The FCCMA Podcast

Episode #163: Scott Dudley – You Shouldn’t be Looking at the Past Unless It’s Going to Help Your Future Oct 31, 2024

In this episode, Scott Dudley, who recently retired after 22 years with the Florida League of Cities, reflects on his career and shares insights on citizen advocacy. Scott highlights his involvement in the Local Voices United program, which encourages citizens to engage in local issues that directly impact their communities. He emphasizes the importance of home rule and building strong relationships with lawmakers to effectively influence policy. Drawing on his earlier experience in local government, Scott discusses the evolution of advocacy and the role of local leadership in shaping the future. Scott and Steve Vancore, FCCMA podcast host, also discuss the ever-changing dynamics of the Florida legislature and how to adapt to these shifts to bring about positive change.

Episode #162: Treasa Brown-Stubbs – Being a Sleeves Up, Hands-On Leader Oct 31, 2024

Treasa Brown-Stubbs, City Manager of Lauderdale Lakes, reflects on her 20-year career with the city, starting as a part-time employee at an Alzheimer’s center before climbing the ranks to her current role. Treasa discusses the challenges of working in a high-poverty area and the importance of resourcefulness, leveraging state, federal, and private grants to create opportunities for the city. She also emphasizes youth and family engagement through partnerships and year-round food distribution programs. In addition, she discusses how Lauderdale Lakes piloted a program with Prosperity Broward to conduct a survey of single mothers, identifying and addressing their specific needs to improve the community.

Episode #161: Erica Dhawan – How to Connect Intelligently Oct 31, 2024

Erica Dhawan grew up as a shy, introverted girl in Pennsylvania, speaking Hindi at home. In this episode, she discusses “digital body language,” the new form of non-verbal communication in our digital world, which still makes up 70% of how we interact. Erica explains that body language has transformed into cues and signals in digital communications. In her book, she dives into these modern signals and their impact. She also points out that people interpret digital body language differently, just like introverts and extroverts, highlighting two groups: digital natives and digital adapters. Erica’s toolkit, available at hybridtoolkit.com, provides best practices for improving communication in a hybrid work environment, including tips for meeting culture and digital communication.

Episode #160: Ryan Leavengood – Being Invisible and Unappreciated Oct 31, 2024

Ryan Leavengood, the City Manager of Lake Alfred in Polk County, shares his philosophy on public service: success is often measured by invisibility. With a population of around 7,100, Ryan believes that a smooth-running government is one where everything operates behind the scenes, and the public rarely notices because things are going well. He stresses the importance of focusing on core services – the 95% that truly matter. Ryan contrasts this with situations where government fails, like the Flint, Michigan water crisis, where everyone suddenly knows the names of officials when systems break down.

Re-Release Episode #147: Mike Crow – Tallahassee’s Tornado Recovery Efforts Sep 30, 2024

Mike Crow, the Assistant General Manager for Power Delivery for City of Tallahassee Utilities, shares an in-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.

Re-Release Episode #146: Steve Langley – Mutual Aid is the Most Critical Piece Sep 30, 2024

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.

Re-Release Episode #145: Amy Zubaly – It Only Takes One Storm Sep 30, 2024

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.

Re-Release Episode #144: William Whitson – Disaster Preparedness Sep 30, 2024

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.

Episode #159: Tim Bolduc – Tell the Truth, Tell it First, and Tell it Often Aug 30, 2024

In this episode, Tim Bolduc, the first City Manager of Crestview, discusses the importance of honesty and transparency in leadership. Tim shares his experiences in transitioning Crestview from a strong mayor-council form of government to a city manager form, explaining the benefits of this governance model. He highlights the challenges and growth Crestview has experienced under his leadership, including a 30% increase in the city's size. Tim also addresses the role of social media in modern management and offers practical advice for handling its potential toxicity, advocating for open communication and accessibility through direct channels such as email.

