The FCCMA Podcast

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...

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 mo...

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 e...

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 “lightnin...

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 emerg...

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 a...

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 Flori...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 legislato...

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...

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 ref...

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 highligh...

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 respons...

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...

In this episode, podcast host Steve Vancore chats with retired city manager  Mike Abels  about tackling unconventional challenges in city management. They discuss how modern issues often require adaptive solutions beyond traditional hierarchical methods. Emphasizing the importance of situational awareness and interagency communication, they explore how decentralizing decision-making can help addre...

In this episode, Steve Vancore and FLC Chief of Insurance and Financial Services Chris Krepcho delve into the complexities of risk management within local government. They discuss how risk tolerance varies significantly based on factors like city size, financial reserves, and the unpredictability of certain risks like workers' compensation. The conversation highlights the importance of periodi...

With an impressive 45-year career in local government, Mark Ryan, who spent 41 of those years as a city manager, shares his journey and insights. Mark, a recipient of the FLC Home Rule Award and a proponent of legislation that has recently allowed cities and counties to regulate smoking in municipal parks, discusses his leadership approach. His main goal has been to ensure that elected officials a...

In this engaging episode, Steve talks with Josh Starr, the USF ICMA Student Body President, about the critical role mentorship and professional development play in the realm of city management. They explore how student chapters significantly contribute to shaping future city managers, offering them a platform for growth and professional networking. Josh emphasizes the benefits of ICMA fellowships...

John Drury, City Manager of Tavares, discusses his transition from airport director to city manager and his efforts in developing sustainable economic programs for underserved communities. He explains the transformation of Tavares into America’s Seaplane City, emphasizing the crucial link between vision and effective implementation.

In this special release episode, we pay tribute to the late Dan Kleman, a revered public administrator whose resume included roles as city manager of Tallahassee and Hillsborough County Administrator. Dan passed away on February 12, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional leadership in municipal governance. This episode uniquely features excerpts from Dan’s participation in the Florida City a...

Raoul Lavin has spent three decades in local government, nowcollaborating with FCCMA and teaching at Florida State University’s Askew School of Public Administration. Starting as a budget office analyst in Tallahassee and rising to Assistant City Manager, Raoul joins podcast host Steve Vancore toexplore the intergenerational dynamics in the workforce and advise young professionals navigating their...

Brian R. Moree, City Manager of Atlantis in Palm Beach County,shares his insights on effective delegation. With over six and a half years in this role, following a 20-year tenure by his predecessor, Brian encountered a lack of structure and empowerment among city staff. He discusses his approach to fostering autonomy and capability by being realistic about the responsibilities assigned to his team...