Karen Daly's career spans over 30 years in Texas and seven years with ICMA, where she has been dedicated to developing, coaching, and mentoring city managers. She has held various roles, including assistant city manager and city manager in multiple Texas cities, and was ICMA's first Mountain Plains Regional Director. Daly has been recognized for her mentorship, creating internship programs, and advancing women in the profession through initiatives like the Texas Women Leading Government group and the Texas Women’s Leadership Institute. Her efforts have significantly contributed to the profession, particularly in supporting and developing women leaders.

Ken Hampian's career in local government spans five decades, marked by a commitment to ethics, good governance, and mentorship. Starting in 1975 with the city and county of Fresno, he later joined the Presidential Management Fellowship program, serving in Washington DC. Returning to California in 1984, Hampian worked in the city manager’s office in San Luis Obispo for 20 years, including a decade as city manager. He earned numerous awards and was known for fostering positive community relationships. Hampian's influence extended through his engagement with ICMA and the League of California Cities, and his writings for PM and Western Cities magazines. In 2011, he volunteered as city manager in Bell, California, guiding the city through a crisis. Beyond administration, Hampian has been a mentor, trainer, and educator, co-authoring the Guide to Local Government Finance in California, exemplifying ethical leadership and mentorship in local government.

Valerie Lemmie is a visionary in American local government, known for her career in public service and civic innovation. She has served as city manager in Petersburg, Virginia, Dayton, Ohio, and Cincinnati, Ohio, where she improved police-community relations through problem-oriented policing. Currently, as Senior Advisor for State and Local Government at the Kettering Foundation, she fosters innovation and tackles complex community challenges. Lemmie also educates future leaders at Howard University, University of Dayton, and Nelson Mandela University, and continues to mentor and inspire others in the field.

Peggy Merriss has dedicated over 40 years to local government, notably transforming the City of Decatur, Georgia, through innovative leadership, ethical practices, and a commitment to community engagement. She pioneered leadership development programs, mentored young professionals, and played key roles in organizations such as ICMA and the Georgia City/County Management Association. Merriss’s legacy includes founding influential programs, advancing ethics in government, and inspiring public servants nationwide, making her a deserving recipient of the ICMA Distinguished Service Award.

John F. Shirey has devoted over forty years to public service, making significant contributions in government and nonprofit sectors across California, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. His career began in Monterey Park, California, followed by roles in Long Beach as Legislative Analyst and Director of Intergovernmental Relations. He later served as Legislative Counsel for the National League of Cities in Washington, D.C., and as Assistant Chief Administrative Officer of Los Angeles County. In 1987, Shirey returned to Long Beach as Assistant City Manager and became City Manager of Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1993, where he led transformative infrastructure projects. He continued his leadership as Executive Director of the California Redevelopment Association and later as City Manager of Sacramento, California, where he secured the city's NBA franchise and improved infrastructure. Beyond administration, Shirey has been a mentor, educator, and leader in establishing national performance measurement standards for local governments. His honors include ICMA Credentialed Manager, National Academy of Public Administration Fellow, and National Public Service Award.

Abramovitz, the assistant town manager, has significantly impacted the Sahuarita community by developing internal talent and providing opportunities for local government professionals to thrive. She oversees four departments and has promoted several employees into leadership roles. Her leadership style focuses on hiring the best people and trusting them to do their jobs effectively. Abramovitz's efforts have transformed the workplace culture, making it a desirable place to work. She has been recognized for her exceptional leadership with several awards and has led successful community projects, such as developing a park on a former smelting site. Additionally, she encourages her staff to join professional associations, participate in events, and improve their skills, which has led to significant career advancements for her team members.

Dr. Fisk has shown a strong commitment to preparing the next generation of local government management professionals. As an Associate Professor at Auburn University, he collaborated with students to create an ICMA Student Chapter and developed a scholarship program supporting students' attendance at the ACCMA Local Government Professional Management Certificate Program. Fisk's efforts have facilitated students' integration into the local government management profession through meaningful experiences and professional development opportunities. His academic achievements include publications in prestigious journals and policy blogs, and he has been recognized for his distinguished service and teaching excellence. Fisk's dedication to local government management began during his time at the University of Kansas and has continued throughout his career, inspiring students to pursue public service.

Paul Grimes, the City Manager of McKinney, has significantly transformed the workplace culture and community through his leadership. Over nine years, he has implemented core values of respect, integrity, service, and excellence, which have driven numerous positive changes. Grimes has led successful community projects, including the construction of a new City Hall Complex and securing $96 million in grant support for infrastructure improvements. His efforts in communication and staff development have increased employee engagement and trust within the community. Notably, McKinney has received national recognition for its quality of life and was named one of the Top Places to Work in America by USA Today in 2024.

Lee began her career as a management analyst in the City of Sugar Land’s Data & Innovation Department, where her innovative problem-solving skills led to her promotion to assistant to the city manager. She now leads the Strategic and Government Affairs Department, focusing on innovation, mentorship, and accountability. Lee's leadership has transformed city operations and workplace culture, making Sugar Land a model for local governance. She also founded the City Care Club to support employees and improve staff morale. Lee is committed to professional growth, strengthening the Management Analyst Program, and fostering collaboration with City Council, department heads, and external partners. Her strategic decision-making has driven innovation and efficiency across the organization.

Toser-Aldaz has been serving as O’Fallon’s assistant city administrator since 2011, providing calm and steady leadership that has helped the city navigate challenging times and ensure the needs of residents and businesses were met despite leadership changes. Her thoughtful guidance has provided stability and reassurance for staff and elected officials, contributing to minimal staff turnover and ensuring consistency and excellence in service delivery. Toser-Aldaz's leadership extends beyond city staff to the community and outside organizations, playing an integral role in major developments and serving on the board of directors for the St. Louis Area City Management Association and the Missouri City Management Association, where she received the highest leadership award for assistants.