Episode #158: Suzanne Sherman – A Lesson on Ethics Aug 30, 2024

Suzanne Sherman, the City Manager of Palm Bay, discusses the complexities of ethical decision-making in local government. As Palm Bay has rapidly grown to nearly 100 square miles with a population increase from 20,000 to 140,000 in just 20 years, Suzanne has focused on restoring public trust following past ethics violations and investigations. She emphasizes the importance of continuous ethics training, attending sessions twice a year to stay sharp and aware of the nuances in ethical dilemmas. Suzanne highlights that many decisions in government require careful, deliberative thinking, and consideration of the impact on all parties involved.

Episode #157: Jonathan H. Hayes – Navigating Growth and Recovery in Panama City Aug 30, 2024

Jonathan H. Hayes, formerly the logistics and public works director for Panama City, shares his experiences in managing the city's growth and recovery, particularly following the devastating impact of Hurricane Michael in 2018. He talks about the expansion of the Panama City airport and the broader development in the Florida Panhandle, emphasizing the importance of resilience in public service. Jonathan reflects on his family's deep roots in Panama City and the ongoing efforts to revitalize the downtown area, balancing modern growth with preserving the city's vintage charm and increasing walkability.

Episode #156: Richard Florida – The Rise of the Meta-City and the Creative Economy Aug 30, 2024

In this episode, Richard Florida, the keynote speaker at the 2024 Florida League of Cities Annual Conference, discusses the transformative shift from a physical economy to a creative economy, emphasizing the increasing importance of communities in this new era. He introduces the concept of the “meta-city” and explores its unique impact on Florida. Richard highlights the accessibility of smaller communities to locally owned restaurants and the critical role college towns play in the state's future. He also delves into the rise of digital environments in urban settings, explaining how cities are evolving beyond mere physical spaces to become dynamic, integrated hubs for work and life.

Episode #155 - John Curp – Building a Livable, Walkable Community Jul 31, 2024

In this episode, Steve sits down with John Curp, the City Manager of Largo in Pinellas County. Largo, a vibrant city with a population of 85,000, is nestled in the densest county in Florida. In Largo, John is pioneering efforts to enhance community livability and walkability. He discusses a partnership with local bars and restaurants to establish an entertainment district with open container allowances. Tune in to discover how John Curp's vision and strategic initiatives are transforming Largo into a dynamic, walkable community that prioritizes local business growth and resident engagement.

Episode #154: Ken Parker – Insights from a FCCMA Senior Advisor Jul 31, 2024

Ken Parker, a longtime FCCMA Senior Advisor who has been retired for 10 years, joins us for a live interview at the FCCMA 2024 Annual Conference. Ken moved from Arkansas to Port Orange in Volusia County and discusses his experience in buying 10,000 acres for Port Orange to support the municipality’s growth. Additionally, Ken shares the unique experience of having an alien eradication specialist on his staff and provides fascinating insights into his diverse career.

Episode #153: Olivia Minshew – The Wauchula Way Jul 31, 2024

Olivia Minshew has been the City Manager of Wauchula since 2023 and has been with the City for nearly 20 years. In this episode, Olivia discusses the City’s process of moving to direct deposit and the significant time savings it ultimately brought to her employees. She outlines the change steps involved, which included awareness, preparation, and communication. Olivia also talks about breaking down departmental silos, where previously, departments operated independently with little regard for each other’s activities. Their strategic planning process now includes an employee recognition program that rewards employees for modeling one of the City’s values.

Episode #152: Jorge Gonzalez – Being a City Manager is Not for Everyone Jul 31, 2024

Jorge Gonzalez, Village Manager of Bal Harbour in Miami-Dade County, shares his experiences managing one of the most successful malls in the world. Jorge believes that being a city manager requires courage, confidence, and conviction – the three Cs. He talks about the challenging positions he has encountered in his career and the importance of adhering to an ethical code.

