Claim OwnershipThe FCCMA Podcast
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Conversations with city and county leaders about local issues
238 Episodes
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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.
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