The FCCMA Podcast

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.

Mark Nutsch, featured speaker at the 2026 FCCMA Conference,joins host Steve Vancore for a conversation about leadership under the most demanding conditions imaginable. A former U.S. Army Special Forces commander, Mark led a 12-man Green Beret team that was among the first deployed toAfghanistan in the days following the 9/11 attacks, an experience later portrayed in the film 12 Strong, where he was portrayed by Chris Hemsworth.Mark reflects on the leadership principles that guided himthrough that mission and how they apply to organizations of any kind. He makes a compelling case for collaborative partnership over going it alone, capturing it simply: if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together. It is a powerful conversation about trust, technical proficiency, and what it truly means to lead a team.

Norton Bonaparte, City Manager of Sanford, joins host SteveVancore to share lessons from nearly 15 years of leading the city. Norton is passionate about volunteerism and serves on numerous community boards, viewingthat engagement not as an add-on but as a core responsibility of being city manager — meeting residents where they are rather than always expecting them to come to city hall.The conversation covers Sanford's growing population of over70,000, the financial challenges of adding a new fire station to keep pace with that growth, and an ongoing campaign to help residents better understand what services their property taxes fund. Norton also discusses a workforce development initiative built in partnership with the HR director to create a training pipeline for current and aspiring supervisors, ensuring they have the tools they need before stepping into leadership roles.

Carolyn Stone, Deputy Town Manager of Palm Beach, joins hostSteve Vancore for a conversation about leadership, talent, and what it means to build a thriving government culture. Now in her fourth year as deputy town manager, Carolyn brings a background in parks and recreation and a deep passionfor performance management and talent recruitment.Carolyn reflects on why parks and recreation are often achild's first introduction to local government, and how that early connection shapes her philosophy today. She and Steve discuss the importance of giving the next generation meaningful, fulfilling work that lets them see their effortscome to life. Carolyn also shares some of the unique operational realities of Palm Beach, including why the town maintains three fire stations for roughly 9,500 residents, given the town's long, narrow geography.

Jessica Savidge, Administrative and Communications Manager for the Town of Palm Beach, joins host Steve Vancore to discuss how the town has professionalized its communications strategy to reach residents on their own terms. Jess shares how the town uses tools like the Axios "Smart Brevity" model and the CivicReady app, which uses geolocation technology to notify residents of emergencies. The conversation covers creative outreach efforts, such as the "bring your own device open house," where the town's technical team helps residents install apps and navigate digital tools. Jess also discusses the unique challenge of communicating for a town that carries both local and national attention as the home of President Trump, and how the team stays grounded in their guiding principle: “WIIFM,” or “What's in It For Me,” ensuring every message is directly relevant to residents.

Mike McGlothlin, City Manager of Palm Coast, discusses the opportunities and pressures that come with explosive growth. Palm Coast has grown from 32,000 to over 115,000 residents since 2000, and Mike shares how the city recently completed a $300 million utilities bond project to help keep pace with that demand.Drawing on his experience managing hurricane recovery in Redington Shores, where he oversaw recovery efforts for four storms in 18 months, Mike offers practical lessons on pre-storm planning, establishing multiple debris disposal sites, and keeping both community members and workers safe throughout the process. The conversation also addresses Palm Coast's 80-20 residential-to-commercialrevenue split, the potential budget implications of proposed increases to the homestead exemption, and Mike's positive experience contracting for law enforcement services through the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

Michael Dammer, Manager of Emerging Technology at Lakeland Electric, joins host Steve Vancore to discuss his role evaluating new technologies that fall outside traditional utility operations. Mike shares details on two current projects: a solar field partnership with Williams Company set to provide 12% of Lakeland Electric's portfolio, and a pilot with American Independent Power using thermal solar and liquid nitrogen technology for power generation.The conversation covers how falling costs and stable pricing through public-private partnerships have made solar increasingly viable, and how data analytics from smart meters are improving voltage regulation and predictive maintenance. Mike and Steve also tackle the growing demand for data centers, with Mike explainingthat while large-scale facilities present real infrastructure challenges, smaller ones could be absorbed within Lakeland Electric's current capacity.

