The FCCMA Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Episode #178: Randy Knight – Powering the Future: How Winter Park Took Charge of Its Electric Utility May 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the FCCMA Podcast, host Steve Vancore speaks with Randy Knight, City Manager of Winter Park, about the city's historic decision to acquire its electric utility—a move that reshaped local control and reliability.

Randy shares insights from his early leadership role as assistant city manager, when he led the feasibility study and public campaign that culminated in a successful referendum, with 69% of voters supporting the acquisition. He walks listeners through the challenges and political gridlock leading up to the decision, as well as the long-term benefits that followed—including improved storm recovery and reliability through underground power lines.

The conversation also covers the growing tension between public and private utilities, with Randy reflecting on the implications for other cities considering similar transitions. He and Steve discuss the broader importance of stable leadership—Randy has served Winter Park for 33 years—and the role of alternative revenue sources like municipal utilities in light of potential shifts in property tax policy.

Episode #177: Debbie Manns – Balancing the Demands of City Management with Personal Well-Being May 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the FCCMA Podcast, host Steve Vancore sits down with Debbie Manns, City Manager of New Port Richey, to discuss the challenges and importance of maintaining work-life balance in the demanding world of city management.

Debbie shares insights from her four-decade career in public service, reflecting on the struggle to balance self-sufficiency with effective delegation. She highlights the role of personal networking, continuous education, and professional development—culminating in her recent achievement of becoming an ICMA Credentialed Manager.

Through candid reflections and practical advice, this episode offers valuable lessons on sustainability, resilience, and personal growth in the field of city management.

Episode #176: Vince Long - When the Urgent Overtakes the Important for Elected Officials May 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Steve Vancore sits down with Vince Long, County Administrator for Leon County, to discuss the evolving challenges faced by city managers and county administrators over the last two decades. The conversation highlights the significant changes in the role of elected officials, emphasizing how the constant pressure to address urgent issues often sidelines crucial, fundamental responsibilities. Vince reflects on the increased complexity of problems, tighter constraints, and the deeply personal implications of decisions in public office. He offers a stark observation: "This business eats the best and the brightest for breakfast if you don't understand the effective council-manager relationship," underscoring the critical need for effective leadership and strategic foresight in government roles. This episode provides an insightful look into the pressures and responsibilities that define modern public administration.

Episode #175: Carmen Rosamonda - Transforming DeBary: A Model of Strategic City Planning Carmen Apr 24, 2025

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In this episode, host Steve and guest Carmen Rosamonda explore how DeBary strategically contracted services to improve efficiency and developed a high-density zoning district.
They also cover the master plan that turned disorganized growth into a cohesive, vibrant Main Street and discuss community building through public spaces and multimodal transportation. Carmen, transitioning from commissioner to city manager, shares insights on aligning city governance with clear, measurable goals for community safety and development. This episode offers a snapshot of DeBary's innovative approaches to urban planning and governance.

Episode #174: Mike Abels - Adaptive Solutions in Modern Organizations Apr 18, 2025

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In this episode, podcast host Steve Vancore chats with retired city manager Mike Abels about tackling unconventional challenges in city management. They discuss how modern issues often require adaptive solutions beyond traditional hierarchical methods. Emphasizing the importance of situational awareness and interagency communication, they explore how decentralizing decision-making can help address the societal polarization exacerbated by biased media and a decline in local news consumption.

The conversation also touches on the necessity of collaboration in governance, with Mike citing historical successes and failures to illustrate effective and ineffective strategies. They conclude by discussing the challenges posed by disruptive commissioners and the potential role of educational initiatives like citizens' academies in fostering a better understanding of democratic processes. This episode offers a condensed look at innovative management strategies for today's complex governmental landscape.

Episode #173: Chris Krepcho - Managing Risk in Local Government Apr 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Steve Vancore and FLC Chief of Insurance and Financial Services Chris Krepcho delve into the complexities of risk management within local government. They discuss how risk tolerance varies significantly based on factors like city size, financial reserves, and the unpredictability of certain risks like workers' compensation. The conversation highlights the importance of periodically reassessing risk strategies to adapt to changing costs and conditions.

The duo also explores the role of leadership in shaping risk tolerance, noting that some city leaders are more willing to accept risks for potential gains, while others prefer to transfer risks entirely. They touch upon the challenges faced by municipalities in managing insurance rates influenced by global events and local disasters like hurricanes.

Episode #172: Mark Ryan – Not Every Pitch is a Strike Apr 03, 2025

Show notes

With an impressive 45-year career in local government, Mark Ryan, who spent 41 of those years as a city manager, shares his journey and insights. Mark, a recipient of the FLC Home Rule Award and a proponent of legislation that has recently allowed cities and counties to regulate smoking in municipal parks, discusses his leadership approach. His main goal has been to ensure that elected officials are well-prepared and equally informed, a strategy that has helped him manage expectations and maintain smooth operations within city governance.

Episode #171: Josh Starr - Mentorship and Professional Development in City Management Mar 21, 2025

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In this engaging episode, Steve talks with Josh Starr, the USF ICMA Student Body President, about the critical role mentorship and professional development play in the realm of city management. They explore how student chapters significantly contribute to shaping future city managers, offering them a platform for growth and professional networking. Josh emphasizes the benefits of ICMA fellowships and other supportive resources that enhance student involvement and learning, preparing them for successful careers in public administration.

Episode #170: John Drury – A Vision Without Implementation is a Hallucination Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

John Drury, City Manager of Tavares, discusses his transition from airport director to city manager and his efforts in developing sustainable economic programs for underserved communities. He explains the transformation of Tavares into America’s Seaplane City, emphasizing the crucial link between vision and effective implementation.

Honoring a Legacy: Dan Kleman’s Insights on Leadership Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

In this special release episode, we pay tribute to the late Dan Kleman, a revered public administrator whose resume included roles as city manager of Tallahassee and Hillsborough County Administrator. Dan passed away on February 12, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional leadership in municipal governance.

This episode uniquely features excerpts from Dan’s participation in the Florida City and County Management Association's Future Manager’s Virtual Bootcamp series. Extracted from the video sessions, these segments showcase Dan addressing critical topics in public administration: onboarding new elected officials, managing relationships with elected officials, navigating crises, and handling irreconcilable differences. His strategic and nuanced approach provides invaluable guidance for current and future city managers.

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