PODCAST

The FCCMA Podcast

FCCMA

Conversations with city and county leaders about local issues

government

All Episodes

00:45:48

Episode #214: Keith Touchberry – Balancing Space...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2026/04/09

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

00:43:45

Episode #213: Sarah Campbell – Property Taxes, Wage...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2026/03/26

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

00:44:17

Episode #212: Ifo Pili – From the NFL to City Hall: A...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2026/03/19

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

00:44:41

Episode #211: Kelly Westlund – Environmental...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2026/03/12

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

00:37:17

Episode #210: Carlos Sanchez and Jared Jones – From...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2026/03/05

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

00:39:13

Episode #209: Dale Pazdra and Kathy Ruhle –...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2026/02/19

In this episode, host Steve Vancorespeaks with Dale Pazdra and Kathy Ruhle 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

00:54:58

Episode #208: Ryan Leak – Focus, Growth, and Leading...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2026/02/13

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,

00:32:05

Episode #207: Michael Sargis – Building Culture and...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2026/02/05

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

00:37:54

Episode #206 Taco Pope: – Planning for Growth and...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2026/01/22

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

00:36:11

Episode #205: Richard Reade – Advocating for Cities...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2026/01/15

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.

00:37:44

Episode #204: Eric Williams – Planning, Funding, and...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2026/01/08

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

00:25:55

Episode #203: JB Whitten – Leading Crestview Through...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2025/12/18

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

00:31:26

Episode #202: John Eason – From Law Enforcement to...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2025/12/15

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

00:30:20

Episode #201: Dale Martin – Strategic Leadership and...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2025/12/04

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

00:56:36

Episode #200: Casey Cook – Defending Local Government...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2025/11/20

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

00:48:25

Episode #199: Ed Mitchell – From City Hall to the...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2025/11/13

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

00:49:45

Episode #198: Howard Wanamaker – From the Cockpit to...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2025/11/06

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

00:41:07

Episode #197 Lee Feldman – Rethinking Governance,...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2025/10/23

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

00:36:55

Episode #196: Kathleen Gunn – Supporting the Soul of...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2025/10/16

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

00:47:42

Episode #195: Steve Kennedy – Leading Green Cove...

The FCCMA Podcast ·

2025/10/09

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

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