Chuck Anderson, City Manager of Apalachicola and formerly City Manager of Treasure Island, joins host Steve Vancore as part of the podcast's emergency management series. Chuck stepped into the Treasure Island role on August 1st, 2024, and almost immediately faced three major storms in the span of roughly three months. His takeaway is straightforward: there is no such thing as being overprepared when it comes to storms.Chuck walks through the complexities of storm debris recovery, including how to communicate effectively with residents while staying FEMA compliant, a process with strict rules that determine whether a community gets reimbursed. He also discusses his current role in Apalachicola, where he has been navigating a water crisis stemming from both aerator and well failures, and the importance of coordinating with Franklin County and local law enforcement during emergencies. The conversation closes with a look at points of distribution, where residents can access essentials like tarps, food, ice, and batteries, and the responsibility cities have to care for those who couldn't evacuate.

Chuck Anderson, City Manager of Apalachicola and formerlyCity Manager of Treasure Island, joins host Steve Vancore as part of the podcast's emergency management series. Chuck stepped into the Treasure Island role on August 1st, 2024, and almost immediately faced three major storms in the span of roughly three months. His takeaway is straightforward: there is no such thing as being overprepared when it comes to storms.Chuck walks through the complexities of storm debrisrecovery, including how to communicate effectively with residents while staying FEMA compliant, a process with strict rules that determine whether a community gets reimbursed. He also discusses his current role in Apalachicola, where hehas been navigating a water crisis stemming from both aerator and well failures, and the importance of coordinating with Franklin County and local law enforcement during emergencies. The conversation closes with a look at points of distribution, where residents can access essentials like tarps, food, ice,and batteries, and the responsibility cities have to care for those who couldn't evacuate.

Zerry Ihekwaba, City Manager of Homestead, and Jaime Hernandez, Emergency Manager, join host Steve Vancore to share how Homestead dramatically improved its Florida FROC scores, which measure readiness in debris removal and emergency protective measures, climbing from the high 30s to 51 in both categories.They break down the city's debris management strategy, including pre-identified debris sites, zone-based vendor assignments, and detailed operational plans withmonitoring protocols. The conversation also covers the case for competitive procurement rather than piggybacking on other contracts, best practices for protecting infrastructure, practical evacuation guidance, and Homestead's plans for a new joint operations center to better serve Monroe County and surrounding municipalities.

Zerry Ihekwaba, City Manager of Homestead, and Jaime Hernandez, Emergency Manager, join host Steve Vancore to share how Homestead dramatically improved itsFlorida FROC scores, which measure readiness in debris removal and emergency protective measures, climbing from the high 30s to 51 in both categories.They break down the city's debris management strategy, including pre-identified debris sites, zone-based vendor assignments, and detailed operational plans withmonitoring protocols. The conversation also covers the case for competitive procurement rather than piggybacking on other contracts, best practices for protecting infrastructure, practical evacuation guidance, and Homestead's plans for a new joint operations center to better serve Monroe County and surrounding municipalities.

Commander CKMoore, Planning Section Chief of Hillsborough County's Office of Emergency Management, joins host Steve Vancore to share hard-won insights from a career spanning 27 years in the Coast Guard and three years with Hillsborough County. CK walks through what makes tabletop exercises truly effective, emphasizing the importance of bringing the right stakeholders together and using realistic scenarios that genuinely test emergency plans.The conversation covers Hillsborough County's experience with Hurricanes Debbie, Helene, and Milton, and how each storm exposed new challenges that drove improvements. CK also discusses technological innovations, including roboticdrain inspection systems and strategies for balancing emergency response with routine maintenance.

Dana Souza, City Manager ofSanibel, joins host Steve Vancore to walk through the critical steps cities must take before a storm makes landfall. Having started as city manager in September 2021, Dana led the city through the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Ian in 2022, and he draws on that experience to share practical advice on storm preparedness.Dana describes the tabletop exercises and community workshops his city conducts each year, bringingtogether staff, meteorologists, and county EOC specialists to help residents and property owners understand how their own preparation can meaningfully reduce a storm's impact. It's a candid conversation about readiness, resilience, andwhat it takes to protect a vulnerable coastal community.

In this episode, Crystal River City Manager Audra Curts shares her deep experience in hurricane preparedness and disaster recovery, with a special focus on the unique challenges small cities face. Audra reflects on being hit by Hurricane Helene just two days into the job, followed by Hurricane Milton a week later, and the flooding of City Hall from Hurricane Idalia before her arrival.Audra draws from her past roles in city and school district leadership, including her time as CFO for Polk County schools during the 2004 hurricanes. She explains how storm recovery often requires cities to front costs long before FEMA or insurance funds arrive, making financial reserves and intergovernmental cooperation essential.From managing recovery for over 160 school sites to navigating citywide disaster impacts, Audra encourages proactive planning, strong departmental coordination, and the importance of having flexible funding options ready. Her insights offer a valuable blueprint for local governments preparing for and responding to major storms.