Episode #151: Stephen M.R. Covey – Seek to Bless, Not to Impress Jun 28, 2024

Stephen M.R. Covey, general session speaker at the 2024 FCCMA Annual Conference, draws from his father Stephen R. Covey’s legacy, author of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Stephen discusses the significant changes in the world and how leadership styles must evolve accordingly. He emphasizes that people prefer to be led and trusted rather than managed. He highlights the importance of building trust through character and competence and encourages listeners to focus on their own trustworthiness to foster trust within their teams.

Episode #150: Jeff Civillico – Work That Matters Jun 28, 2024

Jeff Civillico, a keynote speaker at the 2024 FCCMA Annual Conference, shares his journey from being a 7-year-old volunteer in a street performance to becoming a performer and producer with his own show in Las Vegas for 10 years, ending in 2020. Jeff encourages listeners to reflect on the people who have influenced them and how they, in turn, can influence others. He emphasizes the impact one can have from their unique platform.

Episode #149: Crystal Washington – How to Avoid Default Futures Jun 28, 2024

Crystal Washington works with clients to help them identify potential futures and prepare for them. In this episode, she discusses dealing with current problems while making time for future planning, such as scheduling time to be curious. She emphasizes the importance of horizon scanning, looking for small signals amid the noise, and distinguishing trends. Crystal recommends the book “Factfulness,” which addresses human anxieties and explains why we shouldn't be as worried as we are. She also discusses the role of artificial intelligence in futurism and long-term planning, and she explores the current and future implications of social media with Steve.

Episode #148 – Mark Zeigler – Leadership is Interpersonal Influence Jun 28, 2024

Mark Zeigler, a long-term professor at Florida State University, delivered a keynote address at the 2024 FCCMA Annual Conference. In his speech, Mark discussed the importance of general communication principles, the current state of society, and our individual roles within our communities. He emphasized conflict resolution, transparency, empathy, and handling challenges and criticisms as city leaders. Mark also tackled the issue of a high need for control, asking, "Can you gather people around you who can provide checks and balances, or who will give you honest feedback when you need to run something by them?"

Episode #109 Re-Release: Kevin Guthrie - Preparing for Natural Disasters Jun 03, 2024

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.

Episode #147: Mike Crow – Tallahassee’s Tornado Recovery Efforts May 31, 2024

Mike Crow, the Assistant General Manager for Power Delivery for City of Tallahassee Utilities, shares an in-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.

Episode #146: Steve Langley – Mutual Aid is the Most Critical Piece May 31, 2024

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.

Episode #145: Amy Zubaly – It Only Takes One Storm May 31, 2024

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.

Episode #144: William Whitson – Disaster Preparedness May 31, 2024

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.

Episode #143: Craig Hunter – Zoning for the Future Apr 30, 2024

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.

Episode #142: Terry Atchley – The Hardee County Perspective Apr 30, 2024

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.

Episode #141: Charles Chapman – Legislative Liaison Apr 30, 2024

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.

Episode #140: Scott Andrews – A Cross-Country Journey in Public Service Apr 30, 2024

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.

Episode #139: Michael Pleus – Candid Conversations for Community Progress Feb 29, 2024

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.

Episode #138: Matthew Spoor - Embracing Community Growth Feb 29, 2024

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.

Episode #137: Edward Pidermann - Serving Miami Lakes Feb 29, 2024

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.

Episode #136 John D’Agostino - Employing Technology to Reduce Crime Jan 31, 2024

John D'Agostino, Town Manager of Lake Park, shares his experience in employing technology to reduce crime in a majority-minority community. 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.

Episode #135: Courtney Barker - Don’t step over a dollar to pick up a nickel Jan 31, 2024

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.

Episode #134: Charles ‘Tony’ Hammond - Bringing Sewer to a Small City Jan 31, 2024

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.

Re-Release Episode #92: Jim Hanson - Preparing for Retirement, FCCMA Senior Advisors, and Advice for Managers in Transition Jan 31, 2024

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!)

