The FCCMA Podcast

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...

At just 25 years old, Koby Townsend holds the position of City Manager in DeFuniak Springs. Starting as a city clerk at age 22, Koby discusses his rapid career progression and the mentors who believed in him. He reflects with podcast host Steve on the vital role of mistakes in personal and professional growth, offering strategies for effectively managing setbacks. A devoted listener of the FCCMA p...

In this episode of the New Council Transition Series, podcast host Steve Vancore speaks with Joseph Yarbrough, a seasoned city manager from Volusia County, focusing on the crucial onboarding process for newly elected officials. Joe discusses his approach to aligning campaign promises with municipal responsibilities and emphasizes the necessity of understanding the roles within local governance. Th...

With experience in seven cities, Jamie Titcomb discusses the dynamics of handling city council turnovers. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the unique needs of each council member while advancing city objectives. Jamie advocates for setting clear goals in initial meetings and adhering strictly to the rules to achieve desired outcomes.

2024 FLC Employee of the Year and recent retiree, Lynn Tipton, explores the challenges of council transitions. Discussing strategies for engaging with newly elected members, Lynn highlights the importance of understanding their communication preferences and goals. She suggests watching other councils’ public meetings and utilizing orientation checklists from FCCMA to avoid common pitfalls.

Former Satellite Beach City Manager Courtney Barker discusses the impact of PFAS chemicals from a nearby space force base, the difficulties of remediation and the economic significance of the base to Satellite Beach. Courtney emphasizes the importance of doing things right the first time and discusses measures like implementing paid beach parking driven by community needs.

Jorge Gonzalez, Village Manager of Bal Harbour in Miami-Dade County, shares his experiences managing one of the most successful malls in the world. Jorge believes that being a city manager requires courage, confidence, and conviction – the three Cs. He talks about the challenging positions he has encountered in his career and the importance of adhering to an ethical code.

Olivia Minshew has been the City Manager of Wauchula since 2023 and has been with the City for nearly 20 years. In this episode, Olivia discusses the City’s process of moving to direct deposit and the significant time savings it ultimately brought to her employees. She outlines the change steps involved, which included awareness, preparation, and communication. Olivia also talks about breaking dow...

Crystal Washington works with clients to help them identify potential futures and prepare for them. In this episode, she discusses dealing with current problems while making time for future planning, such as scheduling time to be curious. She emphasizes the importance of horizon scanning, looking for small signals amid the noise, and distinguishing trends. Crystal recommends the book “Factfulness,...

Jacksonville Beach City Manager Mike Staffopoulos joins the FCCMA podcast this week to discuss the transformation of Jax Beach through strategic planning, the draw to the area, and what is to come. All the dynamics involved in urban development with a stable infrastructure are also discussed. 

Are you managing your city’s long-term plan better than you are managing your own? In this episode, we speak with FCCMA Senior Advisor Pam Brangaccio. She discusses her experience planning for retirement and how to get started if you don’t have a plan! 

This episode features City of Palm Coast City Manager Denise Bevan. She focused on Ecology in college and began her professional career at an environmental consulting firm in St. Augustine. In 2007 she began work with the City of Palm Coast, which recruited her because they wanted someone on staff specifically focused on the environment. Bevan helped develop a land development code for the city.

In this episode, Assistant City Manager Michelle del Valle from Winter Park explores the importance of giving people victories. She discusses various initiatives, including park and library creation, addressing resistance to change within communities and building consensus through feedback from dissenting residents. Michelle recommends starting discussions with concepts to ensure that everyone's v...

In this episode, Scott Dudley, who recently retired after 22 years with the Florida League of Cities, reflects on his career and shares insights on citizen advocacy. Scott highlights his involvement in the  Local Voices United  program, which encourages citizens to engage in local issues that directly impact their communities. He emphasizes the importance of home rule and building strong relations...