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.

Mike Carballa, County Administrator of Pasco County, joins host Steve Vancore to share the leadership philosophy driving his tenure. Mike walks through his "people, purpose, and performance" framework — prioritizing employees, connecting them to the organization's mission of serving the community to create a better future, and empowering staff with autonomy and support. He details how this approach shifted Pasco County away from a command-and-control culture, lifting employee engagement scores from 30% to over 50%.Mike and Steve also cover the county's hurricane response, including innovative debris removal strategies and managing expectations with elected officials during emergencies. The conversation closes with a look at Pasco County's expansive park system and environmental preservation efforts, and why community-focused initiatives tend to earn strong voter support.

Chad Edwards, Borough Manager of Breckenridge, PA, joins host Steve Vancore to recount one of the most extraordinary disaster recovery challenges in recent municipal history. Before his current role, Chad served as village manager of East Palestine, Ohio, stepping into the position in the immediate aftermath of the 2023 train derailment that sent toxic chemicals spilling across the community, just outside city limits, with no village manager in place at the time it occurred.Chad reflects on the complex task of rebuilding a community divided between economic recovery and ongoing health concerns, and shares the leadership lessons he took from navigating a crisis not of his making. Steve and Chad also discuss how Pennsylvania's municipal classification system works and what it means to lead through disaster when a community's trust and health hang in the balance.

Heidi Siegel, Town Manager of Jupiter Inlet Colony, joins host Steve Vancore to offer a window into one of Florida's most unique municipalities. Founded in 1959 on the northern edge of Palm Beach County, the town is entirely residential — 267 homes and between 400 and 600 residents depending on the season — with a small but dedicated staff and a concierge-level approach to local government.Heidi joined the town in August 2024 as its first-ever town manager following a change to the town's charter. She and Steve discuss what it means to be a small-government specialist (not just a jack-of-all-trades but a master of all trades) and the distinctive demands and rewards of serving a tight-knit, high-expectation community.

Michael Pleus, City Manager of DeLand, joins host Steve Vancore to share his experience as an ICMA scholarship recipient for the Senior Executive Program for State and Local Government at Harvard University. Michael describes the month-long program in Cambridge, where participants spend the first two weeks building a leadership toolkit before applying it as consultants to real-world case studies brought by their cohort.With 26 years at the City of DeLand — 18 of them as city manager — Michael reflects on the value of learning alongside peers from 19 states, and how exposure to the wide variety of challenges facing communities across the country sharpened his own approach to local government leadership.

Keith Touchberry, City Manager of Cape Canaveral, joins host Steve Vancore to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of governing a city at the center of America's space industry. Keith shares how economic activity generated by space programs has reshaped the community, while introducing new concerns about noise and vibrations and their implications for building codes and infrastructure.Before becoming city manager, Keith served as police chief in Fellsmere, and he reflects on how crisis management skills from law enforcement translate directly into city government leadership. He and Steve also explore the role of ethics in public service, with Keith emphasizing that strong leadership means choosing the hard, right decision over the easy wrong one — and that protecting human health and safety must always come first.

Sarah Campbell, City Manager of Fernandina Beach and current FCCMA president, joins host Steve Vancore to discuss some of the most pressing financial challenges facing Florida municipalities. With her term ending in May 2026, Sarah reflects on her advocacy work, including testimony before the Florida legislature on how property taxes fund local government and the importance of transparency in the budget-building process.Sarah and Steve also dig into the ripple effects of the state-mandated minimum wage increase, particularly the wage compression it created among frontline workers, and what that means for cities trying to attract and retain talent.

Ifo Pili, City Manager of West Valley City, Utah, joins host Steve Vancore to share one of the most distinctive career journeys in local government — from professional football player to city manager. Ifo reflects on his experiences leading multiple cities, including Eagle Mountain and Las Cruces, and the philosophy that has guided him throughout: falling in love with every city he serves.Ifo and Steve explore the contrasting challenges of managing fast-growing cities versus built-out ones, and dive into economic development strategies, including how to attract data centers and other businesses. Ifo makes the case for post-performance incentives and shares the importance of removing friction so companies can easily say “yes” to calling a city home. It's an energizing conversation about leadership, community investment, and what drives the most effective managers in local government.