Episode #133: Mario Diaz – Mr. Fix It Dec 22, 2023

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.

Episode #132: Kev Beresford – Should We Do Away with Traffic Lights? Dec 22, 2023

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.

Episode #131: Gregg Mims – Back to the Basics of Local Government Dec 22, 2023

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.

Episode #130: Catherine Givens – Simplicity in Strategic Planning Dec 22, 2023

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.

Episode #129: Kurt Bressner - Effective Leadership Nov 30, 2023

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.

Episode #128: Dr. John Daly - Evolving Landscapes of Local Government Nov 30, 2023

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.

Episode #127: Annamarie Reno - Navigating Local Governance Nov 30, 2023

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.

Episode #126: Mike Abels - Strategic Planning Insights Nov 30, 2023

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.

Episode #125: Kevin Surace - FLC Keynote Speaker on Artificial Intelligence Oct 31, 2023

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.

Episode #124: Lynne Ladner - What it Means to be a Jack of All Trades Oct 31, 2023

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.

Episode #123: T. Michael Stavres - Seek First to Understand, then to be Understood Oct 31, 2023

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.

Episode #122: Marshall Labadie - Serving Residents in the Highlight of Their Twilight Oct 31, 2023

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.

Episode #121: Desiree Casanova - From Student to Civic Leader Sep 29, 2023

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.

Episode #120: Tobey Cyr - Teaching Principles in Local Government Sep 29, 2023

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.

Episode #119: Dr. Brenda Fettrow- Navigating Leadership and Community Engagement Sep 29, 2023

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.

Episode #118: Kim Glas-Castro - Balancing Roles as Village Manager and Elected Sep 28, 2023

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.

Episode #117: Ratna Okhai - Transparency in Crisis Aug 31, 2023

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.

Episode #116: Sheryl Sculley – Building Credibility and Winning Teams Aug 31, 2023

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.

Episode #115: Steven Hunnicutt – Law Enforcement to Leadership Aug 31, 2023

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.

Episode #114: Andrea McCue – Navigating Change Aug 31, 2023

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.

Episode #112: Michelle del Valle - Giving Your Team Wins Jul 31, 2023

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.

Episode #111: Travis Wade - Apalachicola's Evolution and Challenges Jul 31, 2023

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.

Episode #110: Ana Garcia - Building Great Teams and Aligning Words with Actions Jul 31, 2023

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.

Episode #109: Kevin Guthrie – Recovering and Rebuilding: Insights on Preparing for Natural Disasters Jun 30, 2023

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.

Episode #108: George Landry - The Desire to Serve a Greater Good Than Yourself Jun 30, 2023

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.

Episode #107: Donna Renberg – Nurturing Future Leaders, Toll Roads and Managing Tourism Jun 30, 2023

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.

Episode #106: Carlos Baia - Setting Your Community Apart Jun 30, 2023

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.

Episode #105: Sam Silverstein - The Power of Accountability May 31, 2023

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.

Episode #104: Rick Johnson - Rebuilding Trust in Mulberry May 31, 2023

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.

Episode #103: Christophe St. Luce - Technology for Effective Governance May 31, 2023

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.

Episode #102: Deborah Manzo - Contrasts, Risks and Mentorship May 31, 2023

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.

Episode #101: Henry Schubert - The Value of Relationship Building in Local Government Apr 28, 2023

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.

Episode #100: Mike Sittig - Reflections on a Nearly 50-Year Career with the Florida League of Cities Apr 28, 2023

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.

Episode #99: Roger Desjarlais - Challenges in Recruiting and Managing Employees Apr 28, 2023

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.

Episode #98: Kristina Ciuperger – Fitting a Square Peg Into a Round Hole Apr 28, 2023

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.

Episode #97: Chris Holley - Disaster Response and Financial Planning in Local Government Mar 31, 2023

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.

Episode #96: Carl Harness - Homelessness and the Human Services Sector Mar 31, 2023

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.

