Jim Schutz Principal JMSB Strategies LinkedIn Jim Schutz, a Principal at JMSB Strategies joined the podcast to discuss his transition from a City Manager to poetry author. He shared how he decided to transition into consulting and how he got into local government poetry. Plus he talked about his favorite poem and other highlights from … Continued
Julia Novak CEO and Executive Director ICMA LinkedIn Julia Novak, the CEO and Executive Director of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), rejoined the podcast to discuss her new role at ICMA. She shared how the organization is adapting after reduced federal grants for international work. She discussed how she has engaged with members and … Continued
GovLove Co-hosts Meredith and Ben were joined by several friends of the pod to recap the 2025 ICMA Conference. Tom Modica is the City Manager at the City of Long Beach, CA, April Walker is the Assistant City Manager at the City of Long Beach, CA, Jackie Wehmeyer is the Senior Director of Strategy and … Continued
Mitchell Silver Council Member City of Raleigh, NC LinkedIn Mitchell Silver, City Council Member for the City of Raleigh, North Carolina rejoined the podcast to talk about the transition from working as a staff member in local government to becoming an elected official. He reflected on his work as Parks Commissioner for the City of … Continued
Jason Zawila Planning Manager Village of Downers Grove, IL LinkedIn John Houseal Partner Houseal Lavigne LinkedIn Four plans in one. Jason Zawila, Planning Manager at the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois and John Houseal, Partner at Houseal Lavigne joined the podcast to discuss the APA Award-Winning Village of Downers Grove Comprehensive Plan update. They discussed … Continued
Kelly McAdoo City Administrator City of Santa Barbara, CA LinkedIn Kelly McAdoo, the City Administrator for the City of Santa Barbara, California, joined the podcast to talk about her leadership and change management approach. She discussed transitioning transitioning to a new city and getting to know a new organization. She talked about navigating challenges like … Continued
Lesley Milton Deputy City Manager City of St. Helena, CA LinkedIn Lesley Milton, Deputy City Manager for the City of St. Helena, California, joined the podcast to talk about her passion for public service. She discussed her prior positions as a City Clerk and her experience working in small cities. She also discussed recent projects … Continued
Leah Fisher Built and Natural Environment Analyst Clackamas County, Oregon LinkedIn John Kamp Urban and Landscape Designer Prairieform LinkedIn | Bio | Book Two guests joined the podcast to talk about play based engagement and how it can be a meaningful way to create change. Leah Fisher is a Built and Natural Environment Analyst for … Continued
Valerie Lemmie Senior Advisor for State and Local Government Charles F. Kettering Foundation LinkedIn | Bio Valerie Lemmie, Senior Advisor for State and Local Government for the Charles F. Kettering Foundation, joined the podcast to talk about her career in city management and the state of democracy. She shared how she navigated difficult situations during … Continued
Deb Mohlenhoff City Manager City of Ithaca, NY LinkedIn Deb Mohlenhoff, City Manager for the City of Ithaca, New York, joined the podcast to talk about her role transitioning from an elected official to a City Manager and changing the City’s form of government. She shared why the city decided to transition forms of government, … Continued
