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.
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.
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.
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.
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.