Brangaccio. She discusses her experience planning for retirement and how to get started if you don’t have a plan!
Join us as we speak with Emily Lewis, assistant county administrator, Charlotte County! As women entered her organization looking for mentorship, Emily implemented the nationwide “Lean In” program, which includes monthly meetings and guest speakers. Emily discusses the successful passing of a 2019 local-option sales tax that she helped manage in Charlotte County.
Join us as we re-release one of our highlighted episodes! Lauren Gill, winter institute presenter and retired city manager of Paradise, California talks about preparing for disaster and rebuilding Paradise from the ground up after a wildfire burned the entire city.
Managers in Transition (MIT) can find themselves in a situation where everything suddenly comes to a screeching halt. In this episode, Carisse LeJeune speaks about planning for the future, dealing with the stigma surrounding MITs, and how to stay away from ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts).
Join us as we discuss retired public manager and author of Ethical Leadership in Challenging Times Merrett Stierheim’s accomplished management career and his perspective on making ethical choices through the scope of local government.
Oakland Park City Manager David Hebert discusses how local governments can be proactive in building equity in their communities by focusing on resources, infrastructure, and environmental resilience, while building relationships and bridging the gap between government and underserved populations.
Retired City Manager Joe Yarbrough talks about his 30-plus year career as a city manager and how he found a way to balance public feedback, elected officials and implementing a vision of the future for his community.
In this episode, we speak to Coconut Creek Deputy City Manager Sheila Rose about her background in sustainable development, city planning and the challenges and opportunities that come with implementing quality development initiatives while supporting environmental sustainability.
Join us as we interview retired city manager Tim Casey about his 40-year city management career in California and some of the problem-solving experiences highlighted in his new book, “The Mayor Married Who?”.
Join us as we interview 2021 FCCMA Winter Institute presenter and former Town Manager of Paradise, CA, Lauren Gill, about preparing for disaster and rebuilding Paradise after the deadliest wildfire in California history.
Join us as we speak to Deland City Manager Michael Pleus about challenges and lessons learned from navigating a multi-county gas tax compact and spearheading complex and politically difficult city problems like homelessness.
Join us as we discuss Tallahassee City Manager Reese Goad’s financial and business background and the innovative ways he is leveraging local dollars and resources as COVID-19 budget shortfalls loom.
Join us as we interview Sarasota County’s Assistant County Administrator Brad Johnson, to hear about the 2021 Virtual Winter Institute, his involvement with the FCCMA, and strategies he implemented to make COVID-19 limitations work for Sarasota County.
Join us as we discuss Auburndale City Manager Bobby Green’s 30-year legacy fostering city managers and recruiting young talent into careers in local government.
Join us as we discuss Lakeland City Manager Shawn Sherrouse’s military service and how it has shaped his recruitment and mentorship of other veterans into local government.
Join us as we interview Pinellas County’s Deputy County Administrator Jill Silverboard and learn about her research on recruiting women into local government, which includes an analysis of real and perceived obstacles to women occupying executive-level positions.
Join us and FCCMA President and Assistant City Manager of Clearwater Micah Maxwell as we discuss how the COVID-19 crisis has altered the world of local government and impacted mental health during the COVID-19 crisis.