The FCCMA Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode #197 Lee Feldman – Rethinking Governance, Language, and Community Engagement Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

Lee Feldman, former city manager and now principal at the Euclid Group, joins host Steve Vancore to explore how strategic advisory work can strengthen the connection between government and the development community. Lee introduces the idea of the “toposcrat,” a keeper of place, offering a fresh perspective on public service that focuses on stewardship rather than bureaucracy.

The conversation covers the power of language in shaping public perception, with Lee emphasizing how using terminology such as “child protection” instead of “child welfare” can influence community trust and engagement. They also reflect on zoning systems, the evolving demands on city managers, and the strain caused by social media’s influence on local discourse.

Episode #196: Kathleen Gunn – Supporting the Soul of City Management: Well-Being and Innovation Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

Kathleen Gunn, former Deputy Village Manager of Miami Shores, joins host Steve Vancore to explore how local government leaders can better care for their emotional and spiritual well-being. She proposes chaplaincy services for city managers—distinct from counseling—to address moral and emotional challenges in public leadership.

They discuss work-life balance, the pressures of public scrutiny, and Kathleen’s own wellness practices, including meditation and morning routines. The episode also touches on the dual role of artificial intelligence in municipal operations—either as a helpful tool for communication or a new layer of complexity, depending on how it’s used.

Episode #195: Steve Kennedy – Leading Green Cove Springs with Purpose and Practical Growth Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

Steve Kennedy, City Manager of Green Cove Springs, joins host Steve Vancore to share his unexpected journey from near-retirement in Georgia to leading one of Florida’s fastest-growing small cities. Drawing from his background in accounting and youth sports coaching, Kennedy explains his team-building philosophy: assess individual strengths and place people in roles where they can succeed, even if it means reshuffling original expectations. He emphasizes building strong, skill-based teams as a key to effective leadership in local government.

The episode also explores Green Cove Springs’ strategic growth, supported by its proximity to Jacksonville and enhanced by major infrastructure projects like the First Coast Expressway. Kennedy discusses the city’s unique position as a more affordable, well-connected alternative to surrounding areas, and how he prefers managing planned, systematic growth over chasing expansion.

Episode #194: John Boehm – Building Talent Pipelines Through Local Government Internships Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

John Boehm, Assistant to the City Manager at Palm Beach Gardens, joins host Steve Vancore to discuss the success of the FCCMA municipal internship program and its impact on both students and host communities. John shares his city's positive experience hosting an intern who contributed to an economic development project while gaining real-world exposure to public service through shadowing and team engagement.

The conversation highlights the value of paid, structured internships as a tool for both workforce development and internal staff inspiration. John reflects on his own career path through an FCCMA internship and emphasizes the importance of mentorship, matching intern skills with project needs, and providing meaningful, hands-on work.

The two discuss the competitive nature of the FCCMA’s stipend-based internship funding program, which encourages cities to create and prioritize internship opportunities. They underline how these programs strengthen the talent pipeline and help local governments meet staffing needs while cultivating the next generation of public leaders.

Episode #193: Jeff Hendry – The Role of FSU’s Institute of Government in Local Leadership Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

Jeff Hendry, Executive Director of the Institute of Government (IOG) at Florida State University, joins the podcast to share how the IOG has evolved since its creation by the Florida Legislature in 1980. With over three decades of leadership at the helm, Jeff explains how the institute supports local governments—especially small cities—through training, research, and capacity-building programs.

The conversation explores the broader concept of economic development. Jeff discusses how cities can work toward long-term sustainability by aligning community goals with workforce needs, infrastructure planning, and strong leadership. This episode offers valuable insight into how local governments can build resilience and thrive through strategic education and development efforts.

Episode #192: Don Fisher – Investing in Osceola County’s Future Through Education, Infrastructure, and Innovation Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Osceola County Manager Don Fisher shares how bold investments in education and infrastructure are helping reshape the county’s economic future. He highlights the Osceola Prosper program, which offers full scholarships to all high school graduates for Valencia College or Osceola Technical College, regardless of income or academic performance. The initiative includes flexible attendance options and workforce-aligned programs like semiconductor training, supported by partnerships with Valencia and the creation of Neo City Academy, a top-rated STEM high school.

Don also discusses the county’s broader economic strategy, focused on diversifying beyond tourism and agriculture by attracting high-tech industries and boosting job creation. With a long-term vision that includes future cities and an international airport, Don is committed to improving Osceola’s regional standing while reducing unemployment and expanding opportunity for residents.

Episode #191: Michele Lieberman – Strategic Planning and Seeing Local Government’s Impact Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Michele Lieberman, County Manager of Alachua County, reflects on over a decade of service in the county and her transition from attorney to manager. Michele shares how the county’s strategic planning process gives staff a clearer sense of purpose, aligning programs with community needs and board goals. For her, the most rewarding part of the job is seeing even small decisions improve lives, especially when tied to critical infrastructure and community-wide impact.

Episode #190: Julia Novak – Local Government as the Foundation of Civil Society Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

Julia Novak, CEO of ICMA, explains why local government isessential to a functioning society. She outlines the four pillars of public administration—economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and equity—and shares how ICMA supports nearly 14,000 members worldwide through ethical guidance, credentialing, and networking. A lifelong ICMA member, Julia reflects on the value of staying connected and grounded in the profession’s core principles.

Episode #189: Mark Zeigler – Serving the Public with Joy and Purpose Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

Mark Zeigler, FCCMA Conference 2025 keynote speaker, speaks about finding joy in public service despite rising negativity and social media hostility. Drawing inspiration from leaders like John Thrasher, Mark emphasizes the importance of connection and presence in community engagement. Known for reading every graduate’s name at Florida State’s commencement, he shares how honoring each individual moment is key to meaningful public service.

Episode #188: Jim Gleason – Engaging Residents and Overcoming Negativity in Local Government Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Jim Gleason, City Administrator of Lake Helen, discusses thechallenges of navigating negativity in small-town governance, where the loudest voices often dominate. He explains how Lake Helen is using the Savvy Citizen app to improve communication, keep residents informed, and build trust. The city sends real-time alerts on weather, traffic, and city updates, helping to foster a more connected and engaged community.

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