Kevin C. Duggan is a 2019 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award and a long-time attendee of the ICMA Annual Conference, so we’ve caught up with him for a very special Attendee Spotlight.

In a career spanning more than 45 years in service to local government, he has served council members, community members, employees, and professional colleagues passionately, tirelessly, and with a drive toward the highest standards possible. After leaving a 27-year career as the city manager in Mountain View and Campbell, California, he has continued to serve the profession as a mentor and advisor.

Years in the profession:

40 working for cities/8 working for ICMA

Organization:

Cities of Campbell (18 years/6 years as city manager); Mountain View (21 years as city manager); ICMA West Coast Regional Director (8 years)

Community size:

Campbell: 35,000; Mountain View: 75,000

Where did you first start in local government?

As an intern in Mountain View in 1971

Describe your perfect workday:

In my “encore career”—finding ways to make a contribution to others —whether family, professionally, or in the community

What’s your community’s biggest challenge today?

Housing costs

What’s your favorite aspect of the local government profession?

Knowing every day that we were doing work that made a difference in the lives of our fellow residents/citizens

What session or event are you most looking forward to?

Networking with colleagues

Who do you admire?

All the great professionals continuing to serve the profession and their communities

What inspires you?

Same as the previous question

Favorite book?

The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara

Favorite productivity tool?

“To do” list and calendar

Finish this sentence: I wouldn’t be where I am today without…

The help and support of elected officials/community members/organizational staff and my many mentors.

ICMA will be in Toronto next year. What would you do with three toonies (the Canadian $2 coin)?

Buy chocolate!