Episode #229: Dr. James Poag – Organizational Leadership and a New Chapter in Florida City

Dr. James Poag, City Manager of Florida City, joins hostSteve Vancore to discuss his first seven months leading a city that recently transitioned from a strong mayor form of government to a commission/manager structure. Drawing on his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and Higher Education Management and his prior experience as Strategic Administrative Officer at Miami Gardens, Dr. Poag shares what it takes to step into a new leadership role and hit the ground running.Dr. Poag discusses the similarities and differences betweenhis previous role and leading a team of 147 in Florida City, and how he stays as accessible to the community as possible while managing the demands of thejob. He credits time management and a strong staff as the keys to balancing both. The conversation also covers the city's shift to a four-day, 10-hour workweek, which has extended service hours and improved community access, a practical example of how thoughtful organizational changes can benefit residents directly.