Episode #95: Dr. Tony Lopez - How the Public Sector can Benefit from Operating like a Business Mar 31, 2023

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.

Episode #94: Claire Jubb - A Self-Identified Floodplain Geek Mar 31, 2023

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.

Episode #93: Lori LaVerriere - Self-Evaluation and Dealing with Termination Feb 28, 2023

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!”

Episode #92: Jim Hanson - Preparing for Retirement, FCCMA Senior Advisors, and Advice for Managers in Transition Feb 28, 2023

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!)

Episode #91: Craig Radzak - Preventative Community Para-Medicine Programs Feb 28, 2023

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.

Episode #90: Teresa Lamar-Sarno - CRAs, how to form them, how they function, and the challenges involved Feb 28, 2023

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.

#89: Dan Kleman - Mostly Retired Jan 31, 2023

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.

#88: Josh Stefancic - A Fire Chief on Employee Recruitment, Workplace Quality and Establishing Trust Jan 31, 2023

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.

#87: Marc Ott and AC Gonzalez - Mental Health in the City and County Management Profession Jan 31, 2023

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.

#86: Mike McNees – Think. Improve. Good Habits. Jan 31, 2023

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.

Episode #85: Tim Hemstreet – Intentionally Working Together Toward a Common Goal Dec 16, 2022

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.

Episode #84: Daniel Rosemond – The Death of The Public Servant Dec 16, 2022

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.

Episode #83: Meridy Semones – It Starts with Your Organization Strategy Dec 16, 2022

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.

Re-Release Episode #58: Terry Stewart - City Management as the Original Multi-Tasking Profession Dec 16, 2022

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.

Episode #82: Troy Brown – A Budget is a Manifestation of Your Priorities Nov 30, 2022

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.

Episode #81: Robert Lee – If You’re Not Quite Sure Where You’re Going, You Might Not Get There Nov 30, 2022

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.

Episode #80: Lynn Tipton – An Encyclopedia of Local Florida Government History Nov 30, 2022

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.

Episode #79: Doug Baber – Dealing with Devastation Nov 30, 2022

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.

Episode #78: Vince Long – De-mystifying Processes to Promote Trust Oct 31, 2022

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.

Episode #77: Denise Bevan – Environmental Conservation and Smart Growth Oct 31, 2022

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.

Re-Release Episode #28: Mark McQueen – A New Vision for Panama City Oct 31, 2022

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.

Re-Release Episode #10: Merrett Stierheim – Principles for Successful Leadership in Local Government Oct 31, 2022

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.

Episode #76: Lee Garner – Let People Know They’ve Got an Advocate Sep 30, 2022

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.

Episode #74: Randall Reid – Collaboration, not Competition Sep 30, 2022

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.

Episode #73: Mike Staffopoulos – Intentional Leadership and Organizational Culture Sep 30, 2022

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.

SPECIAL HURRICANE RE-RELEASE: Kevin Guthrie – Get Ready Now: Disaster Training, Exercises, and Preparedness for Local Governments Sep 27, 2022

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.

Episode #72: Samantha Abell – Problem Solver, Uniter, Facilitator Aug 31, 2022

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.

Episode #71: Jay Boodheshwar – Exceeding Expectations Aug 31, 2022

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.

Episode #70: Andy Berns – Uncommon Common Sense Aug 31, 2022

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.

Episode #69: Thomas Harmer – The Importance of Listening Aug 31, 2022

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.

Episode #68: Joyce Shanahan – Cautions and Tips for Growing Cities Jul 29, 2022

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.

Episode #67: Monica Cepero – Discovering New Opportunities in your Career Jul 29, 2022

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.

Episode #66: Mike Herr – Making the Most of Public-Private Partnership Jul 29, 2022

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.

Episode #65: Deric C. Feacher – The Journey to a Successful City Transformation Jul 29, 2022

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.

Episode #64: Thomas Ernharth - Rapid Growth in a Small City Jun 30, 2022

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.

