The FCCMA Podcast

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

Show notes

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

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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

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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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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

Show notes

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!”

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