The FCCMA Podcast

FCCMA
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Conversations with city and county leaders about local issues

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode #210: Carlos Sanchez and Jared Jones – From Military Service to Municipal Leadership Through Fellowship

    Carlos Sanchez joins host SteveVancore to share his transition from military service to a leadership role inPanama City through the ICMA Veterans Local Government Management Fellowship.During his four-month fellowship, Carlos worked across departments, contributedto safety improvements, and helped shape policy for a new recreation center.   Now serving as Utility OperationsManager, Carlos oversees wastewater, underground utilities, and lift stations.He and Steve discuss how the fellowship program offers a valuable, low-risk wayfor cities to onboard transitioning service members while strengthening theirworkforce.

    37 min

  2. FEB 19

    Episode #209: Dale Pazdra and Kathy Reul – Developing Leaders from Within in Coral Springs

    In this episode, host Steve Vancorespeaks with Dale Pazdra and Kathy Reul about Coral Springs’ long-runningleadership development and succession planning program. Launched in 2007, theprogram features in-person training, monthly mentoring themes, andcross-departmental exposure, all through a competitive application process. Theresult has been a strong internal leadership pipeline, with many departmentheads rising through the program.   Dale and Kathy explain how CoralSprings has sustained the initiative for nearly two decades through regularparticipant feedback, a focus on employee engagement, and an organizationalculture committed to growth. The program has helped reduce turnover, savetraining costs, and strengthen collaboration across departments.

    39 min

  3. FEB 13

    Episode #208: Ryan Leak – Focus, Growth, and Leading with Purpose in Local Government

    Motivational speaker and author Ryan Leak joins host Steve Vancore to share practical strategies for improvingorganizational performance and personal development. Reflecting on his recent presentation at the Florida League of Cities conference, Ryan offers insights for leaders managing complex, board-governed organizations, with a focus on policy implementation, budgeting, and long-term impact.   The conversation explores the power of a growth mindset, the quiet influence of community contributors, and the value of empathy in local leadership. Ryan and Steve also dive into the challenge of staying focused in a noisy, polarized environment, sharing stories and habits that help leaders reduce distractions and prioritize meaningful work.

    55 min

  4. FEB 5

    Episode #207: Michael Sargis – Building Culture and Promoting from Within in North Lauderdale

    Michael Sargis, City Manager of North Lauderdale, brings nearly four decades of local government experience to this conversation with podcast host Steve Vancore. From starting as a college intern to serving as Parks and Recreation Director for 29 years, Michael now leads a city of 46,000 residents in just five square miles. He discusses the city’s “PROUD” initiative—Professionalism, Respect, Outreach, Unity, and Dedication—and the impact it has had on internal culture, career development, and service delivery.

    32 min

  5. JAN 22

    Episode #206 Taco Pope: – Planning for Growth and Preserving Community in Nassau County

    Taco Pope, County Administrator of Nassau County, Florida, joins host Steve Vancore to reflect on his 20-year journey from urban planner to county leader. He explains how his background in planning has shaped his approach to managing one of Florida’s fastest-growing counties, where long-term vision, infrastructure, and water management are central concerns. Pope shares insights into Nassau County’s rapid transformation, particularly in areas near Jacksonville and Amelia Island. He discusses how population growth and in-migration have brought new expectations, shifted voting patterns, and increased the urgency for proactive planning. Initiatives like the 2050 Vision Plan and the Western Nassau Heritage Preservation Program are examples of how the county is balancing growth with quality of life.

    38 min

  6. JAN 15

    Episode #205: Richard Reade – Advocating for Cities and Understanding County Dynamics

    Richard Reade, Town Manager of Lake Park, joins thepodcast to discuss his public service journey from rural Okeechobee County to urban Palm Beach County. Drawing on his experience as a public informationofficer in Delray Beach, Richard shares his insights on city-county tension, the limitations counties face, and how cities can advocate more effectively for themselves. He also reflects on the early days of social media and the role it continues to play in public communication.

    36 min

  7. JAN 8

    Episode #204: Eric Williams – Planning, Funding, and Executing for Small-Town Success

    Eric Williams, City Manager of Inverness, shares the city’s guiding principle: plan, fund, execute. He and host Steve Vancore discuss the importance of strategic project planning in preserving Inverness’s small-town charm while encouraging economic growth. Eric reflects on his nearly seven years as assistant city manager, his focus on bringing private investment into Citrus County’s seat, and his perspective on balancing introspective governance with business-like efficiency. The episode also touches on home rule and Inverness’s proactive approach to state relations.

    38 min

  8. 12/19/2025

    Episode #203: JB Whitten – Leading Crestview Through Government Transformation

    Crestview Mayor JB Whitten shares his story of helpingusher in a new era of professional management for his city. JB explains how his time on the council revealed inefficiencies caused by a lack of centralized leadership. He led efforts to educate residents on the value of the council-manager system, eventually helping Crestview hire its first city manager in 2019. With a 30-year career in the Air Force and training from IEMO, JB brings disciplined leadership and a long-term vision to the mayor's office.

    26 min
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About

Conversations with city and county leaders about local issues

Information

  • Creator
    FCCMA
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    234
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © FCCMA
  • Show Website
    The FCCMA Podcast