As we prepare for the ELGL & ICMA joint event at the ICMA Conference, attendees describe the current state of local government, their mentors, ways to strengthen local government, and of course, their dream six-pack. Raise Your Hand If You’re Going “Back to the Future” with ELGL and ICMA.
Greg Stopka
Alliance for Innovation – Central Regional Director
1. Name your career mentors.
There are many but to name a few:
Mark Watson, Oak Ridge, TN – City Manager
Mike Baker, Downers Grove, IL – Deputy Village Manager
Clay Pearson, Pearland, TX – City Manager
Karen Thoreson, Alliance for Innovation – President & COO
2. Describe the current state of local government.
The state of local government is strong. While traditional services are changing, major innovations are unlocking the potential of local government to build great communities.
3. During her presidency, Bonnie Svrcek encouraged ICMA members to do “Just One Thing” for the organization. What’s one thing we can do to strengthen local government?
Work with your undergrad and/or graduate school to establish a local ICMA Chapter. By doing so, you can help educate future generations about rewarding careers in local government.
4. In keeping with the beer tasting theme, tell us what we’d find in your ideal six pack.
Probably a combination of Fat Tire, Sam Adams, and New Castle
Supplemental Reading
- Mark Watson next city manager for Oak Ridge, Tenn
- Downers Grove may build new police station, village hall
- Knope of the Week: Clay Pearson, Pearland (TX)
- Karen Thoreson Appointed President/CEO of the Alliance
- IL: Greg Stopka, Alliance for Innovation
Quick Takes
- Ratna Okhai, University of South Florida MPA
- Pam Weir, City of Sierra Vista
- Wilson Hooper, City of Charlotte, NC
- Charlotte Colley, Village of New Concord, OH
- Haley Kadish, The Novak Consulting Group
- Simeon Switzer, Kent County Department of Veterans Affairs
- Jennifer Frederick, Village of Twin Lakes, WI
- Sarah Hazel, City of Charlotte, NC
- Lauren Brune, UNC-Chapel Hill MPA Program
- Dave Waffle, City of Beaverton, OR
- Pam Brangaccio, New Smyrna Beach, FL
- Tracy Miller, Sarasota County, FL
- Jason Damweber, Town of Chapel Hill, NC
- John Stefanski, City of Hayward, CA
- Karen Pinkos, City of El Cerrito, CA
- Chris Morrill, City of Roanoke, VA
- Matthew Hawkesworth, City of Rosemead, CA
- Heather Geyer, City of Wheat Ridge, CO
- Greg Larson, Town of Los Gatos, CA
- Jeff Towery, City of Springfield, OR
- Elisabeth Wright, Village of Gilberts, IL
- Mitch Foster, Kingsley, MI, Village Manager
- C. James Ervin, Town of Rocky Mount, VA
- Tamara Lynn Schaps, Evans School of Public Affairs
- Eric Norenberg, Oberlin (OH) City Manager
- Joe Casey, Henrico County, VA, Deputy County Manager
- Jason Escareno, San Mateo County, CA
- Ann Janda, Milton, VT
- Lee Worsley, Durham County
- Dan Weinheimer, Fort Collins, CO