Episode #63: Emily Colon - Taking the Partisan out of Local Government Jun 30, 2022

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.

Episode #62: Reese Goad - Are We Better Than We Were Yesterday? Jun 30, 2022

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.

Episode #61: Kathleen Gunn - Providing a Voice for Equity Jun 30, 2022

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.

Re-Release Episode: Michael Pleus – Multi-county Negotiations and Complex Problem-solving May 31, 2022

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.

Re-Release: Will Whitson – Your Best Work in an Emergency Happens Before the Emergency May 31, 2022

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.

Re-Release Episode: Russ Blackburn - Tax Abatement May 31, 2022

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.

Episode #60: Casey Cook / Steve Vancore – A Special 60th Episode Apr 29, 2022

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.

Episode #59: David Scott – Attracting Businesses and Talent to your City Apr 29, 2022

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.

Episode #58: Terry Stewart - City Management as the Original Multi-Tasking Profession Apr 29, 2022

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.

Episode #57: Hector Flores – Helping Others Rise Through the Ranks Apr 29, 2022

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.

Episode #56: Yocelyn Galiano – Urban Deforestation and Managers in Transition Apr 29, 2022

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.

Episode #55: Jerome Fletcher – Run Toward the Community in Their Time of Need Mar 31, 2022

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.

Episode #54: Howard Tipton – Fail Small, Fail Fast Mar 31, 2022

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.

Episode #53: Michael Grebosz – The Importance of Mentorship Mar 31, 2022

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.

Episode #52: Brittany Jumper-Retherford – Serving More Than One Role Mar 31, 2022

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.

Episode #51: Nick Mimms – Working in the Best Interest of Your Community Feb 28, 2022

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.

Episode #50: Doug Logan – Winning the Battle Within Yourself Feb 28, 2022

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.

Episode #49: Dale Walker - A Community with Unity Feb 28, 2022

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.

Episode #48: Sarah Hannah-Spurlock – The Nighttime Economy Manager of Ft. Lauderdale Jan 31, 2022

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.

Episode #47: Casey Lucius – The Psychology of Decision Making Jan 31, 2022

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.

Episode #46: Russ Blackburn – Tax Abatement Jan 31, 2022

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.

Episode #45: Yolanda Aguilar – Creating Opportunities for People to Recognize Your Talent Jan 31, 2022

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.

RE-RELEASE: Pat Robinson – The Public Safety Mission Dec 17, 2021

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.

Episode #44: Scott Blankenship – Establishing Trust with the Community Dec 17, 2021

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.

Episode #43: Jamie Titcomb – Being an “Unmanager” Dec 17, 2021

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.

Episode #42: Steve Williamson – From Serving the Country to Serving the Public Nov 30, 2021

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.

RE-RELEASE: Kevin Guthrie, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management Nov 30, 2021

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.

Episode #41: Will Whitson – Your Best Work in an Emergency Happens Before the Emergency Nov 30, 2021

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.

Episode #40: Kerrith Fiddler – The Hidden Jewel of Northwest Florida Nov 30, 2021

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.

Episode #37: Lee Evett – Evaluating Revenues in the Public Sector and the Private Sector Oct 28, 2021

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.

Episode #38: Ken Parker – The Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) Senior Advisor Program Oct 28, 2021

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.

Episode #36: Desiree Casanova – A Student’s Journey Oct 28, 2021

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.

Episode #39: Terry Atchley – Using the Tools You Have Oct 28, 2021

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.

Episode #35: Pat Robinson – The Public Safety Mission Sep 30, 2021

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.

Episode #34: Tandra Davis – Leadership by Inspiration Sep 30, 2021

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.

Episode #33: Sarah Campbell – From Interior Design … to City Government? Sep 30, 2021

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.

Episode #32: Michael Beedie – Combining Technical Skills with People Skills Sep 30, 2021

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.

Episode #31: Courtney Barker – Public Engagement and Environmental Planning Aug 31, 2021

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.

