The Local Government Management Fellowship (LGMF) is a career development opportunity designed to place MPA/MPP (or related programs) graduates in full-time, management track local government positions. Fellowship finalists are selected based on academic performance, demonstrated leadership potential, commitment to public service, communication skills, initiative, creativity, and positive attitude. Finalists then interview for 12-month fellowship appointments at local governments across the United States, during which they receive direct mentorship from a senior government leader at the organization, typically an ICMA member. Fellows may extend for a second 12-month fellowship, and many find employment in their host community after the program. This year there are 27 fellows in the program, placed in 20 host communities throughout the United States. 

Below are biographies for our 27 LGMF fellows:

Cecilia Alcantar-Chavez | Phoenix, Arizona  

Cecilia is a project manager, leader, and public servant passionate about community service, education access, and lifelong learning and growth. She is originally from California where she grew up on a farm but has lived in Phoenix for six years now. Cecilia earned her master of global management (with a concentration in public administration) in 2025 and her bachelor's in mechanical engineering systems with a minor in project management in 2023 from ASU. In her free time, Cecilia enjoys local challenging hikes, spending time with her family, and enjoying the outdoors.

Travis Babcock| Sedgwick County, Kansas 

Travis is pursuing an MPA degree along with graduate certificates in city and county management and public sector finance. In the second year of his fellowship with Sedgwick County, he previously worked as a graduate research assistant for the Hugo Wall School of Public Affairs, as well as a research assistant for the political science department at Wichita State. Looking ahead, Travis plans to build a career in economic planning or finance with Sedgwick County.

Zamaria Ball  | Wichita, Kansas

Originally from Mississippi, Zamaria brings a fresh perspective and a passion for innovation in local government. Her professional experience includes serving as assistant director at a behavioral institute, working with nonprofits such as United Way, and leading as president of Georgia Southern’s ICMA Student Chapter. She holds an MPA and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Georgia Southern University. After her fellowship, she plans to pursue a career in local government administration. Outside of work, she enjoys walking her dog and exploring new taco spots around town.

Rachel Boward| Loudoun County, Virginia  

Originally from Moon Township, Pennsylvania, Rachel completed her bachelor of arts in English and sociology at the University of Pittsburgh in 2019. In 2024, she completed her MPA at the University of Connecticut. Rachel hopes to pursue a career in local government where she can collaborate with other service-oriented individuals to create equitable solutions to the world's wicked problems. In her free time, Rachel likes to read, play the flute, explore new places, and edit her monthly Spotify playlists.

Emily Ann Brier  | McKinney, Texas

Emily Ann was born and raised in Cook County, Illinois. The diversity of municipalities, from the small towns on the outer edge of Chicagoland to the city itself inspired a lifelong interest in local government and resource management, leading to a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and then an MPA from Northern Illinois University. She looks forward to learning more in this fellowship, and in the meantime plans on learning new cooking skills, artistry, and working on her minute-mile.

JaConna Brooker | Wake County, North Carolina

JaConna is a second-year ICMA Fellow with Wake County, NC. Originally from Hardeeville, South Carolina, she moved to North Carolina to earn graduate degrees from NC State and North Carolina Central University. Her passion for local government was sparked at her first ICMA conference, where she discovered the impact and possibilities of public service. In her free time, JaConna enjoys exploring new cities, cooking, and mentoring students interested in government careers.

Whit Buchanan | Charlotte County, Florida

Whit is from Birmingham, Alabama and is currently serving as a fellow with Charlotte County, Florida. He received his bachelor's degree in politics and international affairs from Furman University in 2023 and his MPA from the University of Georgia in 2025. Whit has a penchant for public service and aims to build a career in local government administration. Outside of work, Whit is an avid golfer and loves to experiment with food to concoct new recipes.

Micah Eradiri  | State College, Pennsylvania

Micah was born and raised in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and earned his MPA from Northern Illinois University in May 2025. Driven by a deep love for helping people, he is committed to ethical leadership and inclusive public service. In his free time, Micah enjoys cooking Nigerian meals, volunteering, mentoring young changemakers, and building community through acts of service. His vision is to lead people-centered initiatives that strengthen public institutions and create lasting impact across communities, both locally and globally.

Abraham Fofanah  | Lexington, Massachusetts 

Born and raised in Minnesota, Abraham graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Minnesota and an MPA from Delaware State University. Before the LGMF program, he worked in the field of education. In his free time, Abraham enjoys volunteering, creating board games, and spending time with his fiancé. In the future, Abraham plans to move back to Minnesota and become a city administrator. 

Skye Gerhart  | Franklin, Tennessee

Skye is originally from Dayton, Ohio, and graduated from the University of Tennessee with her bachelor’s in political science and master’s degree in public administration. In her free time, she loves reading and exploring new restaurants and coffee shops. Skye is excited for her fellowship in Franklin and aspires to be a city manager one day.

Matthew Gray  | Bellevue Washington 

Matthew was born and raised in the Puget Sound area of Washington. In his free time, he enjoys watching new shows and spending time with friends. Matthew earned his MPA from Seattle University and his bachelor’s from Arizona State University. After completing his fellowship, Matthew plans to pursue a full-time position with Bellevue.

Brandon Harris | Dublin, California  

Brandon is in the second year of his fellowship with Dublin . He received his MPA in international administration and development from Clark Atlanta University. Brandon enjoys anime and wishes he had more time to play his PS5. He also enjoys traveling and was fortunate to attend the 2024 Olympics in Paris and go to Egypt this past April.

Rene "Alex" Hinojosa  | Bakersfield, California 

Alex was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. He graduated with a bachelor’s in philosophy from California State University, Bakersfield, and is halfway through CSUB's MPA program. In his free time, Alex loves rock climbing and spending time with friends, family, and his girlfriend. After graduation, he would like to pursue an administrative career in local government or a local nonprofit where he can serve his community and make a positive impact.

