What Is the ICMA Assistants' Exchange?

Participants in this year’s ICMA Assistants' Exchange, sponsored by the 2018 Conference Host Committee, will spend the day as the guest of a participating local government in the greater Baltimore Metro Area. 

On Friday morning, September 21, you’ll be transported from your hotel to your host community, where you’ll tour government operations; attend meetings; and discuss the programs, people, and issues affecting that specific community. Several communities in the Baltimore Metro Area that have already signed up to serve as hosts. 

After the full-day session, all participants will meet for a reception at a venue near the Baltimore Convention Center. 


Plan to Come Early

Because the ICMA Assistants' Exchange begins early Friday morning, participants should plan to arrive in Baltimore on Thursday, September 20. You will be responsible for your own expenses, except for transportation to and from your host community and lunch on Friday.


Apply Today: Spaces are Limited!

The ICMA Assistants’ Exchange is open to all local government assistants who are ICMA members. The number of assistants that the program will accommodate is limited to the number of participating host communities, but efforts will be made to accommodate as many participants as feasible. Selections will be made on a first-come, first-served basis. We encourage you to take advantage of this valuable opportunity for yourself or to encourage a team member in your city, town, or county to participate.


How to Apply

To apply, download and complete the Assistants' Exchange registration form and send it via email to: Jason Damweber, deputy city manager, City of Takoma Park, Maryland; jasond@takomaparkmd.gov, 301-891-7202.


Other Assistant-Related Offerings in Conjunction with the 104th ICMA Annual Conference

Assistants' Luncheon
Leading from Where You Are: An Assistant’s Way Forward

Monday, September 24 ■ 11:15 AM-12:30 PM   Note: Ticket Required ($45)
The distinguishing feature of assistants and mid-career professionals is not where they sit in the organization chart, but the knowledge and resources they bring to the table. Three practicing assistants share their career journey of how they lead from where they are. 

Moderators: Andrew Fortune, assistant to the city manager, Grand Prairie, Texas; and Kimberly Richardson, assistant to the city manager, Evanston, Illinois

Panelists: 

  • Yaidee Castillero Fox, assistant to the city manager, Hickory, North Carolina
  • Mark Israelson, deputy city manager, Plano, Texas
  • Dan Weinheimer, deputy county manager, Routt County, Colorado

Assistants' Forum*
Leading from Where You Are: The Next Step Forward

Monday, September 24 ■ 4:00-5:15 PM
No matter where you are in your career or the org chart, this interactive and fast-paced session will show you how to expand your influence and make a significant impact so that you can move ahead. Through hands-on exercises and dynamic discussions with other individuals who have met this challenge, you’ll explore the leadership skills required to make projects happen, motivate people, conquer setbacks, and create inspired teams. You’ll also develop important messaging tips to demonstrate those skills and advance your career. If you are wondering what the next step in your career might be, join graduates of ICMA’s Leadership Development programs to explore the possibilities. We will also celebrate and graduate the 2018 Mid-Career Managers Institute. 

Moderators: Kelli Bourgeois, director/assistant to the city manager, Columbia Heights, Minnesota; and Deirdre Murphy, social services manager, San Antonio, Texas

Panelists:

  • Irina Fursman, vice president/chief facilitator, HueLife, LLC, Maplewood, Minnesota
  • Richard Fursman, president, Huelife, LLC, Maplewood, Minnesota
  • Erika Storlie, deputy city manager, Evanston, Illinois

*Cash bar and complimentary appetizers


Educational Session: Assistants' Career Track
Showcasing Yourself

Tuesday, September 25 ■ 2:00-3:00 PM (also available as part of the ICMA Virtual Conference)

What do recruiters and city councils look for in candidates?  Learn to tailor cover letters and resumes to be a successful candidate for a higher-level position, to prepare before the interview, and to be ready for the offer.  This session will also be included in the Virtual Conference.

Moderator: Eric Norenberg, City Manager, Milford, Delaware

Panelists:

  • Catherine Tuck-Parrish, executive search practice leader, The Novak Consulting Group, Rockville, Maryland
  • Patrick Wojahn, mayor, College Park, Maryland

Registration and housing for ICMA’s 104th Annual Conference open on Wednesday, June 6, at 12 noon Eastern. Read more about the conference here and download a copy of the 2018 preliminary conference program, which will also be available in the June issue of PM.