Episode #30: Lisa Hendrickson – Breaking Silos in City Departments Aug 31, 2021

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.

Episode #29: Lisa Morrell – A Tale of Two Cities: From Palm Bay to Malabar Aug 31, 2021

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.

Episode #28: Mark McQueen – A New Vision for Panama City Aug 31, 2021

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.

Episode #27: Pete Antonacci – Digital Technology Advancements and Expanded Bandwidth Aug 16, 2021

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.

Episode #26: Mark Ryan – Economic Development and Sustainability Aug 16, 2021

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.

Episode #25: Mark Cunningham – Demonstrating ROI to your Community Aug 16, 2021

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.

Episode #24: Gina Peebles – Responding to the Will of Voters Aug 16, 2021

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.

Episode #23: Kathryn Matos – No Job Too Small Jun 30, 2021

Boynton Beach Assistant City Manager Kathryn Matos discusses starting her career as an administrative assistant and the importance of connection and mentorship.

Episode #22: Daniel Clark – Community Redevelopment Agencies and Septic-to-Sewer in a small community Jun 30, 2021

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.

Episode #21: Bill Horne – Equity and Modern Organizational Management Jun 30, 2021

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.

Episode #20: Kevin Knutson – Total Quality Management Practices Jun 30, 2021

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.

Episode #19 SPECIAL RELEASE: Kevin Guthrie – Get Ready Now: Disaster Training, Exercises, and Preparedness for Local Governments Jun 21, 2021

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.

Episode #18: Ronald Sanders – Cybersecurity and Public Service Jun 07, 2021

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.

Episode #17: Matt Spoor – How Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) Can Improve Neighborhoods and the Community’s Quality of Life Jun 07, 2021

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.

RE-RELEASE: Lauren Gill – Rebuilding Paradise with Lauren Gill: Starting Anew After Disaster Apr 30, 2021

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.

Episode #16: Pam Brangaccio – When Retirement Becomes “What Now?” Apr 30, 2021

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!

Episode #15: Emily Lewis – Promoting Women in Leadership Apr 30, 2021

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.

Episode #14: Carisse LeJeune – Managers in Transition: How to Plan for the Unexpected Apr 30, 2021

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).

Episode #13: David Hebert – Proactive Action in Underserved Communities Apr 01, 2021

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.

Episode #12: Sheila Rose – Serving the Community and the Environment Through a “Culture of Green Excellence” Apr 01, 2021

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.

Episode #11: Joe Yarbrough – What Makes a Good City Manager? Apr 01, 2021

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.

Episode #10: Merrett Stierheim – Principles for Successful Leadership in Local Government Apr 01, 2021

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.

Episode #9: Tim Casey – Problem-solving in Government with Tim Casey, Author, “The Mayor Married Who?” Feb 26, 2021

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?”.

Episode #6: Lauren Gill – Starting Anew After Disaster: Rebuilding Paradise with Lauren Gill, former Town Manager, Paradise, CA Feb 26, 2021

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.

Episode #7: Michael Pleus – Multi-county Negotiations and Complex Problem-solving with Michael Pleus, ICMA-CM, City Manager, Deland Feb 26, 2021

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.

Episode #8: Reese Goad – Managing Finances and Leveraging COVID-19 Declining Budgets with Reese Goad, City Manager, Tallahassee Feb 26, 2021

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.

Episode #5: Special 2021 Winter Institute Episode: Going Virtual and Shifting Resources During the Pandemic with Brad Johnson Feb 01, 2021

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.

Episode #4: Mentoring the Next Generation with Bobby Green Jan 25, 2021

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.

Episode #3: Military Service Meets Local Government with Shawn Sherrouse Jan 25, 2021

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.

Episode #2: Women in Local Government with Jill Silverboard Jan 25, 2021

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.

Episode #1: Overcoming COVID-19 Challenges with Micah Maxwell Jan 25, 2021

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.

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