Happy New Year, everyone! I know it seems like folks are more relieved that 2020 is over than looking forward to the possibilities of 2021, but I can tell you that the staff and the board of directors are genuinely excited about the opportunities ahead of us! And, what better way than to start off the year, but with an inaugural event! Well, I guess it’s not inaugural by the strict definition, but I am talking about FCCMA’s first ever virtual Winter Institute! It will feature some of the best in local government management and crisis communications, and the Winter Institute Committee worked hard to ensure that the networking opportunities are as close to an in-person version as they can be.
In other exciting news, FCCMA has partnered with VancoreJones Communications to give you The FCCMA Podcast! The initial podcasts were released on Monday, January 25th, and can be listened to here. If you have not already tuned in, the first episode, Overcoming COVID-19 Challenges, stars your favorite virtual FCCMA president… me. In the episode, I discuss the strategies implemented in Clearwater to support our staff and community’s mental and physical well-being during the pandemic. Now please don’t judge things on the first episode, because then we have some real superstars, beginning with an episode titled Women in Local Government, which stars former FCCMA President Jill Silverboard. Jill will discuss the research that she, Sarah Hannah-Spurlock, and others have conducted on the barriers to women in CEO positions in local government. In the third episode, Military Service Meets Local Government, Shawn Sherrouse, City Manager, Lakeland, reflects on the impact of his service in the Marine Corp and how it shaped him, and many others, into a dedicated public servant. And last, but never least, is former FCCMA President Bobby Green in an episode titled Mentoring the Next Generation. Bobby will discuss the keys to strong mentorship, and the impact young professionals can have in an organization with involved mentors. I have listened to all of these, except my own (I tried, but the sound of my own voice… I just couldn’t do it), and they are all wonderful opportunities to expand your perspectives by listening to some folks with unique experiences.
In closing, we are now receiving self-nominations for FCCMA Board of Directors positions. The Secretary/Treasurer position and one At-Large Director position are open, and the deadline for self-nominations is February 4, 2021. Whether you like or dislike the direction of the association, this is your opportunity to help shape our future and it’s a wonderful experience.
Be safe, be well, and lets all do our part to ensure a great 2021!
