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 BeachGardens, 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, structuredinternships 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’sstipend-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.
Pinellas County Administrator Barry Burton and Hillsborough County Chief Human Services Administrator Carl Harness join the show to discuss their shared commitment to regional cooperation in the Tampa Bay area. They highlight their partnership with Pasco County, regular joint meetings between commissioners and staff, and the importance of working across county lines to tackle shared challenges. As co-hosts of the upcoming ICMA Annual Conference in Tampa, Barry and Carl also preview what attendees can expect. With registration open in June and the conference set for late October, they aim to break previous attendance records and emphasize the event’s value for professional development and networking across all levels of local government. The conversation also touches on broader trends in city and county management, from the rising importance of professional communication teams to the evolving nature of citizen engagement. Barry and Carl note that while counties differ in size and challenges, many priorities—like water management, infrastructure, and public trust—are shared, making the ICMA conference a critical space for learning and collaboration.
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.
In this episode, host Steve Vancore talks with Craig Fugate, former FEMA Administrator and Florida Emergency Management Director, about his career journey from firefighter to national crisis leader. Craig explains how leadership in emergency management hinges more on trust and competence than politics, and why pragmatism is essential for navigating changing administrations.
Craig shares practical guidance for city and county administrators, outlining three core responsibilities in any emergency: issuing public warnings, coordinating evacuations, and providing shelter. He stresses the importance of clear communication about evacuation zones and building strong coordination among city, county, and agency partners. His advice: treat your entire workforce as part of the emergency team, and routinely test and update your plans to stay ready when disaster strikes.
In this episode, host Steve Vancore speaks with St. Pete Beach City Manager Frances Robustelli about thethe vital role of communications in public safety, especially during storm season. They explore how leveraging multiple platforms—from social media to trustedcommunity leaders—can build public trust and ensure that timely, accurate information reaches residents when it's needed most.
Frances shares her real-world experience managing storm recovery, including the importance of clearmessaging, documenting conditions, and proactive coordination with contractors, particularly for debris removal. She also underscores the value of strong vendor relationships and around-the-clock communication to accelerate recoveryefforts.
Frances highlights the need for emotional support, space for residents to share their experiences, and transparent town hall discussions. Together, she and Steve reflect on how effective communication strategies are essential not just for safety, but for community resilience.
In this episode, Steve Vancore and guest Ed Cook, City Manager for the City of Callaway, discuss the intricacies of rebuilding cities after disasters, with a particular focus on securing grants and managing city finances. Ed outlines his proactive approach to grant writing, leveraging his deep understanding of the city's needs and forming strong relationships with state officials and legislators to streamline the process. He shares how personal connections and expert collaboration enhance the effectiveness of their grant applications.
The conversation also touches on the importance of financial reserves and transparency, which Ed credits for his city’s ability to quickly repay loans and sustain public trust post-disaster. They explore the strategic use of reserves and the benefits of clear financial planning.
Ken Parker, a longtime FCCMA Senior Advisor who has been retired for 10 years, joins us for a live interview at the FCCMA 2024 Annual Conference. Ken moved from Arkansas to Port Orange in Volusia County and discusses his experience in buying 10,000 acres for Port Orange to support the municipality’s growth. Additionally, Ken shares the unique experience of having an alien eradication specialist on his staff and provides fascinating insights into his diverse career.
