Episode #189: Mark Zeigler – Serving the Public with Joy and Purpose
Mark Zeigler, FCCMA Conference 2025 keynote speaker, speaks about finding joy in public service despite rising negativity and social media hostility. Drawing inspiration from leaders like John Thrasher, Mark emphasizes the importance of connection and presence in community engagement. Known for reading every graduate’s name at Florida State’s commencement, he shares how honoring each individual moment is key to meaningful public service.
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Episode #188: Jim Gleason – Engaging Residents and Overcoming Negativity in Local Government
Jim Gleason, City Administrator of Lake Helen, discusses thechallenges of navigating negativity in small-town governance, where the loudest voices often dominate. He explains how Lake Helen is using the Savvy Citizen app to improve communication, keep residents informed, and build trust. The city sends real-time alerts on weather, traffic, and city updates, helping to foster a more connected and engaged community.
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Episode #187: Kyle Scheele – The MacGyver of Ideas on Creativity Within Constraints
Keynote speaker Kyle Scheele, known as the “Patron Saint ofCrazy Ideas,” shares why creativity thrives not in limitless freedom, but within real-world constraints. Drawing from his FCCMA 2025 keynote, Kyle encourages local government leaders to embrace limited time, tight budgets, and small teams as the conditions where great ideas are born. He urges listeners to build environments where “lightning strikes more often” by combining existing ideas in new ways and making space for creativity to flourish.
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Episode #186: Tracey Stevens – Budgeting, Communication, and Resilience in a Small Town
Tracey Stevens, Town Administrator and Finance Director ofHaverhill, Florida, shares the financial realities of managing a town of just over 2,000 residents. With the majority of their budget reliant on property taxes, Tracey and her team are exploring alternative revenue sources and maintaining a one-year reserve fund. She also discusses the town’s use of the Civic Ready app, which delivers emergency messages, meeting alerts, and event updates directly to residents.
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Episode #185: Mark Cunningham – Storm Recovery and Managing Contaminated Debris
Mark Cunningham, immediate past president of FCCMA, discusses Sarasota county’s back-to-back storm recovery efforts in 2024. He explains the unique challenges of post-storm debris management, including how contaminated sand must be carefully handled. Mark also covers the importance of clear public communication and proactive preparation before, during, and after storms to keep residents safe and informed.
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