Mature African American businessman shaking hands with younger business man
ICMA purchased

The Outstanding Mentor Awards recognize local government professionals who have demonstrated a commitment to mentoring the next generation of local government leaders and who have had a significant positive impact on the life and career of their mentees.

All of this year's nominees were exceptional and embodied the qualities and characteristics of great mentors – committed to the growth of their mentees and the local government professions by providing guidance and feedback, listening and acting as a sounding board, sharing knowledge and expertise, instilling confidence and integrity, and more!

The award's were structured to honor the top 5 nominations and were given out as follows: (1) Outstanding Mentor Award Winner and (4) Top 5 Award recipients.

See the 2019 recipients below:

Outstanding Mentor Award Winner

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing on February 12 of Theodore J. Staton, who faithfully and respectfully served the local government profession for 35 years as a leader, mentor, and friend. We proudly honor his life and work as the top recipient of ICMA's 2019 Outstanding Mentor Award.
headshot of ted staton city manager of upper arlington ohio

Theodore "Ted" Staton

Retired City Manager, City of Upper Arlington, OH

Top 5 Award Recipients

headshot of amy chang an administrative officer for the city of ontario, california

Amy Chang

Administrative Officer, City of Ontario, CA

headshot of scot simpson the city administrator for the city of river falls, wisconsin

Scot Simpson

City Administrator, City of River Falls, WI

headshot of Bill Ganek an Administrative Consultant for the city of genoa, illinois

Bill Ganek

Administrative Consultant, City of Genoa, IL

photo credit: Northwest Herald

headshot of jim norris the village manager of the village of hoffman estates, illinois

Mentoring Team of Hoffman Estates, IL:

Jim Norris, Village Manager (pictured)

Dan O'Malley, Deputy Village Manager

Recognizing other mentors in the local government profession

ICMA proudly recognizes and says "thank you" to all the mentors doing great work across the membership and local government profession:

  • Jennifer Phillips, City Manager, City of Bothell, WA
  • Holly Bjorklund, Director of Finance and IT, Jefferson County, CO
  • Denise Casey, Assistant Town Manager, Town of North Andover, MA
  • Arthur Gonzalez, ICMA Senior Advisor, Former City Manager, City of Dallas, TX
  • Jay Gsell, County Manager, Genesee County, NY
  • Scott Neal, City Manager, City of Edina, MN
  • Michael Pleus, City Manager, City of DeLand, FL
  • David Wilson, Assistant City Manager, City of West Hollywood
  • Rob Grose, Township Manager, Saginaw Charter Township, MI
  • Kari Kent, Assistant City Manager, City of Mesa, AZ
  • Jim Bennett, City Manager, City of Biddeford, ME
  • Sam Gaston, City Manager, City of Mountain Brook, AL

New, Reduced Membership Dues

A new, reduced dues rate is available for CAOs/ACAOs, along with additional discounts for those in smaller communities, has been implemented. Learn more and be sure to join or renew today!

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