Zoe Johnson  | Edina, Minnesota 

Zoe is from Ada, a rural town in northwest Minnesota, with about 1,700 residents. She received her undergrad from North Dakota State University, and her MPA from the University of Kansas. Zoe aspires to become a small-town city administrator in rural Minnesota after completing her fellowship. In her free time she loves to go on walks, visit the lakes with friends and family, tend to her houseplants, play Nintendo Switch, and watch movies.

Anna Le | Tacoma, Washington

Anna Le is beginning the second year of her fellowship, following a diverse early career portfolio outside of local government management. Her experiences include teaching 9th grade English at the largest high school in Baltimore, working in Congress, and leading operations for the state chapter of a major political party. She earned her bachelor’s in politics from New York University, graduating magna cum laude with honors, and received her graduate degree from Johns Hopkins University. In her free time, Anna is a voracious reader, an avid international traveler, and a skilled thrift shopper. She is also a dedicated Seattle sports fan. Anna volunteers to help dogs in search of their forever homes, enjoys keeping up with the Marvel Universe, and often starts (but sometimes doesn't finish) various craft projects. Anna is also expanding her power tool collection and developing her DIY skill set.

Ashkon Mogharei | Hayward, California

Born and raised in San Ramon, California, Ashkon graduated from American University with a bachelor’s in political science and a master’s in public administration. His experience at the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency inspired him to pursue a career in local government with future aspirations of becoming a city manager. He also likes to play soccer, hike, and cook new foods in his free time as he tries to keep his life fresh and exciting.

Mary Taryn Moran  | Fort Collins, Colorado  

Mary Taryn has been living in Fort Collins, Colorado, for the past few years. She graduated from Colorado State University with an undergraduate degree in sociology and criminal justice and is pursuing her master of public policy and administration. Mary Taryn works for Fort Collins as a graduate management assistant. In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading mystery novels, playing pickleball and spike ball, and spending time with her pug.

Joshua Navarro | Wichita, Kansas 

Originally from Hutchinson, Kansas, Josh graduated with an undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas. He will also graduate from KU with a master’s degree in public administration in May 2026. Josh enjoys thrifting, taking care of his houseplants, and spending time with friends in his downtime. His future plans include completing a fellowship with Wichita next year and a fulfilling career in public service. In the future, Josh hopes to stay in the Sunflower State. Josh looks forward to learning all he can during his fellowship and building upon his professional and personal goals.

Harrison Netburn | Pinellas County, Florida

Originally from Coral Springs, Florida,. Harrison attended Denison University for his bachelor's degree and Florida State University for his MPA. In his free time, he enjoys playing sports and spending time with family and friends. He aspires to one day become a city manager or county administrator.

Jaritza "Jari" Nunez | Bakersfield, California

Jari was raised in the small town of Lamont, California, and recently returned to the Central Valley after completing her graduate studies at Harvard University's Graduate School of Education. Jari is a second-year LGMF Fellow with Bakersfield, where she supports efforts to strengthen community partnerships and inform policy solutions. In her free time, Jari enjoys exploring local coffee shops with friends and family, reading nonfiction novels, taking her dogs on walks, and reconnecting with the community that raised her. She hopes to continue building equity-centered initiatives in the region and eventually take on a permanent leadership role in public service.

Melissa Ochoa | Doña Ana County, New Mexico 

Originally from Nogales, Arizona, before her fellowship, Melissa graduated from the University of Arizona. In her free time, she likes to go on runs or hikes with friends and family. Melissa’s plans include working for local government as an analyst (human resources, budget, or management) until she works her way up to becoming a city manager.

Kallysia Raymond | Pinellas County, Florida

Born and raised in Connecticut, Kallysia holds a bachelor and master of public administration from UConn, where she was awarded the Albert G. Ilg Fellowship Award in Local Government. She also was fortunate to participate in Yale’s Financing and Deploying Clean Energy Certificate Program and the Leadership Greater Waterbury program. During this time, she served as the community resource and development coordinator for the Waterbury Development Corporation.

Justin Redman | Hayward, California 

Justin is a second-year fellow with Hayward, California. With a background in journalism and communications, he transitioned to the public sector after earning his master’s in public policy and management from Carnegie Mellon. Justin aspires to build a long-term career in local government and community engagement, and he is grateful for the support he has received from ICMA along the way.

Dayana Rosas | Phoenix, Arizona 

Dayana is a Mexican American, born in the United States and raised in Mexico City. She earned a master’s degree in international affairs from the University of North Florida and holds additional degrees from the Georgia Institute of Technology and Dalton State College. In her free time, Dayana enjoys cycling, hiking, dancing, and reading. She is passionate about global engagement and is excited to build a career that bridges cultures and communities.

Taniya Williams | Phoenix, Arizona

Originally from Pahokee, Florida, Taniya has been based in West Palm Beach since the age of 12. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Florida State University. In her free time, Taniya enjoys movies, TV shows, music, and poetry. She is passionate about building a career in government human resources.

Jessie Yuan | Durham, North Carolina

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Jessie received a bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Florida and master's degrees in public administration and social work from Florida State University. She hopes to use her knowledge and experiences to create positive change in the world. In her free time, Jessie likes to hang out with her cats and enjoy nature.

The LGMF program has placed over 420 fellows over the past 21 years. See where they are now! 

View an interactive flipbook of "Where Are They Now" »

Are you interested in being a fellow? Applications for the 2026-2027 Local Government Management Fellowship will open in September 2025! Get more information and apply. 

Are you interested in being a host community? Apply to host a fellow or email lgmfprogram@icma.org.