Host Steve Vancore talks with KellyWestlund, Deputy Administrator of Bay County, Wisconsin, about the real-worldchallenges of environmental infrastructure and how communities respond whencosts and growth collide. Kelly shares how aging septic systemsand population shifts are straining water quality in northern Wisconsin,drawing parallels to Florida’s septic-to-sewer debates. The conversationhighlights why environmental issues gain traction only when framed aroundtangible outcomes that residents value—clean water, reliable services, andcommunity resilience. They also discuss resistance to waterrate increases, renewable energy investments like solar microgrids in BayfieldCounty, and the difficulty of advancing affordable housing amid NIMBY concerns.The episode underscores a central theme: technical solutions matter, but clear,locally grounded messaging is what turns long-term needs into public support.

Carlos Sanchez joins host SteveVancore to share his transition from military service to a leadership role inPanama City through the ICMA Veterans Local Government Management Fellowship.During his four-month fellowship, Carlos worked across departments, contributedto safety improvements, and helped shape policy for a new recreation center. Now serving as Utility OperationsManager, Carlos oversees wastewater, underground utilities, and lift stations.He and Steve discuss how the fellowship program offers a valuable, low-risk wayfor cities to onboard transitioning service members while strengthening theirworkforce.

In this episode, host Steve Vancorespeaks with Dale Pazdra and Kathy Reul about Coral Springs’ long-runningleadership development and succession planning program. Launched in 2007, theprogram features in-person training, monthly mentoring themes, andcross-departmental exposure, all through a competitive application process. Theresult has been a strong internal leadership pipeline, with many departmentheads rising through the program. Dale and Kathy explain how CoralSprings has sustained the initiative for nearly two decades through regularparticipant feedback, a focus on employee engagement, and an organizationalculture committed to growth. The program has helped reduce turnover, savetraining costs, and strengthen collaboration across departments.

Motivational speaker and author Ryan Leak joins host Steve Vancore to share practical strategies for improvingorganizational performance and personal development. Reflecting on his recent presentation at the Florida League of Cities conference, Ryan offers insights for leaders managing complex, board-governed organizations, with a focus on policy implementation, budgeting, and long-term impact. The conversation explores the power of a growth mindset, the quiet influence of community contributors, and the value of empathy in local leadership. Ryan and Steve also dive into the challenge of staying focused in a noisy, polarized environment, sharing stories and habits that help leaders reduce distractions and prioritize meaningful work.

Michael Sargis, City Manager of North Lauderdale, brings nearly four decades of local government experience to this conversation with podcast host Steve Vancore. From starting as a college intern to serving as Parks and Recreation Director for 29 years, Michael now leads a city of 46,000 residents in just five square miles. He discusses the city’s “PROUD” initiative—Professionalism, Respect, Outreach, Unity, and Dedication—and the impact it has had on internal culture, career development, and service delivery.

Taco Pope, County Administrator of Nassau County, Florida, joins host Steve Vancore to reflect on his 20-year journey from urban planner to county leader. He explains how his background in planning has shaped his approach to managing one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties, where long-term vision, infrastructure, and water management are central concerns.Pope shares insights into Nassau County’s rapid transformation, particularly in areas near Jacksonville and Amelia Island. He discusses how population growth and in-migration have brought new expectations, shifted voting patterns, and increased the urgency for proactive planning. Initiatives like the 2050 Vision Plan and the Western Nassau Heritage Preservation Program are examples of how the county is balancing growth with quality of life.

Richard Reade, Town Manager of Lake Park, joins thepodcast to discuss his public service journey from rural Okeechobee County to urban Palm Beach County. Drawing on his experience as a public informationofficer in Delray Beach, Richard shares his insights on city-county tension, the limitations counties face, and how cities can advocate more effectively for themselves. He also reflects on the early days of social media and the role it continues to play in public communication.

Eric Williams, City Manager of Inverness, shares the city’s guiding principle: plan, fund, execute. He and host Steve Vancore discuss the importance of strategic project planning in preserving Inverness’s small-town charm while encouraging economic growth. Eric reflects on his nearly seven years as assistant city manager, his focus on bringing private investment into Citrus County’s seat, and his perspective on balancing introspective governance with business-like efficiency. The episode also touches on home rule and Inverness’s proactive approach to state relations.

