Each year, FCCMA recognizes leaders in the profession who have demonstrated professionalism and service within the field of public management. Nominated and selected by their peers, award recipients were recognized during the 2026 Annual Conference at the Hilton Orlando, 6001 Destination Parkway in Orlando from May 27 – 30, 2026.
The 2027 award nominations will open in Fall 2026. For questions, contact staff at fccma@flcities.com.
Ken Parker, Port Orange
Kelvin Baker, Miramar
Jeremy Allen, Tequesta
Dallas Lee, Newberry
Nicole Delfino, Dunedin
Are you currently earning a degree in public administration and committed to pursuing a career in local government management? Check out these exclusive scholarship opportunities.
The FCCMA is committed to supporting students pursuing education and careers in Public Administration. We offer up to four academic-based scholarships: the B. Harold Farmer Scholarship ($5,000), the Raymond C. Sittig Scholarship ($5,000), and two Aspiring Professional Manager Scholarships ($2,500 each). Recipients are chosen based on students’ ability to demonstrate their understanding and support of local government management and the principals on which each of these scholarships were founded.
All scholarship recipients will receive conference registration, hotel and $300 to cover travel and other expenses to attend the FCCMA Annual Conference June 2 – 5, 2027 where they will be recognized for their achievements and given the opportunity to network with 200+ professional managers from across the state. The scholarships also include a one-year complimentary membership to the FCCMA and to the International City/County Management Association (ICMA).
ELIGIBILITY
Enrollment during the fall of 2027, with at least twelve academic hours remaining of the award year in pursuit of a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Public Administration or related field that demonstrates a commitment to local government management in an accredited program on a Florida campus or in an accredited online program and must live in Florida and/or work for a Florida local government.
Qualifying students must submit a completed application, official transcripts, resume and two letters of recommendation to be considered for these awards. Official Transcripts must be received from the university by the application deadline.
Universities can email official transcripts to [email protected] or mail them to FCCMA at P.O. Box 1757, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1757. Please contact staff at [email protected] if you have any questions.
The 2027 scholarship application will open in Fall 2026.
Sean Naughton, FGCU
Josh Starr, USF
Kristina Majeski, FGCU
Shalima Mohamed, NSU
Want to advance your local government management career? You may be eligible to join us for free at the 2027 Florida City and County Management Association (FCCMA) Annual Conference.
FCCMA offers an Emerging Leaders Conference Scholarship to public administration students and entry-level city and county management staff interested in continuing their academic and professional development as local government administrators. Participating in the FCCMA annual conference provides emerging leaders with continuing education and networking opportunities with 200+ professional managers from across the state.
THE AWARD
The scholarship includes complimentary registration to the annual conference and hotel accommodations, plus a one-year complimentary membership to the FCCMA. Scholarship recipients will be honored and recognized during the conference. The scholarship is awarded to individuals once per lifetime. The conference will be held June 2 – 5, 2027.
Scholarships will be awarded to public administration students and entry-level professionals (budget analysts, management analysts, interns, and assistants) on the basis of commitment to city/county management, career goals, affiliation with FCCMA, and financial need based on salary or the organization’s ability to support the cost to attend the annual conference.
The 2027 scholarship application will open in Fall 2026.
For questions regarding the scholarship, contact staff at [email protected].