Crestview Mayor JB Whitten shares his story of helpingusher in a new era of professional management for his city. JB explains how his time on the council revealed inefficiencies caused by a lack of centralized leadership. He led efforts to educate residents on the value of the council-manager system, eventually helping Crestview hire its first city manager in 2019. With a 30-year career in the Air Force and training from IEMO, JB brings disciplined leadership and a long-term vision to the mayor's office.

John Eason, Deputy City Manager of Wauchula, joins host Steve Vancore to share his career journey from military service and law enforcement to city administration. After serving as Chief of Police, John transitioned into local government leadership, driven by a commitment to public service and community impact.He discusses balancing visible projects, such as parks and roundabouts, with essential infrastructure needs, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and equitable service delivery. John also highlights the importance of communication, public trust, and ensuring that staff are equipped to meet resident expectations.Through a servant leadership lens, John offers practical insights for managing growth, navigating priorities, and leading with integrity in local government.

Dale Martin, City Manager of Flagler Beach, joins host Steve Vancore to discuss his transition from Connecticut to Florida and his love of board games (he owns more than 600!). Dale draws parallels between the complexity of board games and the skills needed to manage a city effectively, including strategy, adaptation, and foresight. The conversation also explores the importance of having an exit strategy in city management, particularly given the political nature of the role and the challenges that can come unexpectedly.

In the 200th episode of the FCCMA Podcast, host Steve Vancore is joined by Casey Cook, Executive Director of FCCMA and Chief of Legislative Affairs for the Florida League of Cities, for a timely and critical conversation about the future of local government in Florida. Casey outlines the growing legislative threats to property tax revenues, warning of a potential existential crisis for municipalities if core funding sources are undermined.Casey offers practical and actionable advice for local government leaders on how to push back against these threats by clearly communicating the value of city services. He stresses the importance of educating residents about the essential functions cities provide and the consequences of reducing local government funding. The episode delivers a candid update on the current policy landscape in Tallahassee. As FCCMA celebrates 200 episodes, Casey reminds listeners that the work of local government is not just essential, it is worth protecting, and it is time for leaders to stand together.

In this episode, Ed Mitchell shares his journey transitioning from city administrator to private sector executive, highlighting the professional challenges and transferable skills that shaped his path. Now Senior Vice President at U.S. Water, Ed discusses how he overcame early setbacks and built a career serving local governments from a different angle.Ed and Steve explore Florida’s pressing water infrastructure issues, from saltwater intrusion to underfunded sewer systems. They highlight real-world examples like Fort Pierce and Longboat Key, emphasizing the need for proactive investment and long-term planning to avoid costly failures.

County Administrator Howard Wanamaker joins host Steve Vancore to discuss his unique path from naval pilot to local government leadership. Drawing on military and private-sector experience, Howard shares how principles like standardization, accountability, and performance tracking shape his approach to county management.He reflects on applying business strategies to public service, using KPIs and strategic planning to guide decisions. The conversation also covers Clay County’s growth, including major infrastructure projects and efforts to attract employers through personal engagement and the county’s strategic location.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Keynote speaker Kyle Scheele, known as the “Patron Saint ofCrazy Ideas,” shares why creativity thrives not in limitless freedom, but within real-world constraints. Drawing from his FCCMA 2025 keynote, Kyle encourages local government leaders to embrace limited time, tight budgets, and small teams as the conditions where great ideas are born. He urges listeners to build environments where “lightning strikes more often” by combining existing ideas in new ways and making space for creativity to flourish.

Tracey Stevens, Town Administrator and Finance Director ofHaverhill, Florida, shares the financial realities of managing a town of just over 2,000 residents. With the majority of their budget reliant on property taxes, Tracey and her team are exploring alternative revenue sources and maintaining a one-year reserve fund. She also discusses the town’s use of the Civic Ready app, which delivers emergency messages, meeting alerts, and event updates directly to residents.

Mark Cunningham, immediate past president of FCCMA, discusses Sarasota county’s back-to-back storm recovery efforts in 2024. He explains the unique challenges of post-storm debris management, including how contaminated sand must be carefully handled. Mark also covers the importance of clear public communication and proactive preparation before, during, and after storms to keep residents safe and informed.

Charlie Van Zant, former City Manager of Keystone Heights, brings a diverse leadership background from military service and public education to his role in city government. He shares how Keystone Heights effectively leverages its Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), covering half the city, to support local projects. Charlie offers advice to other city leaders about getting involved with the Florida League of Cities and advocating at the state level to ensure small cities are heard.